We are pretty much two thirds of the way through the season, and the title race is done. As such, attention turns to the race for Champions League places and this weekend is bookended by two big matches in that race.
Leicester City have a healthy 10 point gap over 5th, but have stumbled in recent weeks with surprise defeats to Burnley and Southampton plus a demoralising League Cup semi final last minute flop. Jamie Vardy has hit a bit of a lean spell, but avoiding defeat against Chelsea last time out was important.
They face Wolverhampton Wanderers tonight, whose own bid for top 4 has stalled since the turn of the year. 6 points off 4th, they will need an upturn in form to get themselves back in. A win for the Wolves will turn the pressure up on those above them.
In Monday nights game, 4th placed Chelsea could strengthen their own hand with a home win over 8th placed Manchester United. However, a United win closes the gap to just 3 points and could see Spurs close the gap to 4th to 1 point.
Both teams are on a run of 3 without a win in the league.
Spurs face Aston Villa on Sunday, while Sheffield United and Everton played last week. Spurs are arguably the form team in the race, winning their last two league games. They will expect to continue that run away to the 17th placed Villa.
A Leicester win tonight could convince some that there is only one place up for grabs, but a Wolves win would put big doubts into that idea. A United win on Monday will really spice up this fight.
Who do you think will join Liverpool and Manchester City in the top 4?
(Of course, with the table as it is, there is a chance 4th won't even get a CL place)
Top 4?
posted on 14/2/20
Chelsea and Leicester.
posted on 14/2/20
The CL/Europa League always plays a part in the race, don't forget. The Europa, in my opinion, is why Arsenal have failed to get in the top 4 in the last 2 seasons. Not knowing which to prioritise and ending up falling just short in both the Europa and top 4 race. Only Chelsea seem to find a way of finishing in the top 4 and winning the Europa (under Benitez and Sarri. Utd finished 6th when they won it).
People may say that Europa is easier, but it is a horrible hindrance. Do you think Utd players/fans are looking forward to playing Club Brugge as much as we are playing Leipzig or Chelsea playing Bayern?
We are probably both likely to go out, which may help our league cause. But if either of us go through we will be waiting with much anticipation who we get in the quarters. Again, when United scrape past Brugge or Arsenal scrape past whoever they're playing, will they be waiting with baited breath on whether they draw.. I don't know.. Sporting Lisbon or Locomotiv Moscow?? Doubt it. The Europa is a horrible, sapping competition which will also hinder Wolves in the league.
Think Chelsea are in pole position, especially if/when Bayern knock them out of the CL, but we could put ourselves right back in it by beating them away. We just need to focus on winning our matches and no silly slip ups, otherwise we won't deserve it.
posted on 14/2/20
comment by Vidicschin (U3584)
posted 2 hours, 51 minutes ago
comment by _Viva_Vida (U6044)
posted 1 minute ago
Bold prediction from the board w4nker
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I think you meant to reply to yourself again.
..................
RDD has really took it hard, me filtering him.
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Hardly. You did me a favour. I get to mock you and you cant spam my articles with pedantic dribble.
posted on 14/2/20
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 1 hour, 47 minutes ago
Afternoon phenom weekend plans?
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Afternoon red
nothing planned, weather gonna be horrendous again, you?
posted on 14/2/20
comment by Holland's big brother Europe (U1250)
posted 4 hours, 53 minutes ago
Liverpool fan talking about standards...
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Holland talking bollox
posted on 14/2/20
comment by Phendombele (U20037)
posted 47 minutes ago
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 1 hour, 47 minutes ago
Afternoon phenom weekend plans?
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Afternoon red
nothing planned, weather gonna be horrendous again, you?
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Few pints tonight after that no idea
posted on 14/2/20
Arsenal
posted on 14/2/20
Maybe there is another place just opened...
posted on 14/2/20
5th is the new 4th
posted on 14/2/20
comment by Robbing Hoody - tell me I can't and I'll show you I can (U6374)
posted 10 hours, 9 minutes ago
comment by morespurs (U15748)
posted 11 minutes ago
comment by Robbing Hoody - tell me I can't and I'll show you I can (U6374)
posted 3 minutes ago
Leicester and Chelsea imo.
I think the winter break will have done Chelsea the world of good. It's been such a massive change for some of the younger Chelsea lads that having a break both physically and mentally will see them get fourth imo.
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I don't think that's true though.
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May I double down on my prediction please op
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