Champions League, City Want to Safeguard Three Positions
Manchester - Manchester City need one more point to ensure themselves qualify for the Champions League. But, in order to pass directly to the Champions League, City targeting the full points in the last game.
3-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday (5/17/2017), lift City to third in the Premier League standings. The Citizens have 75 points from 37 matches and are ahead of Liverpool (73) and Arsenal (72).
Mathematically, the acquisition of City points can still be equaled by Arsenal with one game remaining. Therefore, City is currently not certain to finish in the big four zone.
To be sure, City must achieve a minimum of draws in the away game against Watford on Sunday (5/21/2017) future. With an additional point, City will at least be safe from Arsenal and will at least finish fourth (if Liverpool win big in the last game and have a better goal difference).
However, City want to finish in third position, which means escaping directly to the Champions League group phase without the need to go through the play-offs. It can be realized through victory over Watford.
"We went to London to secure third place," City manager Pep Guardiola told the club's official website.
"I'm not saying this is over, but Arsenal have to score many goals," Guardiola said.
City currently has a goal difference of +36, Liverpool +33, while Arsenal +31. Liverpool themselves will host Middlesbrough in the last game, while Arsenal will face Everton at home.
"We want another good performance to finish third, securing a direct route to the Champions League," Guardiola said.