Manchester City could wrap up the title at home against Manchester United after Jose Mourinho’s men suffered a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United on Sunday.
The Premier League leaders went 16 points clear at the top of the table with a 5-1 win over Leicester City on Saturday evening.
Man United’s blunt-edged display at St James’ Park means that Pep Guardiola’s side could claim the title in just six games.
And yes, that sixth game comes at home to United on April 7, giving Man City the chance to reflect their supremacy over their neighbours this season by clinching the title with a win over Mourinho.
Both United and City would need to win their next five games for this to happen. Dropped points against either Chelsea or Liverpool at home, however, will mean City could claim the Premier League crown before then, leaving open the galling prospect of having to give them a guard of honour in front of their supporters.
If they progress past Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fifth round next weekend then their clash with Brighton and Hove Albion on March 17 would be postponed, meaning victory over United would leave them just one win away from the title.
An unlikely prospect, then, but one still very much alive and menacingly lingering in the distance. If anything, perhaps a mauling at the Ethiad, followed by unbridled celebrations, would serve as an important kick up the backside ahead of next season.