Premier League Top Six Prediction
Now that we are a little over the halfway point of the Premier League season, we can start to see how things might shape out. It’s a tight race at the top and there are multiple teams fighting for European competitions. This should be a close competition all the way till the end, but by the end someone has to be sitting in those top six spots.
Teams that will just miss out
Arsenal – The gunners had a woeful start to the campaign, but have been picking up the performances as of late. However, it may be too little too late. They hold just 34 points from 24 games played and unless the teams above them start dropping in performances. I can’t see them jumping four spots to reach the top six.
Everton – They have been one of the more hot/cold teams this season. They are able to lift their performances, but will also drop points in crucial matches to reach the European competitions. Even though Everton holds two games in hand, they may not have enough steam to keep up with the rest. They’ve been surprisingly good this season so it wouldn’t come as a shock if they managed to sneak in at 6th.
Tottenham – There was a period earlier in the season when Harry Kane & Heung-Min Son looked unstoppable and they were for a bit, but then the defense got exposed. They’ve seen a significant drop in form from when they looked like easy top 4 contenders. Now, they’re in jeopardy of not making top 6 and I think there’s too many teams playing too good. If Mourinho misses out on top 6 it might be time for him to retire.
Aston Villa – It was tough to leave Aston Villa off of the top six, but I think they’ll just miss out. They’ve been exceeding all expectations this season and no matter where they finish it’ll be a success. If they get a few good results over their next five games then I see no reason they can’t finish 6th. There’s a lot of teams playing for that spot which is going to make this end of the season run exciting.
Top 6
6th – West Ham United
A convincing win today for West Ham United surges them closer to a top six finish. They may not have the star quality like the rest of the top five, but they’ve been a well oiled machine this campaign. With the newest addition of Jesse Lingard into their side, it offers them a player who’s experienced in finishing in the top 6.
5th – Chelsea
If this article was written a month ago then Chelsea would’ve been left off of this list. After the sacking of Frank Lampard, Chelsea has seen better results. The talent levels are all over the pitch for Chelsea, so it came as a surprise to see them take this long to hit their stride. Although they are one of the more talented sides, their poor form earlier in the season will prevent them from qualifying for Champions League.
4th – Liverpool
Currently sitting in 6th position is the reigning Premier League champions. They may be two points off of Chelsea and West Ham, but Liverpool have proven they’re a force to be reckoned with. Without their rock at the back, Virgil Van Dijk, they aren’t quite as dominant as they were last season. They still have the league’s leading goalscorer in Mohammed Salah and they will find a way to qualify for Champions League.
3rd – Leicester City
After handing Liverpool a 3-1 defeat, Leicester City are confidently proving they’re one of the best sides in the league. With prolific striker Jamie Vardy and upcoming star Harvey Barnes, they have enough options going forward to compete with the top of the table. They are currently joint on points with Manchester United and four points clear of 4th place. With the form they’re in, they’ll end up in the top four and be playing in the Champions League next season.
2nd – Manchester United
Manchester United currently have the most goals in the Premier League with 50. This was helped by their recent historic 9-0 win over Southhampton. Their form can be credited to a number of people, but most importantly, Bruno Fernandes. He’s been sensational for the Red Devils and is the only player other than Harry Kane to be in the top five in goals (14) and assists (9). He has to be one of the frontrunners for PFA Player of the Year. Unfortunately what looked like a title challenging season for United will fall just short.
1st – Manchester City
Not much more can be said about Manchester City other than efficient. They check every box in all facets of the game. Goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. All are talented and all of those positions have depth for Manchester City. It also helps having one of the best managers in history in Pep Guardiola. Currently seven points clear with a game in hand gives Manchester City a distinct advantage down the stretch. They won’t drop enough points for anyone to catch them.
Featured Image: Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
