The race for the top four – how they line up
While the battle for the Premier League title has long been a one-horse race, the battle to finish in the top four is a lot more exciting. If Manchester City aren’t successful in their appeal against UEFA’s ban from European football, it means another Champions League spot will open up for the team finishing in fifth, so maybe it should be a battle for a top five finish instead? Regardless, the odds on football betting for the top four are constantly changing, and just one win or defeat can change everything. So, let’s take a look at the contenders for a place in the Premier League’s top four come the end of the season.
Chelsea – 8/11
Frank Lampard’s young side have defied the odds, with many pre-season predictions believing their inexperience would cost them a place in Europe. However, after a good start, their form has taken a nose-dive. Injuries have hampered their progress, and after holding a six-point lead over fifth-place at the start of December, Chelsea have won just six of their last 15 matches, cutting their advantage to three points. The Blues can be confident of winning many of their upcoming fixtures, playing teams at the bottom of the table including Aston Villa, West Ham, Watford and Norwich City. There are difficult trips to Bramall Lane, Anfield and Molineux in that time, but fate is in their hands and Lampard will be mindful of picking up enough points, so it doesn’t come down to the two final tough ties.
Manchester United – 13/10
Manchester United seem to have turned a corner. Back-to-back defeats in January, the latter against Burnley, are all but a distance memory now and after recording a 2-0 victory over their rivals in blue in the Manchester derby, confidence must be high. United are still juggling both the FA Cup and Europa League, but most of their Premier League fixtures are against teams in the bottom half of the table. Ole Gunnar Solskjær has built his squad and while the revolution rolls on, they say patience is a virtue and the faith placed in the Norwegian seems to be paying off. While United won’t want to rely on European football by winning the Europa League this term, it all depends on their momentum between now and the final day of the season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers – 7/1
After their heroics last year which saw Wolves finish in seventh and rewarded with Europa League football via the qualification stage, Nuno Espírito Santo will look to go one better this season. While like United, Wolves could reach the upper echelons which are Champions League football by winning the second-tier competition, a top-four finish isn’t unlikely. As things stand, the midlands club are sixth, five points behind Chelsea and their run-in is a mixed bag. After West Ham, Bournemouth and Villa, they face Arsenal and Sheffield United and conclude the season with a trip to Stamford Bridge. But they have a decent record against the teams above and around them, having done the double over Manchester City this campaign.
Sheffield United 14/1
Chris Wilder’s newly-promoted Blades have been the talk of the season. The pre- season favourites for relegation have stunned everyone with their determination, and the underdogs could yet get their fairytale finish. Dean Henderson has been a godsend between the sticks, with Sheffield United boasting one of the best defensive records in the division. The Blades have a game in-hand over many of the teams around them and could well close the gap on Chelsea. But they need to score more goals and having netted just 30 in 28 games so far, they boast the worst goals for out of any team in the top 10. Their home form has been decent and the upcoming clash against Spurs could highlight José Mourinho’s weaknesses on the road. Wilder’s side have exceeded expectations and finishing with a flourish would be the icing on the cake.
Other odds
Arsenal (currently 9 th – 40 points) – 17/1 Tottenham (currently 8 th – 41 points) – 20/1