English Premier League: Predicting the Race for the Top Four
Everyone knows the title is going to Manchester. That's fine, but I know who's going to finish in the top four.
While the two Manchester clubs battle for the English Premier League trophy, five teams—and that's being generous—are in the hunt for the top four. In order of current league position as of Wednesday morning, the five teams are Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Liverpool.
That's not how they'll finish, though. Want to know how they'll end up? Read on.
Tottenham Hotspur
1 of 6What's to like
Despite all their recent struggles, Spurs still have a strong squad.
Gareth Bale has drawn criticism lately for alleged diving, but the Welshman remains one of the league's brightest young stars.
Spurs have scored 52 goals, fourth-most in the league.
What's not to like
But it's impossible to ignore form. Spurs have struggled in recent weeks, coincidentally as manager Harry Redknapp has been repeatedly linked to the vacant England job.
Fixture Forecast
Stoke (H) W; Chelsea (A) L; Swansea (H) D; Sunderland (A) D; Norwich (H) W; Bolton (A) D; QPR (A) D; Blackburn (H) W; Aston Villa (A) D; Fulham (H) W. Final points: 70
Arsenal
2 of 6What's to like
They're in form, and they have Robin van Persie. Plus, Arsene Wenger might not be the world's worst manager after all.
What's not to like
Arsenal have also been incredibly inconsistent all season. They collapsed down the stretch last season, lest we forget.
Fixture Forecast
Everton (A) D; Aston Villa (H) W; QPR (A) W; Manchester City (H) D; Wolves (A) W; Wigan (H) W; Chelsea (H) D; Stoke (A) D; Norwich (H) W; West Brom (A) D. Final points: 72
Chelsea
3 of 6What's to like
Andre Villas-Boas is gone, and that seems to have relaxed the players. Or something. Fernando Torres has also finally returned to the ranks of goal-scorers.
What's not to like
Roberto Di Matteo is nominally in charge, but who's really in control? Plus, their run-in looks brutal.
Fixture Forecast
Manchester City (A) L; Spurs (H) W; Aston Villa (A) D; Wigan (H) D; Fulham (A) L; Newcastle (H) W; Arsenal (A) D; QPR (H) W; Liverpool (A) L; Blackburn (H) W. Final points: 64
Newcastle
4 of 6What's to like
Demba Ba is a dangerous scorer and Tim Krul is a solid keeper. That is, when he's not feuding with Robin van Persie.
What's not to like
Newcastle's goal differential is zero. They've allowed 41 goals, which isn't awful. However, that means they've only scored 41, which isn't so great.
Fixture Forecast
West Brom (A) D; Liverpool (H) D; Swansea (A) L; Bolton (H) W; Chelsea (A) L; Stoke (H) W; Wigan (A) W; Manchester City (H) L; Everton (A) L. Final points: 58
Liverpool
5 of 6What's to like
The Reds have the second-best defensive record in the league, having allowed just 26 goals.
What's not to like
They've only scored 33 times, nine fewer than Blackburn Rovers. Plus, the Reds haven't been above fifth since the opening weeks of the season.
Fixture Forecast
QPR (A) D; Wigan (H) W; Newcastle (A) D; Aston Villa (H) W; Blackburn (A) W; Fulham (H) D; West Brom (H) D; Norwich (A) L; Chelsea (H) W; Swansea (A) L. Final points: 58
Final Positions
6 of 6Here's how I see it playing out.
3. Arsenal 72 points
4. Spurs 70 points
5. Chelsea 64 points
6. Liverpool 58 points
7. Newcastle 58 points
Arsenal will overtake Spurs, who will comfortably hold off Chelsea for fourth place. The Blues will finish fifth, with Liverpool edging Newcastle for sixth on goal differential.
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