Premier League's Top-Four Battle Could Go the Distance
The battle for UEFA Champions League places in this season’s Premier League will no doubt be fascinating. With Chelsea and Liverpool stumbling, the top four could look very different this season. Finishing in the Champions League positions for the top clubs is more vital than ever these days, and this year’s race could go to the wire.
Arsenal & Man City Look Nailed On
In terms of the 2022-23 Premier League title battle, it looks likely to be a two-horse race between Arsenal and Manchester City. For those who like placing Premier League bets, the Gunners are the slight title favourites at 8/13 to win their first championship since 2004. As for reigning champions Man City, they are available at 17/10.
He knows exactly what we need https://t.co/031a5wN96D pic.twitter.com/lyxlUOO3JE
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 9, 2023
Arsenal and Man City look nailed on to take the top two places, leaving just two more 2023-24 Champions League spots up for grabs. Newcastle United are having a sensational season under Eddie Howe and are priced at 4/6 to finish in the top four. Erik ten Hag is having a fine first year at Manchester United, and the Red Devils are available at just 2/9 to secure a top-four finish. Those two clubs along with Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur (8/5) are battling away for a top-four place.
Will There Be a Top-Four Surprise?
Before a ball was kicked, Liverpool and Chelsea were title contenders. However, both clubs have had seasons to forget up until now. Jurgen Klopp’s Reds have failed to recover from a slow start and find themselves languishing in mid-table.
Chelsea have also struggled this season. The popular Thomas Tuchel was sacked in September after a European defeat, with Graham Potter taking over shortly after. Despite making a strong start to life at Stamford Bridge, Potter has had a tough few months, and the Blues are also in mid-table.
The likes of Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford and Fulham are looking to capitalise on Liverpool and Chelsea’s misfortunes. All three are top-four outsiders, but could one of the clubs gate-crash the Champions League party come the end of the season?
Leapfrogging the likes of Newcastle and Man United will be tough, but the three teams possess tremendous fighting spirit and will not give up until the very last whistle. The priority for the trio will be the top six, with UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League places looking a real possibility. Securing a European spot would be priceless for any of those clubs as the financial benefits are huge.
Saturday pic.twitter.com/ShD3XI0PkC
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) February 9, 2023
The last few months of the 2022-23 Premier League are set to be thrilling. The title battle will be fascinating, as Arsenal look to end their long wait to get their hands on the trophy by beating current champions Man City to the line.
Newcastle are well ahead of schedule, while Man City are going great guns under ten Hag. As Chelsea and Liverpool waver, the likes of Brighton, Brentford and Fulham prosper. The battle for Premier League survival also promises to be as entertaining as ever in England’s top tier.
The Champions League is where every top side wants to be, but which four English clubs will hold their nerve and book their spots in UEFA’s elite club competition next season?
