One of the most exciting aspects to the Premiership this year has been the race for the top four Champions League slots. The race for the top four will remain inconclusive until at least the penultimate match on Saturday 12th May 2013.
Despite his team not looking their best in many matches this season, Sir Alex has implemented a ruthless recovery and only the biggest cock-up in living memory prevent Manchester United reclaiming a record 20th league title. The Blue side of Manchester arguably offer a better team when you look at the individual players, but their Achilles heel has been their inability to gel as a unit. Certainly this is true when you compare Mancini’s Manchester to that of Sir Alex’s.
Chelsea have flattered to deceive and the surprise sacking of Roberto Di Matteo could yet end up costing Chelsea a place in this years’ Champions League. The controversy surrounding the appointment of Rafa Benitez as their ‘interim’ manager was a move which surprised many in football and infuriated the Blues fans, who remember vividly Benitez’ previous negative comments towards Chelsea when he was boss of Liverpool. Whilst Benitez has slowly started to win fans over, their success in the cup competitions could ironically cost them, as their fixture pile-up will see them playing many more games than their rivals.
The Spurs-Arsenal situation is one of the most intriguing battles. Spurs looked home and dry early in 2013, as Arsenal’s form saw disastrous results in all the Cups coupled with ropey league form. However, a significant turnaround in fortunes has seen ‘squeeky-bottom syndrome’ again hitting White Hart Lane. In contrast to Arsenal who have hit some solid league form at the right time in the season. As we go to print Arsenal are a point off Chelsea and Spurs with a game in hand over the latter and will be hoping for three points when they entertain Norwich on Saturday. A win will put Arsenal in control of their Champions League destiny.
Here is my prediction as to how the top 4 will finish:
Manchester Utd : 89 points
Manchester City: 81 points
Arsenal : 73 points
Chelsea : 69 points
Tottenham : 69 points
Sorry Spurs fans but I think your poor goal difference will see Chelsea pip you by virtue of the fact they have a much healthier goal difference than AvB’s boys.
Source: DSG
