Is Top 4 Still On For Liverpool?
There are 8 games to go and for some around the top 4 and bottom 3 places it’s squeaky bum time in the season.
Liverpool are 5 points off United in 4th, 6 points off Arsenal in 3rd and 7 points off City in 2nd. It’s not unthinkable to believe that all teams could drop points. Arsenal look like they have better form than City and United.
Spurs and Southampton are just a point behind us in 6th and 7th. If we focus on keeping our eyes on the teams above us though will we reach 4th?
Liverpool are currently on 54 points.
Our fixtures:
Arsenal v Liverpool – Our form at the Emirates is pretty woeful. At the best we get a point.
Liverpool v Newcastle – Should be a run of the mill 3 points.
Hull v Liverpool – Hull proved v Chelsea they can be tricky at home but I expect 3 points
West Brom v Liverpool – West Brom are a team whose form yo-yo’s but with Tony Pulis in charge difficult to crack. Still think we will get 3 points.
Liverpool v QPR – Our home form has been the reason we are back in the race for top 4. QPR always leak goals away from home. 3 points in the bag.
Chelsea v Liverpool – Chelsea could have the league wrapped up by this point. If so then they could play with no pressure and make it a difficult game. On the other hand while Mourinho hates to lose he could rotate his team if the title is won.
If the race for 4th is still on and Chelsea have won the league then we get 3 points. If the league is not won and the race is on for 4th I expect Chelsea will get the 3 points at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool v Crystal Palace – This game could be the revenge for the dramatic turnaround last season at Selhurst Park. If 4th place goes down to the wire this game could make the difference between Champions League and the Europa League. Home advantage and last home game of the season should give us 3 points.
Stoke v Liverpool – Stoke won’t be playing for anything. Their season will be wrapped up and finished and playing for nothing. We will still be battling for a place in Europe whether it’s Champions League or Europa League. 3 points are expected but Stoke will make it very tricky at The Brittania.
Out of 24 remaining points we should gather 16 which gives a total of 70 points.
United are on 59 points. Their remaining fixtures are:
Man Utd v Aston Villa – At home to Aston Villa. A team fighting for their top flight status. United not in great form but are scraping results out. A home win, 3points
Man Utd v Man City – City Will either be fighting for the league still or trying to stay above their neighbours in the league. City’s class to shine through. United pick up no points
Chelsea v Man Utd – Chelsea at Stamford Bridge will be too strong and their defence positioning will shut United out. No points again for United
Everton v Man Utd – Everton’s recent form at home has been one of the reasons they are 9 points above the relegation zone. A draw for this game.
Man Utd v West Brom – United’s pace down the wings will be too much for West Brom and the constant pressure and bombardment of crosses will be too much .I expect Fellaini to make a major impact in this game. 3 home points.
Crystal Palace v Man Utd – Could we rely on Palace for a favour? Palace don’t do favours intentionally but they do play with a lot of heart and for pride. A hard fought draw. A point for each.
Man Utd v Arsenal – This could be Arsenal’s time to cement their position above United. Last season United fans could point the finger at Moyes management. This season they’ve splashed out over £150million and have a better manager. Their defence is still suspect and up against Sanchez, Ozil, Walcott and Welback I see 3 points going back to the Emirates.
Hull v Man Utd – If Hull are safe then 3 points go to United. If they are still battling amongst relegation they’ll make it tricky but I would imagine a draw.Given Hull’s fixtures I expect they’ll be fighting it out with Burnley to the final game so a draw.
The above give United an extra 9 points from the last 8 and their total would be 68 points.
Arsenal are on 60 points with the following games:
Arsenal v Liverpool – Arsenal have plenty of fit strikers. Liverpool don’t have a fit and firing striker. That’ll be the difference. 3 points to Arsenal
Burnley v Arsenal – Burnley still fighting fr their lives and do play well at home but unless Arsenal suffer a major injury crisis another 3 points for the Gunners.
Arsenal v Chelsea – Arsenal often struggle against the bigger teams. Chelsea this season are stronger than they have been for a few years. Chelsea will once again come out on top.
Hull v Arsenal – Hull could be the banana skin no one saw coming. They will be riding their luck alot in this game but it’s possible they could get a draw.
Arsenal v Swansea – Another home game for Arsenal another 3 points.
Man Utd v Arsenal – Arsenal’s interchanging slick passing front line against a poor United defence. Gunners to get 3 points from Old Trafford.
Arsenal v Sunderland – Sunderland could be right in the thick of the drop zone with 2 games to play. They’re currently treading water but Arsenal will have too much for them. Another 3 home points.
Arsenal v West Brom – Last game of the season. West Brom will be safe by then. Arsenal will close the season out with a training game style 3 points.
Arsenal will gain 19 points from 24 points. That will put them on 79 points.
Verdict: So if all pans out United will finish outside of the major places for the 2nd season running. Wenger will have done what Wenger does best, gets Arsenal to fourth and then celebrates like he’s won the league.
Liverpool will have performed a minor miracle by turning it around after losing to United a couple of weeks ago.
