Arsenal and Manchester City and the crazy scenario that could cost Guardiola and Arteta their jobs

Their Champions League destiny remains firmly in their hands - they likely only need to win one and draw one of their two remaining games against Bournemouth and Fulham. But that's not a given against two tough teams. 

Furthermore, Man City's players may be performing cautiously, desperate to avoid injury that could cause them to miss out on the FA Cup Final vs Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile Newcastle play Chelsea tomorrow in a crucial "six-pointer" while Chelsea also play Nottingham Forest on the final-day of the season. Points will be dropped by at least two of the teams involved in these games.

Aston Villa won 1-0 v Bournemouth today and if they win their final two matches, they will reach 69 points. Analyzing all the scenarios, 69 points (possibly 68) feels like the magic number to secure a spot.

But here's the other crazy scenario that seemed impossible a few weeks ago. What if Arsenal lose their next two games (both eminently losable) - against champions Liverpool and fellow top-five chasers Newcastle?

That would leave Arsenal stuck on 67 points with a last day home fixture against none other than (drum roll) Southampton.

How incredible would it be if the team that was relegated with a record seven games to go end up tilting the entire fate of the Champions League race?

Forest's form is poor and their campaign is stuttering at just the wrong moment. But imagine if Newcastle and Chelsea tie tomorrow and then win their last two games. That would take both teams to 70 points.

Manchester City and Arsenal would then have to get to 69 points to pip Aston Villa who have an inferior goal difference.

Could it be that Southampton, the whipping boys of the Premier League this season, end up having a hugely consequential role in the run-in and possibly even cost Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta their jobs?

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