With a handful of games left which Premier League side will make it into the Champions League spots and who will miss out?
With Premier League leaders Manchester United guaranteed a Champions League place and their big spending rivals Manchester City almost over the line, which of Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Everton will occupy the final two spots – here’s the pros and cons for each side.
Arsenal – currently 3rd.
Upcoming fixtures:
Fulham (A) 20 April
Man Utd (H) 28 April
QPR (A) 4 May
Wigan (H) 14 May
Newcastle (A) 19 May
Form – The Gunners have lost just one league game since January 20 and despite a goalless draw with Everton on Tuesday, Arsene Wenger’s men look set for another strong finish.
The run-in isn’t bad for Arsenal, as despite tricky home games against Manchester United and relegation-threatened Wigan, they could easily take three points from all of their away matches.
Wenger hasn’t failed to get his side into the Champions League since 1998, a feat only surpassed by Real Madrid and Manchester United, so history is in their favour.
Players – England youngsters Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott are a welcome return from injury, although fitness struggler Abou Diaby is out for nine months with a knee problem.
Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has struggled with form of late and may find himself replaced as No.1 next season, whilst Olivier Giroud has not solved Arsenal’s striker issue and a reliance on goals from midfield is not always a good thing.
Fanatix prediction – 3rd.
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