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We are past the midway point of this crazy season of English football, and apparently, many people have lost interest in the so-called "title race".
With Manchester City going on a spree of 19 consecutive wins, putting all the other teams to the sword and opening a 12 point lead at the top, the title seems all but sealed.
Meanwhile, realistic fans of the other clubs have already shifted their hopes to the next season, with a top-four finish seemingly being good enough for this season.
However, there is stiff competition for these remaining three slots, with 6-7 teams vying for them.
Here are the predictions for the teams that will finish in the top 6:
#6 Arsenal FC (6th Place)
With the kind of form, Arsenal is in, and the kind of squad troubles they face currently, a 6th place finish would be an achievement to be proud of, even if it's not.
Alexis Sanchez's departure seems imminent and with Mesut Ozil having just 6 months left on his contract, the club risks losing him on a free transfer.
With their current lack of ambition, it would be very difficult for them to hold on to any coveted player. Again, the exodus of players looks unending with Theo Walcott having forced a move away from the Gunners to Everton.
Thus, to remain competitive, Arsenal fans would be hoping that their club manages to sign suitable replacements to in the January transfer window.
If not, it wouldn't be a shocker if Burnley or Leicester City finish ahead of them. Also, their best bet for Champions League football next season would be going all the way in the Europa League, which seems like an uphill task.
With Arsenal already knocked out of the FA Cup, lifting the Carabao Cup is their one last chance of lifting a trophy. Expect the "Wenger Out" chants to get louder and more pervasive.
Expected Points Tally: 60-65
#5 Tottenham Hotspur FC (5th Place)
He has also broken Alan Shearer's record for most league goals in a year and finished as the top goalscorer in Europe for club and country combined with 56 goals.
However, the inconsistent team performances throughout the season have seen Spurs fall 18 points behind rampaging leaders, Manchester City. They have fared well against the lower teams, but have been blown away by the other "Big Six".
They have also been knocked out of the Carabao Cup and face a tough draw against Juventus in the Champions League. The FA Cup seems to be an option, but they will have to fend off tough competition.
Can they win any silverware this season? Can they match the ambition of Harry Kane to keep away potential suitors?
Expected Points Tally: 70-75 points
#4 Chelsea FC (4th Place)
The defending champions have endured a tough second season under the reign of Antonio Conte. With their return to European football this season, their fragility and a lack of have been thoroughly exposed.
The unceremonious departure of their star forward, Diego Costa, thanks to a text message by the coach, coupled with the indifferent form of Alvaro Morata this season means that Chelsea has scored 7 fewer goals this season than at the same point last time around.
Their so-called "upgrade" over Nemanja Matic in Tiemoue Bakayako has failed to impress and up until the game against Brighton, the team has struggled in front of goal.
It isn't that Chelsea has played very badly this season. Eden Hazard has been in sparkling form this season, despite being injured at the start of the season. Their star stopper, Thibaut Courtois has the best record in the league, with just 16 goals conceded so far.
However, their problems are just a result of the team not pulling in the right direction. Unlike last season where the 3-4-3 worked like a charm, Conte hasn't found the right combination for the team yet and with the exception of Morata and Andreas Christensen, the new players have not contributed as much as expected.
With the odds stacked heavily against their favor in the UCL (they face Barcelona in the round of 16), the Carabao Cup and FA Cup seem their only realistic chances at silverware this season.
With a resurgent Liverpool and pre-season favorites Manchester United providing tough competition to Manchester City, expect the Blues to compete in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers next season.
Expected Points Tally: 75-80 points
#3 Liverpool FC (3rd Place)
Liverpool must be credited with the best signing of the 2017 summer transfer window: Mohamed Salah.
The talismanic forward, voted the best African Player of 2017, has scored a staggering 18 goals this season, with Liverpool scoring the second highest number of goals in the league. His on-field exploits, along with Roberto Firmino's brilliance, have carried Liverpool's attack this season.
The problem, as always, lies in the defence. They have leaked 28 goals in 23 games, and have drawn/lost games that should have been won with ease.
However, having signed the worlds expensive defender in Virgil Van Dijk, who impressed on his debut with a goal, it would be interesting to see how their defence looks going forward.
The only downside is the departure of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona. However, last week's brilliant 4-3 victory over Manchester City has put to rest any qualms about their future following his exit.
Liverpool may be back in form, but it would not be easy for them to overtake United, who are also investing heavily in the transfer market. Silverware would be a tough ask this season but expect them to put up a good fight.
Expected Points Tally: 75-80 points
#2 Manchester United FC (2nd Place)
The pre-season favorites for the title have come up remarkably short of their Manchester neighbors. They have one of the best squads in the league, having hijacked Romelu Lukaku's transfer to Chelsea this summer, as well as swooping in for Nemanja Matic.
It was expected that the much improved Lukaku would lead the United attack this season. But, he has fallen remarkably short against the top teams in the league, having scored only 11 goals.
Also, injuries to Paul Pogba has not helped the cause. It is again their defense that has carried them, with David De Gea having single-handedly won tough games for the Devils.
However, with the arrival of Alexis Sanchez imminent, the future looks bright. He, along with Lukaku, could form a lethal partnership at the front, and in such a case, expect fireworks!
Even though they are the closest competition to Manchester City for the title, the 12 point gap seems a little too much to be overcome given the way City have played throughout the season. They aren't exactly top favorites in the Champions League right now, but if luck favors them, they could go all the way.
Expect a better 2nd half of the season from the Devils!
Expected Points Tally: 80-85 points
#1 Manchester City (Champions-elect)
Pep Guardiola has once again created an irresistible machine; his City side has bagged 62 points from just 23 games, scoring a staggering 67 goals and conceding just 17.
Their 19 game winning streak makes Chelsea's last year's 13 game-streak pales in comparison and it is widely believed that this side could shatter all previous league records.
This team could be compared to his Barcelona and Bayern teams and have dropped just 7 points this season.
It wouldn't be surprising if the other teams have already given up on the title.
They are also in the semi-finals of the Carabao cup, in the 4th Round of the FA Cup, and are also favorites in the Champions League.
The reason behind this success has been the all-round performance of the team; Ederson Moraes has been fantastic in goal and the long-term injury to Benjamin Mendy seemed to jeopardize Guardiola's plans, but Fabian Delph has stepped up and been a revelation at the back.
Arguably the best midfielder in the league, Kevin De Bruyne, is pulling all the strings in the midfield, bagging 6 goals and 10 assists in the process, Leroy Sane has been scintillating as well, creating numerous chances for his team while Raheem Sterling is in the form of his life and has formed a deadly partnership with Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus.
Their heavy investment in the summer transfer window is surely paying off with the squad having remarkable depth.
Barring a miraculous turn for the worse, expect the Citizens to bag at least a couple of trophies.
Expected Points Tally: 95-100 points
