Unless there is a dramatic and unprecedented collapse, it seems fairly certain that Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur will constitute the top 3 of the 2016-17 Premier League season. Obvious advantages for Chelsea and Liverpool in the absence of European football aside, Pochettino's Tottenham seem best poised to complete the top 3, considering their manager's distinct disregard for the Europa League and their relatively favourable run-in.
That leaves a handful of clubs fighting it out to make it to the remaining European spots. It is a testament to the quality of the top 6 this season that this list could comfortably look very different at the end of February. As things stand, however, here are the 5 PL clubs who could be competing for the final CL spot and the Europa League spots:
#1 Manchester City
The team that is closest to giving Tottenham a run for their money, Manchester City, are likely to fall short only because of their higher valued European commitments. Despite talk of a meltdown, City have won 4 of their last 5 matches, including the comeback win against Arsenal and the 10-man victory against Burnley.
Yaya Toure seems to be filling the Gundogan sized void pretty well, and if only Fernandinho and Aguero had kept their discipline in check, City would have found themselves far closer to Chelsea. The return of Toure will help City with their penalty woes as well as it is never a good omen for a side when they miss more penalties than they score.
Guardiola seems to have learned a few lessons from the loss against Leicester – but would be hoping there aren't many more lessons to be learned till the end of the season.
#2 Arsenal
Having been thrust back into the perennial battle for fourth by morale-sapping losses against Everton and Manchester City, Arsenal still manage to keep themselves in the title conversation with their utter dominance against the Premier League's weaker sides.
Had it not been for Giroud's over-the-top celebrations, Arsenal could perhaps have completed a comeback victory against Bournemouth – and what a shot in the arm that would have been for their title aspirations.
At the moment, however, Gunners find themselves sweating at the form of United rather than that of Chelsea – and it would take a fair few twists at the top end of the table before Arsenal can look down upon the rest of the league. Sanchez, Ozil, Wenger – a lot of futures depend on how this season pans out, and the last thing Arsenal need is to miss out on Champions League football altogether.
Also Read: Mesut Ozil reveals he will sign new contract only if Arsene Wenger stays at Emirates
#3 Manchester United
A six-match winning streak in the PL and 15-match unbeaten run across all competitions has led to a return of the swagger and winning mentality at Old Trafford. Suddenly, top four is no longer good enough, and players are confidently stating on record that they still have their sights set on Chelsea.
While it does not seem like yet another false dawn in the post-Ferguson era, it is still too optimistic on United's part to assume that all five clubs above them will embark on horrible runs of form to let them through to the title. The winner that Mourinho is, Europa would be viewed in no less light than PL, and 4th spot along with a trophy and a good run in the Europa League would be welcomed by most United fans across the globe.
Just don’t expect Mourinho to admit it though.
#4 Everton
After a stellar start to the season, Koeman's men have faded and it seems ages ago when he was brushing away questions about a potential title challenge. In a season where the top 6 teams have pulled off from the rest of the pack, Everton are one of the teams who find themselves playing second fiddle and clinging on to the faint chances of securing Europa League football.
It all seemed very different only 3 seasons ago – the only way seemed up and above for Everton after remarkably finishing fifth in Martinez's debut season. Right now, however, Romelu Lukaku & Co will have to shake off their rusty form fast and start picking up points; or the likes of West Brom and Bournemouth will be next in line to displace them.
#5 West Brom
Admittedly finding themselves in this list mainly due to the disappointing season Everton have had, West Brom have still punched way above their weight and has Koeman casting nervous glances over his shoulder. A finish lower than 7th would be deemed absolutely unacceptable at Everton; however, Pulis&Co can enjoy their football, strolling around in 8th place and considering 7th (and Europe to go with it) a bonus rather than a must.
In the last few weeks, West Brom have lost only to United, Arsenal and Chelsea while steadily picking up points from the more favourable fixtures, both home and away. If Everton do implode, West Brom will be at the head of the queue to take advantage – and a few European teams might be in store for some tough Pulis football.
