English Premier League Final Standings: Predicting All 20 Positions

Wayne Rooney and Manchester United are poised to raise their record 19 Barclays Premier League championships to 20.

United currently sit atop the league table, holding 70 points to Manchester City's 66 points. City sits in second place.

While the battle for supremacy in Manchester plays out, there is considerable excitement elsewhere, too.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are battling for two top-four finishes, each within four points of one another. Newcastle United sit in sixth place, only two points behind Chelsea.

At the bottom of the table, five teams squirm to stay out of the relegation zone. All five teams currently have 22 to 25 points, and none are truly safe.

The EPL has just under two months remaining.

This is how it will play out.

No. 20: Wigan Athletic

Current Points: 22

Projected Final Points: 26

Wigan Athletic are among the worst teams in the Premier League, both in points and talent.

Since the departure of Charles N'Zogbia, Wigan has been on a rapid descent. They are currently 19th in the EPL in goal differential and tied for 20th in points.

They have the fewest wins at home and overall in the league, boasting a solitary victory in front of their fans. At least, in front of what's left of their fans.

Wigan is headed back down to the Championship.

No. 19: Wolverhampton Wanderers

Current Points: 22

Projected Final Points: 27

Wolverhampton has been among the worst teams in the league for the past few seasons. After being promoted following the 2008-2009 campaign, the Wanderers haven't finished better than 15th in the table.

Last season they finished 17th with 40 points, just one point clear of relegation.

This season, it's been even worse.

Wolves boast the worst goal differential in the league, suffering a deficit of 33. They've given up 63 goals in 29 matches.

Not only are they sitting tied for last in points, but their recent form has been abysmal, too. They have received only one point in their last four matches and haven't won a game since February 4th.

Wolves will be joining Wigan back in the Championship.

No. 18: Queens Park Rangers

Current Points: 22

Projected Final Points: 27

Queens Park Rangers never got comfortable this season after being promoted in convincing fashion. The team's troubles are tied largely to inconsistency.

When they were scoring, they couldn't play defense. And when they held opponents, they couldn't get on the score sheet themselves.

Being that they are only one point from escaping relegation right now, you would guess they have a decent chance of not finishing in the bottom three.

However, if they grab the five points I've projected them to get, they will perhaps be a little lucky.

With 10 games remaining, QPR faces without a doubt one of the toughest remaining schedules.

They face each of the top five teams in the table, two of them away from home. Only two of their remaining games come against opponents in the bottom half of the standings, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion.

Unfortunately, QPR has already secured their own fate. They aren't going to beat any of the top five and they will be hard pressed to beat even their worst remaining opponent in Stoke.

They are headed back down to the Championship and will likely sell their best player, Adel Taarabt, in the process.

No. 17: Bolton Wanderers

Current Points: 23

Projected Final Points: 30

It wasn't that long ago that Bolton finished seventh in table, securing a place in the UEFA Cup. That was a mere five years ago.

Now they are carefully toeing the line between relegation and survival.

Sitting only one point above the demotion zone, Bolton need to secure some points soon, or they risk ending one of the longest stints in the top flight in club history.

Luckily for them, their remaining schedule is a manageable one. Of their nine remaining fixtures, only four come against teams in the top 10, and they face only one team in the top five, Tottenham.

To make things a bit easier, they even get Tottenham at home.

The big question mark for the remainder of their season will be how the team reacts to the Fabrice Muamba situation.

If the teams pulls together and plays for a unified cause, they may rise above 17th and finish even further from relegation.

However, if Muamba's health takes a turn for the worse or simply doesn't improve, the team may slowly fall apart.

No. 16: Blackburn Rovers

Current Points: 25

Projected Final Points: 32

Blackburn is a team that can beat any team in the EPL. While that may sound ludicrous based on their table standing, it's true. If there's one thing that Rovers can do, it's score.

With the fourth-worst goal differential in the league at minus-20, it's hard to believe, but Blackburn have scored more goals than all but the top six teams. The difference is that they have given up more goals than all but one team in the whole league.

Because of their scoring proficiency, though, Blackburn could beat anybody on a given day. With upcoming matches against a few of the worst teams in the league, that might mean points.

And with a three-point lead on all the teams in the relegation zone, that spells good things for the Rovers.

No 15: Aston Villa

Current Points: 33

Projected Final Points: 41

While Aston Villa aren't making too many waves this season, they also aren't in much danger of falling into the drop zone.

Currently sitting 10 points out of relegation and eight points ahead of next-best Blackburn, Villa can feel comfortable that if they simply play to standard, they will survive.

