A very strange Premier League top four race so far
A good number of folks expected a change in position for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th teams in the Premier League going by the proceedings of last weekend. However, this was not the case as Manchester United were held to a 2-all draw by Southampton at Old Trafford on Monday night.
Therefore, it’s safe to say that the third to fifth teams in the Premier League are flattering to deceive, having failed to consolidate on their positions thus far in the Premier League.
Chelsea strangely retained the third spot even after a shambolic 3 nil loss away to Sheffield United. This was also the case for Leicester City who retained the fourth spot after losing 4:1 away to Bournemouth.
Ole Gunnar Solksjaer and his men have failed to capitalize on similar lapses all season, and this was the case against the Saints despite the Red Devils’ recent run of form. The equalizer for Southampton by Michael Obafemi in the closing minutes of the game will surely be looked back on.
The likes of Wolves and Sheffield United who are minnows in the race won’t be able to help but fancy their chances if they manage to get all three points in the upcoming match day if the 3rd, 4th, and 5th-placed teams continue to flatter to deceive.
Wolves and Sheffield United are 5 points and 6 points off the third spot presently although they have some pretty tough fixtures coming up. It would take a big fiasco by the teams leading them for any of them to make it to the UEFA Champions League next season. Regardless, all hope is not lost.
Chelsea welcome an already relegated Norwich to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. This is a must-win for Frank Lampard’s men if they must have their UCL qualification destiny in their hands. Anything short of a win in this game will put their hopes in doubt with games coming up against Wolves and Liverpool.
Man United who looked lethargic against Southampton will travel to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Let’s hope the blip is a one-off and that the fine form continues.
This would be a tricky game for the Red Devils and they need all 3 points in this one. Their remaining games are tricky ones against a relegation-threatened West Ham and top 4 rivals Leicester City.
Leicester City will welcome Sheffield United in surprisingly what is a top-four decider for the two teams. Who would have thought this for Chris Wilder’s men at the beginning of the season?
This game is a cracker, and Brendan Rodgers’ men must win if they want to stand a chance for a top-four finish as they face Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in their next games.
The next three games for all teams who are presently fighting for a top-four finish will be eventful, considering that Manchester City’s UCL ban appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport was successful. No hope of UCL participation for the team that finishes fifth.
Therefore, garnering maximum points is the way to go, and the race continues today at Stamford Bridge. For where to see the game and subsequent games, check this list of live football streaming sites.
