“Emirates Stadium” (CC BY 2.0) by wonker
A top four spot in the Premier League means one thing, a place in the Champions League for the season after. Two spots are already sewn up, barring huge bombshells between now and the end of the season, with Manchester City and Liverpool looking set for first and second.
However, behind those two, there are two more spots up for grabs, and what appears to be a wide-open race for them. As of January 28, Chelsea are strong favorites to take a spot at -2000, but behind them, Manchester United and Tottenham are +160, Arsenal are +250, while West Ham and Wolves can also be considered as contenders. For more Premier League top four odds, fans can visit Space Casino to see how the betting market is shaping up and watch how it changes depending on which teams pick up and drop points over the coming games.
So, how does the run-in look for the teams, and who will make it?
Can Ronaldo Fire United into Top Four?
When Manchester United signed Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer, many expected him to come in and turn them into a team that would certainly finish inside the top four, and potentially even challenge for the title. That hasn’t come to fruition and United are in a fight to finish inside the top four, never mind anything else.
His form will be key to their chances over the coming weeks, if he gets his scoring touch, then there is every chance United make it.
Conte to Lead Tottenham Forward?
When Antonio Conte signed to be Tottenham manager, the expectation was for them to finish inside the top six during his first season, not the top four, so if they do make it, then it will certainly be classed as an overachievement.
It’s here! ?
Watch Conte Cam in full, now! ⤵️
? https://t.co/lsjtYY6PyM pic.twitter.com/EVkmWhcw9k
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 21, 2022
His biggest positive so far has been getting the real Harry Kane back at the club. A move to Manchester City seemed on in the summer, but Kane declared his intentions to stay at the club. His form in the early part of the season was poor, but recently we have seen a lot more from him, and while he is firing, Tottenham will have a chance.
Can the Outsiders Get Involved?
Forget about United and Spurs, can Arsenal get involved and claim a spot in the top four? Like Tottenham, being there this season would be seen as a slight overachievement, as they are reaching for the top six. Arsenal have a young squad, and are certainly going the right way.
West Ham are loving life in the Europa League this season and will want more now they have the taste for Europe. Can that be a step up to the Champions League by finishing in the top four? They are no longer a surprise package, and have to be fully respected in the race, with players who continue to shine.
Lastly, don’t discount Wolves, who are flying high and are the outsiders to get in, but are playing well enough to do so if any of the bigger teams above them happen to fail over the coming weeks and months.