The entire season has been a disappointment for Villa and especially front man Darren Bent, who has only nine goals in 22 appearances. He is now injured and isn't expected back for another 12 weeks.

No. 14: Norwich City

Current Points: 36

Projected Final Points: 45

Norwich City have had a lovely first season in the Premier League following their 2010-2011 promotion. Despite not being able to topple any of the top five clubs in the league, they have managed to down some of the weaker competition and thus find themselves relatively safe from relegation.

Their upcoming schedule is not an easy one, with games against Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham. They do get to host Man City and Liverpool, where they will hope to get a point out of each.

Regardless of how they do against those top teams, Norwich should be fine. Thanks to the balanced scoring attack of Grant Holt, Steve Morison and Anthony Pilkington, Norwich will have a decent chance against most opponents—particularly at home, where they have a respectable record and goal differential.

No. 13: Fulham

Current Points: 36

Projected Final Points: 46

Clint Dempsey and Fulham have had something of a disappointing season in the EPL. After finishing eighth in the table last season, they now sit 11th.

To top it off, they are suffering from a run of poor form.

While the departure of Bobby Zamora may have been a factor, he didn't contribute a ton of goals. And while Dempsey is having his best season as a scorer, the team simply isn't getting the results.

With six of their final nine fixtures coming against top-10 competition, Fulham is in for a rough finish.

No. 12: West Bromwich Albion

Current Points: 36

Projected Final Points: 48

After an extremely rocky start for West Brom, they really settled in and went to work.

On February 25, they handed Sunderland a decisive 4-0 beat down. The very next week they handed Chelsea a 1-0 loss. Those two games were part of a three-game win streak that really solidified their place in the table.

West Brom will definitely be back in the EPL next season.

No. 11: Everton

Current Points: 37

Projected Final Points: 49

Everton will finish in its lowest table position this year since the 2005-2006 season, when they finished 11th. They have been largely uninspired this year, scoring only 28 goals in as many matches so far.

Why the drop off?

A big reason is the departure of Mikel Arteta, who left the club for Arsenal before the start of the season. His creativity and vision created a good deal of Everton's goals over the past few seasons, and they lack those qualities in midfield now.

Another reason is the decline and subsequent sale of Louis Saha. Though the French international was already advanced in age, he was still productive over the past couple of seasons with Everton.

The team tried to recover some of that production through the loan of Landon Donovan, but his presence was mostly unspectacular.

No. 10: Swansea City

Current Points: 39

Projected Final Points: 52

Swansea City have been perhaps the most surprising squad in the league this season. Currently sitting eighth in the table, the newly promoted Swansea have established themselves this season as a true Premiership side.

The fantastic season can be largely attributed to striker Danny Graham, who has 10 goals and an assist, and midfieder Gylfi Sigurdsson, who is on loan from TSG Hoffenheim.

In nine games with Swansea, Sigurdsson has five goals and two assists. He's only 22 years old, and the club is looking to make him a permanent fixture in the side after his loan is complete.

While they have little chance of finishing in the top five, it should be noted that they are only three points behind Liverpool for seventh place and only 10 behind fifth-place Chelsea.

Definitely a high-quality season for the club.

No. 9: Sunderland

Current Points: 37

Projected Final Points: 52

After finishing 10th in 2010 and 13th in 2009, this kind of middle-of-the-road finish is becoming commonplace for Sunderland. They have some talent and decent coaching, but have lacked a true game-changing player.

However, with true setup man Stephane Sessognon playing through midfield, Sunderland could be on the verge of a big jump. All they need to do is acquire a striker with goal-scoring credentials and a sight for goal, and they could truly make a splash with the big boys at the top of the table.

Sessegnon has seven assists and six goals in 27 games this season, and that's working with the likes of Nicklas Bendtner up front.

Pair him and Sebastian Larsson with a halfway decent center-forward and good things will happen.

No. 8: Stoke City

Current Points: 36

Projected Final Points: 53

Stoke City have lost a number of close games this season—games which they easily could have won or drawn. It's these slip-ups that have caused Stoke to fall to 14th in the table.

But inconsistency is a state, not a trait. While they have been inconsistent to this point, their luck is bound to change.

They've proven they can hang with the top-tier clubs in England by defeating Liverpool and Tottenham and drawing Manchester United.

They have the ability to hold opponents' offenses in check, but their own offense has been abysmal, providing the second-fewest goals in the league. If they can consistently offer themselves a goal or two, their defense can take care of the rest.

No. 7: Newcastle United

Current Points: 47

Projected Final Points: 60

While Demba Ba has led Newcastle United and one of the best offenses in the Premier League this season, their defense has not followed suit.

Despite the sixth-best goal tally in the league at 41, Newcastle's goal differential is zero.

