The climax of the Premier League will have nerves jangling the length and breadth of England and Wales - and the statistics prove that it has been the most exciting season in its history.

The final day of the season will see at least eight of the 10 matches, and possibly nine, being decisive either in terms of the title race, European qualification, or relegation.

Any of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea could be crowned champions on the final day after a campaign that has been the closest since the launch of the Premier League in 1992/93.

There are only three points between the three challengers, the smallest margin between first and third place at this stage of the season since 1980/81 when three points for a win was first introduced.

The lead at the top of the league table has already changed hands 22 times this season, a record number, and it could do so again on the final day.

By comparison, the lead only changed hands four times last season when Manchester United strolled to the title.

Should Manchester City pip their two rivals to the title, they will have timed their charge perfectly - they have only spent a handful of days as league leaders during the entire season. Arsenal, who are likely to finish in fourth place, are the club who have spent longest time as league leaders throughout the campaign only to have fallen away in February after several months as pace-setters.

The competitiveness of the league has also been illustrated by the fact that no club had absolutely guaranteed Champions League qualification until they had played 35 out of 38 games - the latest these spots have been up for grabs. By contrast, in 2003/04 and 2004/05, Chelsea qualified for the Champions League with nine games to spare.

It is possible that Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City could all end up on the same points at the end of the season with the title being decided on goal difference - as it was in City's favour two years ago when an injury-time winner against QPR sealed the title.

It is incredibly tight at the bottom of the table too - depending on results this weekend, the final day could see all clubs in the bottom three still in with a chance of survival.

Facts:

  • There have been 22 leads changes so far this season compared to four in the whole of the 2012/13 season.
  • Only three points separate the top three teams, the smallest margin between first and third place at this stage of the season since 1980-81.
  • Only twice before in Premier League history have three teams still been mathematically in title contention with two matches left in the season (2007/08 and 1998/99).
  • This season, no club confirmed their place in the top four until they had played 35 games (Liverpool), the latest these spots have ever been up for grabs. In 2003/04 and 2004/05, Chelsea qualified for the Champions League with nine games to spare.
  • The final day of the season will see at least eight of the 10 matches being decisive in terms of the title, European qualification or relegation.