Premier League return: Liverpool destined for title but top four and relegation battles still to be resolved

After months of uncertainty, debate, and conflict, the Premier League looks set to return from June 17 following a lockdown brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. While the fate of the title is destined for Anfield, there are still many important parts of the season still to play for, including the race for the top four and an intense relegation battle. As England's top-flights nears its restart, here are some key aspects of the campaign left to be decided. Liverpool are 25 points clear of Manchester City and just two wins away from becoming English champions for the first time since 1990. While Covid-19 may have delayed their title party, it was only delaying the inevitable. Two more wins would make it mathematically impossible for City to catch Liverpool but the Reds could triumph by winning their first game if City lose at home to Arsenal on June 17. Jurgen Klopp's men can also break two of City's most cherished records: they need 19 points from the remaining 27 to beat the Manchester club's total of 100 points from the 2017/18 season and they could also better City's record title-winning margin of 19 points from the same campaign. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson lifted the Champions League trophy in a packed stadium in Madrid last June but is preparing for a different experience this year . "Of course it would feel different because if you win any trophy and receive it without any fans there, it would be pretty strange," he told the BBC. Intriguingly, the battle for the top four might instead be a battle for the top five. Liverpool are assured of their place in the Champions League and the other top-four places are currently occupied by Manchester City, Leicester and Chelsea. But as things stand, City cannot compete in Europe's top club competition for the next two seasons after being banned for financial fair play breaches. City have appealed , however, and could still compete if the suspension is overturned. If it is upheld, whoever finishes fifth will take their place in next season's Champions League. Manchester United currently occupy that position but Wolves and Sheffield United are both just two points behind Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team. Eighth-placed Tottenham and Arsenal, one spot lower, will also fancy their chances of finishing fifth with a late charge. Norwich, Aston Villa and Bournemouth occupy the bottom three places in the Premier League but all will harbour hopes they can escape the drop. Norwich are rock-bottom and six points from safety but a win at home to Leicester in late February gave them hope. Villa had lost four straight games before the shutdown so the break could end up helping the Birmingham team, who have a game in hand over their rivals, while Eddie Howe will be desperate for Bournemouth to find some form after a run of seven defeats in 10 games. Above the current bottom three, Watford are still in trouble despite their impressive initial revival under Nigel Pearson , while West Ham and Brighton are far from safe. A clutch of top players will be raring to go after lengthy spells on the sidelines. England striker Harry Kane is hungry for a return and Spurs teammate Son Heung-min, who has spent part of the lockdown on military service , will also be able to feature after recovering from a broken arm. Manchester United pair Paul Pogba, with just eight appearances this season, and Marcus Rashford, out of action since January with a back injury, should also feature.