The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the schedule of the fixtures. Looking at the current points table, some teams have played 33 games while some have played 31 games. But mostly they have played 32 games on average.
The Premier League top four race is all-but done and dusted. City are going to be crowned the PL champions(barring any ridiculous collapse). United look certain to follow them home in second. For the other two spots, we have a furious top four chase on cards as six teams will battle it out for the two spots.
The latest round of fixtures ended with Liverpool playing a 1-1 draw against Leeds United. The runaway leaders Manchester City lost 1-2 against Leeds United in their last match. Manchester United again left it late to win against Burnley while Tottenham were held to a draw against Everton. Leicester City lost 2-3 against an inspired West Ham side. Chelsea were held to a goalless draw at home against Brighton.
Here is how the current points table looks at the top :
The leaders Manchester City and Manchester United have a comfortable lead over the other sides. City are 8 points clear at the top and you just can’t see them slipping from there. Only twelve points separate the third-placed Leicester City to eleventh-placed Aston Villa.
While Arsenal and Aston Villa are not in this race for sure, other sides of the big three-- Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham will have to battle it out against the likes of West Ham and Leicester City for the other two positions. Everton is also in this race for the time being. It’s fair to say that the European places places are up for grabs for either of these six sides but only two will be making the cut.
Leicester City:
Current League position: Matches: 31, Points: 56, Current Position: 3rd
Recent Form: LLWWD
Games left: West Brom (H), Crystal Palace (H), Southampton (A), Newcastle (H), Man Utd (A), Chelsea (A), Tottenham (H)
After getting so close to finishing in the top four last season, only to be denied on the final matchday. You must feel for the foxes. And if they don’t get their acts together, they can witness the heartbreaking repeat this season too. Also looking at their last three fixtures, they will have to be at their best if they want to secure European football for next season.
Jamie Vardy has stopped scoring. James Maddison isn’t in the best of form currently. The foxes will need to secure maximum points in their next four games before the big clashes.
Chelsea:
Current League position: Matches: 32, Points: 55, Current Position: 4th
Recent Form: DWLDW
Games left: West Ham (A), Fulham (H), Man City (A), Arsenal (H), Leicester (H), Aston Villa (A)
Under new coach Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea are firing again and have a strong case for the European places come the end of the season. They have plenty of big games lined up and they will need some strong character to come out on top.
They have already beaten City in the FA Cup. They have plenty of top players to see off the cup games. They will need to capitalize on key moments, something that they have done so well recently.
West Ham:
Current League position: Matches: 32, Points: 55, Current Position: 5th
Recent Form: LWWDL
Games left: Chelsea (H), Burnley (A), Everton (H), Brighton (A), West Brom (A), Southampton (H)
The Hammers have really been the surprise package of the season. Currently sitting in the top four and above the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and even Liverpool. David Moyes’ side has found form especially after the arrival of Jesse Lingard from Manchester United.
Declan Rice and Michail Antonio are out injured but the pair may be back for season’s finish. If they can go through their next three fixtures with the top four status intact. You should consider them as serious contenders.
Liverpool:
Current League position: Matches: 32, Points: 53, Current Position: 6th
Recent Form: DWWWL
Games left: Newcastle (H), Man Utd (A), Southampton (H), West Brom (A), Burnley (A), Crystal Palace (H)
Last year champions Liverpool have been inconsistent for the majority of the season and find themselves sixth on the current points table with 53 points in 32 games. Quite frankly, it has been a season to forget and one which Jurgen Klopp will be looking to put behind and move ahead.
Since they don’t have the Champions League to ponder upon, the race for the last four would be their last bet. The reds have a favourable run of games coming on and you would back them to clinch all three points in every match other than the Old Trafford visit. They are getting back in form at just about the right moment.
Tottenham:
Current League position: Matches: 32, Points: 50, Current Position: 7th
Recent Form: DLDWL
Games left: Southampton (H), Sheffield Utd (H), Leeds (A), Wolves (H), Aston Villa (A), Leicester (H)
Tottenham have fired Jose Mourinho after an underwhelming campaign. After their exit from the UEFA Europa League, the top four race is the only hope that’s still tingling for them. They have a fairly decent run of fixtures in the upcoming weeks.
The easy run of fixtures coupling to the recent upward trajectory in their performances could mean that there’s no reason why you would not back Spurs to at least put themselves in the mix come the final day of the season.
Everton:
Current League position: Matches: 31, Points: 49, Current Position: 8th
Recent Form: DDDLL
Games left: Arsenal (A), Aston Villa (H), West Ham (A), Sheffield Utd (H), Wolves (H), Man City (A) - plus Aston Villa (A): date TBD
There is an old-age saying “Points on the board are always better than games in hand”. The Toffees have seemingly been playing a catch up to their rivals as far as the number of matches are concerned. But failure to convert this into points has wiped out any advantage that they had previously.
They are five games without a victory. This is probably the worst form come the final weeks of the season. They will need an almost perfect finish to the season to stand any chance. Europa League qualification can be a reality if they can force Tottenham out of the picture.