Their 41 goals conceded ranks seventh worst in the EPL.

All things considered, they are very fortunate to have 13 wins, with only eight losses and eight draws.

Demba Ba's 16 goals are tied for third best in the EPL, along with Sergio Aguero of Manchester City. Robin van Persie (26) and Wayne Rooney (20) sit above them.

Their goal differential will be the difference between them and Liverpool.

No. 6: Liverpool

Current Points: 42

Projected Final Points: 60

Due to Liverpool's recent run of poor form, this projection may come off as lofty. But consider the gauntlet they've just completed.

Their last five games: Tottenham, at Man U, Arsenal, at Sunderland, Everton.

Five games: three top-four teams, all top-10 teams.

The fact that they got four points doesn't look so bad anymore.

Along with their decidedly easier upcoming schedule and the apparent return of Steven Gerrard's scoring ability, they should be in for a long spell of winning.

No. 5: Chelsea

Current Points: 49

Projected Final Points: 67

Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich will probably sack everyone on the team after their next loss. But in the case that he doesn't, they will actually finish pretty decently.

Obviously, the fifth-place finish is not what the Blues are after. But considering the struggles of Fernando Torres, the inconsistency in all areas and the nearly constant stream of new coaches, fifth place is about as good as it gets.

And who knows, maybe they will win the Champions League and get an automatic bid, anyway.

Doubtful.

With Tottenham losing their last three games and Arsenal always a question mark, this position is definitely not set in stone. However, as of right now, it's a steep climb for Chelsea back into the top four.

No. 4: Tottenham Hotspur

Current Points: 53

Projected Final Points: 72

Tottenham Hotspur currently sit at third place in the table, but they are looking the worse for wear. After a season chock-full of transfer and personnel replacement rumors, they look to be pretty worn down.

The last month has not been kind to them. After being thrashed by both Arsenal and Manchester United, they suffered a hard-fought 1-0 loss at Everton. Then they were present as Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba suffered from what appeared to be a heart attack. The FA Cup match was abandoned, but the sight of a fellow footballer in such a way may have lasting impressions on players from both sides.

The saving grace of Tottenham's remaining season is the lack of quality opponents. In their final 10 games, they face only Chelsea from the top five.

They should hold onto a top-four finish.

No. 3: Arsenal

Current Points: 52

Projected Final Points: 72

In years gone by, Arsenal have struggled late in the season. While they look poised to power through this time, they were unfortunate enough to start very slowly.

What they are fortunate to have is Premier League Player of the Year to-be, Robin van Persie.

RVP has been sensational this season, racking up 26 league goals in 28 games. He's scored from deep, from in close, from crosses and through balls. He's done it all this season, putting on a one-man show for Arsenal fans around the world.

He also leads the Gunners in assists.

Recently, Arsenal's depth has received a large boost from the emergence of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The midfield starlet provides athleticism and confidence through the middle of the park, and at 18 he could be a significant part of teams to come.

The Gunners should finish strong and secure their UEFA Champions League spot for next season.

No. 2: Manchester City

Current Points: 66

Projected Final Points: 88

Manchester City have been wonderful this year, and they ought to be after the flat-out insane amount of money they've spent on transfers over the past few years.

But if they have a weakness, it's playing on the road.

While the not-so-little-anymore brother of Man U has been flawless at home this season, winning all 14 matches to date, they have struggled comparatively away from home. They are only 7-3-4 on the road, with a plus-13 goal differential.

By comparison, they are 14-0-0 at home with a plus-36 goal differential.

This lack of confidence and success on the road will cost them, as Man U has not suffered similarly.

Ultimately, the season may come down to the April 30 match between City and United.

The winner of that match will likely take the league championship.

United will be forced to break City's unblemished home record if they are to take points away from the match.

No. 1: Manchester United

Current Points: 70

Projected Final Points: 90

Manchester United has been consistent and strong all season. While Manchester City had the lead out of the gate, they have come back to Earth and shown that even they can be beaten.

Now that United have once again gained a stranglehold on the lead, don't expect them to give it up easily. No side in the Premier League is as consistent, confident or well coached as the Reds. There's nothing to indicate any weaknesses in their game.

It doesn't seem to matter who they plug in; Sir Alex Ferguson makes it work. From back to front, there is no team that wills themselves to victory quite like Man U.

They are equally strong at home and on the road and are too experienced to become rattled by pressure or goals. They are capable of making comebacks and holding leads, and they don't give up cheap goals.

United are likely to win the title this season; picking against them would be silly. It's only a two-horse race, and one horse has a four-point head start.

I know who I'd bet on.