EPL: Who Will Finish in This Year's UEFA Champions League Spots?

With all of the 'Top Six' kicking off their campaign, I feel it's time to risk my neck and voice my opinion on who will be competing in next year's Champions League. Assuming the contenders will be Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool, the battle will be intense.

I think the season-long encounter will go all the way to the last fixtures, and be both exciting and nerve-wracking. But hey, that's what football's all about.

So, without further rambling, lets kick things off.

6. Tottenham Hotspur

Points so far: 0/3.

I know this is going to seem judgemental, but based on Spurs opening fixture against Manchester United, I've put them down for a miss on European football next year.

There is no doubt that Tottenham have world-class players. Van der Vaart, Bale and Modric stick out. Yet the fact remains, Tottenham always find it difficult to grind out results. Settling on draws wont be enough to qualify for the Champions League and may be their greatest setback.

Having said that, the main reason Tottenham will struggle this year is because they have Europa League commitments. I think it highly unlikely that Harry Redknapp will field consistently weakened sides in Europe, simply because a trophy is a trophy but, unfortunately, travel is travel.

Fatigue and games on Sunday may well be Tottenham Hotspur's greatest downfall, as seen with Liverpool recently.

5. Arsenal

Points so far: 1/6

Arsene Wenger has come under heavy pressure recently due to a poor start to the 2011/12 campaign. One point from six, and a trip to Old Trafford next weekend doesn't bode well for the young side. 1/9 seems probable, and a loss tomorrow against Udinese will give the Arsenal board a real dilemma with regards to Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal have been famous for playing great football over the years, football based around a fluid midfield with creativity always on the menu. Against Newcastle and Liverpool, however, the midfield was flat and in a line, reducing creativity. As a result the Gunners have scored no goals this season.

Unless Arsenal pick up the pace, things are looking very bad this season. I thought hard about Tottenham taking this place, but I feel Arsenal will improve and take this spot by the skin of their teeth.

4. Chelsea

Points so far: 4/6

Following a draw on the opening day, and an unconvincing win against West Brom, Chelsea need to pick up the pace and really get clicking with each other. A new look side seems imminent, with Juan Mata reportedly very close to joining.

Mata can bring the best out of Fernando Torres, but only if he is given a chance. Like Liverpool, Chelsea have a plethora of midfield options, and if they can use selection and rotation well, they may edge a little higher than fourth.

3. Liverpool

Points so far 4/6

Before you slaughter me for being biased and unfair, let me justify my opinion.

I've picked Liverpool over Chelsea for one reason. Liverpool's start has been better, despite having the same amount of points. Liverpool have the away trip to Arsenal under their belt, with a victory. They were unlucky not to win against Sunderland, and they now have somewhat less challenging games ahead. The Reds also have a good run-in, and that may prove crucial come next May.

The arrival of Jose Enrique and the form of Martin Kelly, coupled with reliability from Daniel Agger and Jamie Carragher, has given the Reds an extra stability in defence; and midfield selection is obviously not an issue.

Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll have the potential to score over 15 goals apiece, and the new attacking formation is a promising one. Liverpool can do better than this spot potentially, but the next two on this list would require some beating.

2. Manchester City

Points so far: 6/6

Brilliant displays in the opening two fixtures have relieved the pressure on City players to perform. Their new approach, where midfielders can move around as they please, is resulting in a plethora of goals. Seven goals in two games isn't a bad way to start.

Silva and Aguero have looked brilliant thus far, and Milner has picked up the pace. Edin Dzeko has finally emerged the player he was expected to be, and he finally looks to be a good buy.

Mancini will be happy with his team's performances so far, but they can't take their foot off the pedal.

Champions: Manchester United

Points so far: 6/6

There's not much I can say that hasn't been said already. Lead by the greatest manager in Premier League history, United have overcome two tricky challenges to take full points.

With Chicharito coming back, and Welbeck and Rooney firing, it's going to be hard to stop United this season.. again.

What do you think? Thanks for reading!