Premier League Predictions: What could let each of the title contenders down

In the wake of Leicester City's 1-0 victory over Newcastle, a win that moves the Foxes five points clear at the top, the football community is daring to believe that Ranieri's men will pull off the inconceivable and be crowned Premier League champions. Not atypical of England's top flight, this season's title race has combined striking unpredictability with a strand of football romance.This term has seen a catalogue of different leaders. Leicester may be outright favourites and the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City practically written off, but it's not over until the fat lady sings and, with eight games to go for the majority, it's anyone's for the taking. My following predictions of the top six are based on the remaining fixtures each side faces, as well as the frailties they possess, which could cause them to stumble.

#1 Leicester City

Twelve months ago, the Foxes sat rock bottom of the league, seven points from safety and preparing for life in the Championship. Leicester went on to win seven of their remaining nine matches to finish a respectable 14th and the momentum carried into this season to propel them out of football logic.

Currently, five points clear with eight games to play, Ranieri’s side show no signs of slowing up in their pursuit of the Premier League title. Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez may have orchestrated 50 of the club’s 53 goals between them (Vardy with 19 goals and 5 assists; Mahrez with 15 goals and 11 assists) but the fulcrum of their success has been formed by a relentless work ethic and contagious spirit.

Having stuck with the coaching staff of last season, including Steve Walsh (recruitment) and Craig Shakespeare (coaching), it was Ranieri who scripted the perfect season by maintaining harmony within the club and building relationships with the existing personal. A sprinkling of new signings like Okazaki and Kanté and the squad had all the makings of a successful one.

Goals have been key in distracting from the hidden frailties in an adequate defence and, providing the club can navigate their way through a treacherous trio of fixtures at the close of the season (Manchester United, Everton, and Chelsea) they should pull off the unimaginable.

#2 Tottenham Hotspur

Harry Kane may have snatched at a plethora of headlines, but last season was a frustrating one for the North London club who struggled to adjust to Mauricio Pochettino’s demanding tactical revamp.

This campaign has seen a complete transformation though, and Tottenham have capitalised on the poor form of the nation’s big guns. Kane’s impressive tally of 19 league goals has been somewhat overlooked, while the defensive stability installed by Vertonghen and Alderweireld is uncharacteristic of a proverbial Spurs unit.

The man in the dugout has implemented a high-pressing, intense rhythm that has broken down more physical opponents and Tottenham’s consistency has been an atypical trait of this term’s chasing pack.

At the start of the campaign talks of Tottenham taking top spot would have seemed ludicrous, given the frequency of draws the London club had clocked up by December (8) and the dominance Leicester and Arsenal looked to have ascertained. They have both the greatest goal difference and defensive record in the division, but the fixture list proves unfavourable, with trips to Anfield and Stamford Bridge still to come, as well as home ties with Manchester United and Southampton.

All in all, it looks doubtful that Tottenham will stumble but I can’t see them leapfrogging everyone’s favourites due to the tricky games that await them as well as the increasing deficit between them and top spot.

#3 Arsenal

Could it be the season that finally spells the end of Arsene Wenger’s reign? Of course not, but it is looking like another trophyless season for the Gunners. It could be said that Arsenal were not too long ago hailed as the only side capable of overturning Leicester’s steam-rolling success, but spring-time syndrome has struck yet again and fans of the Gunners would struggle to point the finger at injuries this time around.

Alexis Sanchez has failed to emulate last season’s heroics, while Olivier Giroud is stuck in the middle of a goal drought. The defence shows vulnerability the second Koscielny’s absent and Arsene Wenger’s diminishing fear factor as a manager is becoming increasingly concerning.

At present, the Gunners are languishing in third position, and the gap between them and Leicester has grown into a yawning chasm of 11 points. Arsenal have won just two of their last six encounters and are spiralling into a dreadful run of form. The fixture list is favourable enough to maintain third spot, although a trip to the Etihad in the penultimate game of the season could prove testing.

A combined lack of urgency, a crumbling mental state and a crop of players drained from the recent FA Cup and Champions League exits renders the North London side’s chances of claiming the title incredibly slim.

#4 Manchester City

Manchester City’s psychological decline stemmed from the revelation that Pep Guardiola would be superseding Manuel Pellegrini before the start of next season. Not too long ago, the Sky Blues were on for the quadruple but have since been knocked out of the FA Cup, while their Premier League form has dipped tremendously; they’ve managed just two victories in their last six outings.

The club have a fragile defence, relying too much on Vincent Kompany to soak up attacks and seeing little return on the £28.5 million fee paid for Nicolas Otamendi. Vital marksman, Sergio Aguero is far too injury prone and, like Kompany, carries the weight of expectation, but at the top of the tree. Pellegrini’s men seem to be at a stand-still, having practically surrendered the title to a more hungry Leicester City and merely playing the waiting game ahead of Guardiola’s appointment.

They too must lock horns with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the remaining stages of the season, the latter of which I expect will pip City to the post for third. City’s focus will be on Champions League football, while their North-London counterparts will put sole focus on the league following their exit from European competition on Wednesday.

#5 West Ham United

Had it not been for the contagious resurgence of Leicester City this season, many would have dubbed the Hammers as this campaign’s surprise package. Since arriving in East London, Slaven Bilic has tightened up West Ham’s backline, meanwhile injecting the club with enthusiasm and discipline.

The club from the capital certainly don’t have it easy in their final run-in, given that they must still play the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Leicester, but their penultimate match is a square-up with the aforementioned Manchester United, who will be their main competitors in their mission to secure automatic Europa League qualification. This tie will be at Upton Park and so I favour West Ham to snatch the points and fifth place with it.

Their attacking unit hinges on Dimitri Payet who has bagged 8 goals and assisted 7 this term, and he could be the man to carry them over the line. That said, an injury to the Frenchman, even at this latter stage, could prove devastating, so nothing’s set in stone. As it stands though, I back the Hammers to continue impressing this season, even though there could be a couple of slip-ups away from home.

#6 Manchester United

United’s season started in promising fashion. Built around robust defending, the Red Devils were initially stringing together clean sheets and were top of the tree heading into October. Since then, though, performances have become blander and more defensively-orientated, as pressure has mounted on Van Gaal and company.

At present, the club sit in 6th position, having lost a disappointing 8 matches so far this campaign. Having placed so much emphasis on their young contingent in attack, a lack of goals has been the main problem for United, who have netted only 37 this season, while their number of chances created (236) is the fifth lowest in the division.

The fixtures don’t favour Van Gaal’s side either, as they must still face Manchester City and Tottenham away from home, as well as tangible home ties with Everton and current leaders Leicester. Sitting sixteen points adrift of the top spot, albeit with a game in hand, United are well and truly out of the title race but the optimistic supporter would still back Champions League qualification.

Personally, I feel the lack of creativity from Van Gaal and the unhealthy reliance on the youth squad will earn the Manchester club Europa League qualification only.