Manchester City Approach Final Premier League Match as Title Race Reaches Climax
As the 2022-23 Premier League season reaches its dramatic conclusion, all eyes will be on Manchester City as they host West Ham United in their final fixture on Sunday. The stakes could not be higher, with the Premier League title on the line.
City will be crowned champions if they can secure victory over the Hammers at the Etihad Stadium. Anything less, however, will open the door for Arsenal to overtake them and claim the coveted trophy.
After this critical league clash, Pep Guardiola’s side will quickly shift their focus to the FA Cup final, where they will be aiming to secure a domestic double. The run-in to the end of the campaign has been free of the kind of contract distractions that overshadowed City’s end to last season, when Ilkay Gundogan’s future remained unresolved until he eventually departed for Barcelona.
The Blues have proactively avoided similar issues this time around, handing contract extensions to key players like Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva over the past 12 months. Only third-choice goalkeeper Scott Carson is out of contract this summer.
That does not mean there will be no departures, however. Backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega has admitted he could seek a move away in search of more regular playing time, with his second child on the way. The German shot-stopper was the hero in City’s crucial midweek win at Tottenham, earning high praise from Guardiola, and a strong performance on Sunday could provide a fitting send-off if it proves to be his final Etihad appearance.
Elsewhere, Sergio Gomez and Kalvin Phillips face uncertain futures. Gomez has seen limited action this season and may struggle to even make the matchday squad, while Phillips, on loan at West Ham, is injured and ineligible to face his parent club. A permanent departure could be on the cards for the England international.
There is also speculation surrounding the futures of experienced duo Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne, despite their contract situations. A reported £50m release clause in Bernardo’s deal could tempt suitors, while De Bruyne has been linked with a potential move away. However, it would be a surprise to see either depart the Etihad this summer.
Ultimately, City’s focus will be solely on the task at hand on Sunday, as they aim to secure the Premier League title and set up a chance to complete a famous double in the FA Cup final.
