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With Spurs beating Chelsea last week, the top four race is now wide open. Certainly wider than the title race at least, where it’s just a two horse race this time around.Chelsea and Manchester City will certainly make the top four this season, there is no question about that. But regulars, like Arsenal and Manchester United will not find it easy to finish in the Champions League places. Liverpool, who finished second last season are struggling to find any rhythm and may lose out on their top four spot.Let’s take a look at the new contenders who can disturb the order and qualify for the Champions League:
#1 Southampton
Was there anyone in his/her sane mind, at the start of this season, who would have said that in the New Year, Southampton will be above Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool, and just a point behind Manchester United. Despite the mid-season blip, which began at Villa Park, where they drew 1-1, and then went on to lose their next four games, Southampton have come back well to be sitting in fourth and still be having a realistic chance of finishing in the top four this season.
Each and every player has given their all, but to single out a few, the rampaging full backs Ryan Bertrand and Nathaniel Clyne, the energetic central midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin and the foreign recruits, Dusan Tadic and Graziano Pelle, who have settled in ever so well, have been magnificent.
Squad depth, however has always been a concern for Koeman’s side. They have a fantastic starting XI, but the bench always has two or three players who haven’t yet played Premier League football or have played very little. That number will further increase, with Saido Mane (who scored against Chelsea and Arsenal recently), Emmanuel Mayuka and Maya Yoshida all leaving to play for their national sides for the rest of the month.
Taking a look at their fixtures, they travel to Old Trafford this weekend, with visits like Saint James’ Park, Stamford Bridge, The Britannia and The Etihad Stadium (last day of the season) yet to come.
Let’s hope The Saints’ play Champions League next season. What a delight that would be!
#2 Tottenham Hotspur
Where would Spurs be without Harry Kane this season. After impressing so much in the Europa League, Kane was made to wait to get Premier League game time. His lucky break came when Spurs were trailing 0-1 at Villa Park. On came Kane, off went Christian Benteke for a rash challenge on Ryan Mason and Spurs just controlled the game after that.
It was nearing stoppage time with the score at 1-1 and Spurs were awarded a free kick a few yards outside the box. Kane placed the ball himself, pushing away the likes of Erik Lamela and Nacer Chadli. Kane’s strike would’ve gone straight down Brad Guzan’s throat hadn’t it been for a head in the Villa wall which deflected the shot into the goal away from a helpless Guzan. That was it for Harry Kane. He’s started every game since and has scored seven goals with five assists this season. He has been such a revelation for Spurs.
Barring the 3-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, Spurs haven’t lost a game since the start of November and that’s what’s got them so close to the top 4. Before that it was all shambles though, with home losses to sides like West Brom and Newcastle.
2-1 has been Spurs’ favourite score line this season, with that score line featuring in as many as eight games this season, six of which went in their favour.
Their remaining fixtures of the season include visits to Old Trafford, Anfield, St. James’ Park, St. Marys’, The Britannia and Goodison Park (last day of the season).
#3 West Ham United
Jose Mourinho called their football 19th century football last season after the stalemate at Stamford Bridge and apologised about that comment last week after the Hammers’ were fourth on Christmas. West Ham and Big Sam aren’t just about long balls to Andy Carroll anymore, but fast flowing, entertaining, end to end football.
The new signings Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia, Aaron Cresswell and the loan signing Alex Song, have been key to West Ham’s success. Stewart Downing, who’s career was going downhill until last season has looked a skillful player with vision this season and this has all been possible by giving him the number 10 role.
However, it hasn’t been going West Ham’s way since Christmas, with an away loss to Chelsea, a home loss to Arsenal and a home draw against Premier League strugglers West Brom.
The problem further worsens, Sakho is out injured for an unknown period. A lot will rely on Alex Song, who only recently retired from international football to revive his club career.
Their remaining fixtures include visits to The Liberty Stadium, Anfield, Saint Marys’, White Hart Lane, The Emirates, The Etihad and St. James’ Park (last day of the season).
#4 The Predictions
Now, time for the predictions. Arsenal have finished in the top four every season since 1996-97. So, I believe, Arsenal will definitely make the top 4, like always, and will then celebrate that like a trophy success.
That elusive final position will be a difficult one to predict. I think it will be between Southampton and Manchester United. The game at Old Trafford on the 11th of January will play a huge part in determining that final position.
It will be interesting to see if one or more of Southampton, West Ham and Tottenham can break the top four this season.
