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Premier League fixtures: Which of the big six has the toughest run-in?

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The 2018/19 Premier League fixtures have been announced, but which of the top-six sides has the toughest finish to the season?

The run-in can be a crucial period in the title race, so we've ranked the top-six's final six fixtures of the campaign in order of difficulty using the average position of their opponents, with newly-promoted Wolves, Cardiff and Fulham taking 18th, 19th and 20th respectively.

Read on to find see how Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal's final fixtures compare - from the easiest to the toughest...

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LIVERPOOL

Final six opponents: Southampton (a), Chelsea (h), Cardiff (a), Huddersfield (h), Newcastle (a), Wolves (h)

Average position of final six opponents: 14.17

Jurgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk applaud fans at the final following Liverpool's 3-0 win over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final 1st leg
Image: Liverpool have been handed a favourable 2018/19 run-in

Liverpool have the most favourable run-in of the top-six sides, according to the average positions of their final six opponents of the season. The meeting with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge is unlikely to be straight-forward, but there is little else to cause Jurgen Klopp much concern.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Final six opponents: Wolves (a), West Ham (h), Everton (a), Chelsea (h), Huddersfield (a), Cardiff (h)

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Average position of final six opponents: 13.17

Jose Mourinho will be happy with Manchester United's run-in. The Chelsea game will be a test, as will away trips to Everton and newly-promoted Wolves, but United's biggest challenges will already be behind them by the time they reach the home straight.

TOTTENHAM

Final six opponents: Brighton (h), Huddersfield (h), Man City (a), West Ham (h), Bournemouth (a), Everton (h)

Average position of final six opponents: 10.83

Harry Kane celebrates after scoring Tottenham's first goal
Image: Harry Kane has signed a new contract with Tottenham

Tottenham's run-in features a daunting trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City, but their other opponents are more likely to be in mid-table than competing nearer the top. Spurs are also boosted by playing four of their final six games at home.

MANCHESTER CITY

Final six opponents: Cardiff (h), Crystal Palace (a), Tottenham (h), Burnley (a), Leicester (h), Brighton (h)

Average position of final six opponents: 10.67

Pep Guardiola will not be too concerned by Manchester City's run-in. There is a home game against Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham, which is unlikely to be easy, but they have avoided the big-hitters otherwise. If the title-race goes to the wire, they will be confident of taking maximum points from their final two games at home to Leicester and Brighton.

ARSENAL

Final six opponents: Everton (a), Watford (a), Crystal Palace (h), Leicester (a), Brighton (h), Burnley (a)

Average position of final six opponents: 10.67

Arsenal's new kits - 2017/18
Image: Arsenal have a kinder run-in than their opening to the season

Arsenal have been handed a nightmare start to the season, facing Manchester City and Chelsea in their first two games, but their run-in looks kinder. Four of their final six games will take place away from the Emirates Stadium, but they will have already got their meetings with their top-six rivals out of the way.

CHELSEA

Final six opponents: West Ham (h), Liverpool (a), Burnley (h), Manchester United (a), Watford (h), Leicester (a)

Average position of final six opponents: 8.17

Chelsea have been handed the toughest run-in, according to the average position of their opponents. The Blues will have to travel to Liverpool and Manchester United in their final six fixtures, and there are also potentially tricky meetings with West Ham and Leicester.

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