What's still at stake for Africa's stars in Europe?
What's still at stake for Africa's stars in Europe?
African stars in Europe's top divisions find themselves in the midst of the fray as the 2021-22 season fast approaches its conclusion, looking to end the campaign on a high note or avoid a calamitous conclusion as titles, qualification places, and relegation spots are settled.
Which Africans are battling for the title? Who have their eyes on silverware? And who are just desperate to beat the drop? ESPN has all the answers.
English Premier League
It's a two-horse race for the Premier League title, as has been the case for much of the season, and we're sure to have another high-profile African winner.
Manchester City and Riyad Mahrez, aiming for his fourth Premier League winner's medal -- are seemingly in the driving seat, as they lead Liverpool by four points with two matches to play for the Reds, and one for City.
The Reds' recent 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur may ultimately prove decisive, although we can still expect the Merseysiders to push Pep Guardiola's side close given Sadio Mane 's recent magnificent form as the Reds chase an unprecedented quadruple after their FA Cup win.
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah also has an individual battle on his hands, as he looks to win a third top-flight Golden Boot. This would put the Egypt superstar level with Harry Kane and Alan Shearer, but he faces stiff competition in the form of in-form Son Heung-min, who moved one goal behind Salah in Thursday's North London Derby thumping of Arsenal.
The Gunners and their African players -- Nicolas Pepe, Mohamed Elneny and injured Thomas Partey -- are two points behind Spurs in the race for the Champions League, although their London rivals have what seem to be more straightforward fixtures to come. Could Arsenal's Anglo-Ghanaian forward, Eddie Nketiah -- who has scored four goals in his past five matches -- yet prove decisive even though he's entering the final weeks of his contract?
At the other end of the table, Norwich City and Watford -- who have 10 African internationals in their current squad -- have already been relegated to the Championship, but will they be joined by Burnley, Leeds United or Everton?
With Alex Iwobi in impressive form, Everton have taken seven points from their past three matches to move two points clear of Leeds in 18th with a game in hand, and realistically they need four points from their final three matches of the campaign to be safe.
Burnley are a point behind Leeds, with a game in hand, but Ivory Coast wideman Maxwel Cornet will be desperate to ensure his horror miss in the 2-0 defeat by Norwich last month doesn't prove costly.
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