10 of the Potentially Most Decisive Premier League Games Remaining This Season

With the Premier League season well and truly at its business end, make-or-break games are coming thick and fast.

Whether it's the conclusion to one of the most thrilling title race in years, or the relegation dogfight at the bottom, every single point could change the long term destinies of many of the Premier League's biggest clubs.

With this is mind, here is a look at the ten most potentially season-defining fixtures remaining in the Premier League season.

10) Manchester United vs Liverpool (24 February)

Perhaps the biggest fixture in English football, arch-rivals United and Liverpool go head-to-head this Sunday with a lot at stake for both sides. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Red Devils have undergone a miraculous revival, and a victory over Liverpool could be the biggest of their season for numerous reasons; not least of which could be the confirmation of their Norwegian caretaker boss as full time manager.

After a minor stumble in recent weeks, Jurgen Klopp's side returned to winning ways in the league against Bournemouth, and know that with title rivals Manchester City in ominous form, are in precious need of earning a momentum-boosting victory over United.

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9) Chelsea vs Tottenham (27 February)

Depending on how events transpire for Chelsea over the next few days, the London derby against Tottenham next Wednesday could be the first Blues game without Maurizio Sarri as head coach. The Italian has come under intense criticism in recent weeks, and has perhaps reached the point of no return, with the Stamford Bridge faithful turning hostile towards Sarri in the side's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.

Roman Abramovich has never been too shy to pull the trigger when it comes to changing his managers, and if the Blues fail to win the Carabao Cup on Sunday, then Sarri's time may reach its inevitable end.

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8) Arsenal vs Manchester United (10 March)

Just a week after the north London derby, Arsenal entertain Manchester United in a clash between two of the contenders for the top four. After a fine start to his managerial career, Unai Emery's Emirates revolution has slowed down somewhat, with an embarrassing loss to BATE Borisov in the Europa League raising some concerns. 

United on the other hand have been flying, but have games against PSG (UCL) and Wolves (FA Cup) on either side of the Gunners clash. Could the demanding run of fixtures give Emery's side the edge in the race for the last Champions League spot?

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7) Manchester United vs Manchester City (16 March)

Back in December, many United fans may have been fearing the worst about this game. But with Solskjaer at the helm, Old Trafford will surely be rocking when they welcome their noisy neighbours to the red half of Manchester next month. With implications both for United's top four aspirations, and City's fight for the league title, the Red Devils could really dent their rivals' hopes with a huge result.

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6) Liverpool vs Tottenham (31 March)

Rather than being a must-win either side, this could turn out to be one of those perennial must-not-lose games. With both sides in the mix for the title, a defeat here could prove catastrophic, not just in terms of the three points, but the psychological impact it could have. 

The pair have proven to be two of the most dynamic teams in the league over the past few seasons, but the clash at Anfield at the end of March could be riddled with nerves and tension, with both sides keen on living to fight another day.

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5) Manchester City vs Tottenham (20 April)

Pep Guardiola's side's last remaining 'big' fixture comes against Tottenham, who with Harry Kane seemingly ahead of his schedule in his return from injury, could be part of a three-horse race for the title. The Etihad Stadium has been a fortress for the Citizens, and was the home of their statement-making 6-0 thrashing of Chelsea. 

To their credit, Spurs have coped admirably in the face of significant injuries, and if they can retain a fully-fit squad going into the game, will remain hopeful of upsetting the odds.

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4) Newcastle vs Southampton (20 April)

In what could prove to be the biggest game of both clubs' season, Newcastle take on Southampton at St. James' Park in a relegation six-pointer. The Magpies currently find themselves just a point ahead of the 18th placed Saints, and in Ralph Hasenhuttl and Rafa Benitez, this could be a fascinating test of managerial wits in the midst of a nerve-wracking relegation battle.

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3) Newcastle vs Liverpool (4 May)

With potential ramifications at both ends of the Premier League table, Rafa Benitez leads his Newcastle side out against his former club on the penultimate matchday of the season. The Magpies boss was hailed as a hero on the red half of Merseyside for inspiring Newcastle to a shock win over Manchester City last month, but could well be responsible for eventually denying a title return to Anfield.

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2) Manchester United vs Cardiff (12 May)

After the tragic passing of Emiliano Sala, it has been a credit to both Neil Warnock and his Cardiff players that the side have picked up back-to-back wins over Bournemouth and Southampton. The Bluebirds however face a formidable task on the final day when they take on Manchester United at Old Trafford. 

Warnock's side can however take inspiration from West Ham's exploits in 2007, when the Hammers took on Sir Alex Ferguson's side needing a point to preserve their top-flight status. Carlos Tevez struck a shock winner to keep the club up, and Cardiff will hope they too have a final day saviour a la Tevez.

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1) Brighton vs Manchester City (12 May)

In what could prove to be the most dramatic final day of recent years, Brighton host City with the destinies of both clubs potentially still up in the air. The visitors will be hoping that the Amex Stadium will be the moment of their title coronation rather than the scene of despair, particularly with Liverpool at home to mid-table Wolves. 

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It all promises to be a thrilling climax at both ends of the Premier League table.