The race for the Champions League is going down to the wire. At time of writing, only 3 points separate the 3 teams gunning, roaring, or spurring for a spot with Europe’s elite. Chelsea and Arsenal have the benefit of points on the board; Chelsea and Tottenham have the benefit of a game in hand. But that game is against each other, at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. Could it be the decider?
Chelsea currently occupy 3rd spot but they have arguably the hardest run-in of any of the London clubs. They face Tottenham at home, before heading up to Villa Park to face an in-form Villa and then their final clash of the season is against Everton at the bridge. All 3 could yield 3 points each; however, all 3 could also see the Blues slip up. So far, they have a slight edge over the North London duo in the league table; but that will mean nothing if they don’t continue their form through to the end of the campaign.
The red half of North London have the dismay of the race not being in their own hands. They could win their last two games – at home to Wigan and away at Newcastle – and still miss out, courtesy of Spurs winning 3 and Chelsea winning 2. But they have the odds on their side; with arguably the easiest run-in – although Wigan is always a potential minefield at this stage of the year – they will fancy their chances of ensuring a 100% record over the last two games, and of Tottenham or Chelsea dropping points.
The white and blue half of North London are the outsiders, but in a way that may favour them. As a Tottenham fan for many years, I have come to expect the unexpected; a win at Stamford Bridge – with AVB – would be a huge story. But even if they do triumph in West London, a tricky trip to the Britannia awaits, before a tough home match against Sunderland to finish the year. Predicting Spurs to get 9 points is optimistic as an understatement, but it could happen.
At the moment, Arsenal and Chelsea are in the driving seat, however, Spurs will be eager to displace one of those two teams. Fasten your seatbelts; this one could go down to the last day of the season.
Source: DSG
