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

What'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

What'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

What'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

What'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

What'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

Here'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.

Follow @MikeCummings37