How Tottenham can still beat Leicester to the Premier League title

Hear us out, it's not so outlandish...

Simon Rice
Friday 29 April 2016 13:34 BST
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Harry Kane
Harry Kane (Getty)

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Leicester could win the Premier League title this weekend... however it remains possible that they won't win it at all.

Following Tottenham's draw with West Brom on Monday night which means Leicester need just a single win from their remaining three games, talk of Spurs usurping Claudio Ranieri's team has disappeared.

It's understandable - Leicester need just three points from a possible nine and have not lost in over two months.

But until it's mathematically impossible, Spurs shouldn't be ruled out. As they say, it's a funny old game.

So here, we imagine a scenario and argue game-by-game why it's possible that Tottenham will still clinch their first title since the 1960/61 season...

Sunday 1 May: Manchester United vs Leicester

Victory at Old Trafford will secure Leicester the title, but this fixture is a really tough one. Manchester United's home form is excellent this season, they've lost just two of their 17 games and even more ominously, have conceded just seven goals. And with Louis van Gaal's side still fighting for a place among the top four, winning at Old Trafford looks a tall order for Leicester. The last time the Foxes won at Old Trafford was in 1998.

RESULT: Leicester defeat

Monday 2 May: Chelsea vs Tottenham

Chelsea remain out of sorts and with nothing to play for Tottenham should have enough to take advantage. Over their last eight games, Guus Hiddink's side have lost four, drawn two and won two. If Tottenham want to win the title they've got to win the lot. If they do win at Stamford Bridge it'll be the first time they've done so in the Premier League era.

RESULT: Tottenham win

A view of Stamford Bridge
A view of Stamford Bridge (GETTY IMAGES)

Saturday 7 May: Leicester vs Everton

Leicester's final home game of the season, and if results have gone as predicted so far, a match that they will need to win if they want to lift the trophy in front of their own fans. Talk about pressure. It might (finally) just get to Jamie Vardy and the rest. Everton will have little to play for but at least no longer have the FA Cup as a distraction. Five of the last seven meetings between the sides have ended in draws.

RESULT: Leicester draw

Jamie Vardy following his red card
Jamie Vardy following his red card (Getty)

Sunday 8 May: Tottenham vs Southampton

Leicester dropping points will galvanise Tottenham and a home game against Southampton looks like a straightforward task. Mauricio Pochettino's side won 2-0 away earlier in the season and a repeat performance will do it.

RESULT: Tottenham win

Tottenham celebrate after Harry Kane scores against Stoke
Tottenham celebrate after Harry Kane scores against Stoke (Getty)

Sunday 15 May: Chelsea vs Leicester and Newcastle vs Tottenham

So it comes down to the final day of the season with Leicester on 77 points and Tottenham on 75. Due to Tottenham's superior goal difference, if Tottenham are winning their game then a draw isn't enough for Leicester at the home of the reigning champions. So they'll have to win, something they've not managed at Stamford Bridge for 16 years. There are suggestions that Chelsea could roll over, desperate not for Tottenham to win the title. But with many Chelsea players playing for their future and home fans in need of appeasement, that seems unlikely in reality. Meanwhile Spurs will be in action against Newcastle, knowing they also need all three points. Right now, the Magpies are in a relegation fight, but by the time this game comes around they could already be down - a situation that would certainly help Spurs and might just be the factor that sees Tottenham win the title.

RESULT: Leicester draw, Tottenham win - both teams end the season on 78 points and Tottenham win the title on goal difference.

So there we have it, how Tottenham can still win the title.

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