As we approach the business end of the season, its time to assess the Champions League qualification contenders. Whilst Manchester United have ran away with the league, last season's winners Manchester City have fallen behind slightly. But good news for the Manchester clubs as there is still a sizeable gulf between second and third though, 5 points to be exact.
It is Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea seemingly battling it out for the final two spots. The question is, who will win the race?
With Spurs hosting Arsenal this weekend and Chelsea facing West Brom, a lot can happen on Saturday. With certain results we could see Arsenal jump into fourth, Chelsea over take Spurs, Chelsea fall out the top four or Tottenham increase their lead over both their London rivals.
Tottenham v Arsenal: What could happen.
If Arsenal beat Tottenham this weekend, the top four could have a major overhaul. Arsenal would trail Spurs by just one point with 10 games to go, whilst knocking Chelsea out of the top four [depending on Chelsea's result against West Brom]. The infamous collapse last season will be noted by Spurs fans, whilst Arsenal will look to once again overtake their rivals.
If Tottenham beat Arsenal, their lead over fourth place could potentially increase to five points. Spurs are the in-form side going into the fixture this Saturday. But with Arsenal winning the first game 5-2 earlier on in the season, Arsene Wenger's men will remain confident of getting the better of their neighbours once again.
A draw between the two sides will be the ideal result for Chelsea. Tottenham would end the day on 52 points, and if Chelsea were to beat West Brom then the goal difference rule would see Rafael Benitez's men jump into third, joint on points with Spurs.
Chelsea v West Brom: What could happen.
If Chelsea win, the Blues could over take Spurs into third place. Tottenham will need to beat Arsenal this weekend to remain third, with Chelsea massive favourites against the Midlands club.
If Chelsea lose against West Brom and Arsenal can get a win against Spurs, the Blues will drop out of the Champions League spots. Arsenal could knock Chelsea out of the top four this weekend, and be just one point behind Spurs.
A draw will have little affect on Chelsea's league place. They could either end up 1 point behind Tottenham, or joint fourth with Arsenal. However, a superior goal difference will see Chelsea maintain fourth spot, for now.
I agree that was a lot to take in. So I've tried to simplify it down below.
Tottenham Win & Chelsea Win = Tottenham 3rd, Chelsea 4th, Arsenal 5th.
Tottenham Draw & Chelsea Win = Chelsea 3rd, Tottenham 4th, Arsenal 5th.
Tottenham Lose & Chelsea Win = Chelsea 3rd, Tottenham 4th, Arsenal 5th.
Arsenal Win & Chelsea Win = Chelsea 3rd, Tottenham 4th, Arsenal 5th.
Arsenal Draw & Chelsea Win = Chelsea 3rd, Tottenham 4th, Arsenal 5th.
Arsenal Lose & Chelsea Win = Tottenham 3rd, Chelsea 4th, Arsenal 5th.
Arsenal Win & Chelsea Lose = Tottenham 3rd, Arsenal 4th, Chelsea 5th.
Tottenham Win & Chelsea Lose = Tottenham 3rd, Chelsea 4th, Arsenal 5th.
Arsenal/Spurs Draw & Chelsea Lose = Tottenham 3rd, Chelsea 4th, Arsenal 5th.
Arsenal/Spurs Draw & Chelsea Draw = Tottenham 3rd, Chelsea 4th, Arsenal 5th.
This weekend will have a major say in who will finish in the Champions League qualification places. Although we'll still have 10 more games to galvanize over, the race for the top four will become much more clearer come Sunday 3rd of March.
Source: DSG
