With Manchester City enjoying an almost unassailable lead at the summit of the Premier League, the race for the remaining places in the top four is where we should be focusing on, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.
Pep Guardiola’s side continue to rack up the wins – dropping only two points in 18 games – and there’s little to suggest that they will capitulate in the second half of the season. The same, however, cannot be said for their ‘rivals’, all of whom have looked mortal this season, which makes for entertaining viewing for the fans. The battle is set to go down to the wire with European football and other cup competitions only complicating matters further.
Manchester United – 2nd
Jose Mourinho’s side looked capable of challenging for league honours until they suffered their first defeat of the season against Huddersfield. Subsequent losses to Chelsea and rivals City have further derailed their chances of a late title charge.
United have received their fair share of flak for their overly-defensive displays while there have also been anonymous performances from big name stars such as Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Romelu Lukaku who appear toothless in the absence of midfielder Paul Pogba.
Verdict: Mourinho faced arguably more of a challenge last season and emerged with three trophies. The Red Devils will secure a top-four spot and once again, it will be largely owing to Mourinho’s know-how in the Premier League.
Chelsea – 3rd
Antonio Conte’s side are a team in decline. After winning the title in his first season at the helm, the former Italy national team manager is suffering from second-season blues. Key-player injuries and the departures of Diego Costa and Nemanja Matic has seen Chelsea blow hot and cold this season, resulting in Conte conceding that the title race is over.
Chelsea have arguably the most difficult tie out of all the English teams in the Champions League as they face five-time champions Barcelona, in addition to competing in the EFL quarter-finals and FA Cup. Victory against Barcelona would go a long way in restoring lost confidence.
Verdict: Conte’s side boast an unbeaten record against the top four contenders thus far this season and have more than enough quality to land an automatic Champions League berth, given that they do not fall further into a slump.
Tottenham Hotspur – 4th
Following an excellent start to the season, Mauricio Pochettino’s side displayed their frailties when coming up against the other top four contenders. Losses to all the top four contenders, barring Liverpool, could prove disastrous in the long-run.
Spurs have tough congested months of football ahead of them which includes a mammoth Champions League encounter against Juventus in February and March.
Verdict: If they dodge inconsistency and have a fully-fit Harry Kane, Spurs will finish in the top-four, but it could cost them in their pursuit of the Champions League and/or FA Cup.
Arsenal – 5th
Arsene Wenger will be feeling the pressure – nothing new – after his side failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since he took over the reins in 1996. The Gunners face Swedish minnows Ostersunds in the Europa League and could look to winning the tournament as passage into the world’s biggest club competition. They do, however face stiff competition from the likes of Champions League drop outs Atletico Madrid and Napoli.
The uncertainty facing the futures of superstars, such as contract rebels Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, will need finalisation soon if Arsenal are to be on their best in all competitions. Wenger’s side will need to prioritise competing in the Europa League, FA Cup and a top-four finish in the league.
Verdict: Wenger is well-aware of his precarious position as manager at the moment. I think his know-how in both Europe and the Premier League will bode his team well. Arsenal will compete in the Champions League, whether it be by winning the Europa League or finishing in the top-four.
Liverpool – 6th
Jurgen Klopp recently revealed that to finish in the top four, it means that you have ousted two of the strongest teams in the world. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool have the consistency and firepower to outdo the contenders.
Mohamed Salah has been a revelation for the Merseyside outfit who arguably boast one of the most formidable attacks in Europe, but their defence remains a stark contrast to the attack and will need to be bolstered if they are to challenge for a top four spot properly.
Verdict: Liverpool to miss out on top four spot due to involvement in Champions League and FA Cup, which sees them come up against Porto and Everton respectively.
Photo: EPA/ Peter Powell
