Who Will Finish Fourth in the English Premier League?

For anyone to predict which team is going to claim the final Champions League spot is truly a difficult task when there are, in my opinion, five teams in the hunt for it.

Everton

Everton haven't been in the running for fourth place all season until now. They are only seven points behind fourth-placed Tottenham and are on a great run of form, picking up 19 points from a possible 24. With their injury problems easing, there is a good chance they can mount a challenge in the coming weeks and months. They are definitely the dark horse in this race.

Aston Villa

Villa have had another good season in the Premier League, but they have one major problem that could be the cause of them not finishing fourth. Apart from Gabriel Agbonlahor they haven't got any other decent goal-scoring strikers. Even though they have the best defense in the league, the lack of goals could be the deciding factor.

Liverpool

Liverpool have had an extremely poor season by their standards but have enough quality to clinch fourth spot. With the defense becoming more solid and the return of key players like Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun, and Glen Johnson, they have a great chance of finishing the season strongly. If Steven Gerrard and Torres find the form they are capable of, then they should finish fourth despite their negative football.

Manchester City

City have spent 170 million on new players this season, so many would think they should finish fourth. Roberto Mancini has not won over many with his brand of defensive football, but it has made their defense more solid.

However, if Carlos Tevez isn't scoring and Emmanuel Adebayor is disinterested, then where will the goals come from? Craig Bellamy? Shaun Wright-Phillips? Stephen Ireland? City will not have enough firepower to get them to fourth. However, if all goes well, then fourth spot is the most likely outcome.

Tottenham Hotspurs

Spurs are my favourites to finish fourth. Overall they have a very solid team with quality players like Jermain Defoe and Luka Modric and great strength in depth. Although their recent form hasn't been great—12 points from a possible 24—overall they have the best squad of their challengers.