With the Top 4 challengers all experiencing different results, the race for the Champions League is not any more clearer than it was about a week ago. In some ways, the tussle has tightened even more as anybody from second to sixth could find themselves missing out on Europe’s elite competition. Here we now take a look at the games every challenger is yet to play and the likelihood of qualification afterwards.
At one point the Saints looked like actually joining the title race but injuries and tough fixtures mean they now look least likely to make the top 4. Their run-in looks fairly doable with fixtures against fellow challengers providing the chance to leap-frog immediate rivals. However, it might be the relegation candidates who hurt Southampton considering the flair desperation tends to conjure.
Liverpool are reeling from a loss to long time rivals Manchester United but before that unfortunate result they were looking pretty much invincible and on course to even finish second. Their fixtures are no easier than anyone else’s but one does fancy them to sweep past everyone of their opponents with the exception of Arsenal and Chelsea whom they do not really need to beat to secure qualification.
Manchester United seem to have the most complicated set of fixtures and considering the fragility they have already exhibited this season most of the games will certainly be a scrap if they can indeed make it. However, United fans can draw some confidence from recent performances specifically the Tottenham and Liverpool triumphs as in those games the Red Devils looked a lot like they could be a tough opponent for anyone.
Arsenal always seem to find a way to be in the Champions League regardless of the odds or calibre of opponents and their form tends to peak round about this time of the season. This time they will have to play three of the top seven teams and win at least two of those games to make sure of making the cut. Also in that run-in are Burnley, Sunderland and Hull City, teams that have showed that they can beat even the best on any given day.
Manchester City probably didn't expect to be sucked into this race but recent indifferent form has ensured that they are in the thick of the Champions League race and they even have on paper the most difficult end to the season. They play a seemingly rejuvenated Manchester United, an energetic Spurs and a whole host of potentially upsetting teams with nothing to lose.
Tottenham are looking the least likely to make it into the top 4 as they have some very difficult fixtures but with Harry Kane firing as he is one can never be sure where Spurs will end up.
With everyone keen on qualifying it certainly promises to be quite a dramatic end to the season.
Source: DSG
