Premier League Top Four: Arsenal and Newcastle United biggest winners of insane April/May schedule
As the Premier League season nears its end, every team has around 10-13 games left, and the remaining matches are expected to be full of surprises and changes in position.
The league title is up for grabs between Arsenal and Manchester City, and there are five or six teams competing for the remaining two spots in the top four.
Based on our analysis, we predict the top four to be as follows at the end of the season: (provide the predicted top four teams).
4) Manchester United
Manchester United’s hopes of winning the Premier League title are now out of reach, as they currently sit 19 points behind leaders Arsenal, although they have two games in hand.
Their recent performances have been disappointing, including a humiliating 7-0 loss to rivals Liverpool and a 0-0 draw at home to bottom-of-the-table Southampton, which saw Casemiro receive a red card and a subsequent four-match ban.
They are currently in fourth place, just three points above fifth-placed Newcastle United, and their place in the top four is not guaranteed.
Manchester United still have a chance to qualify for the Champions League through the Europa League and FA Cup, but their busy fixture schedule could have an impact on their league results.
Despite recent struggles, they are expected to secure a top-four finish, as Tottenham Hotspur have been in poor form since Antonio Conte’s press conference.
Liverpool are currently eight points behind Manchester United and face a tough run of fixtures, making it unlikely for them to break into the top four. Brighton & Hove Albion are also in contention for a European spot, but their lack of experience at this level may work against them.
3) Newcastle United
Newcastle, led by Eddie Howe, are having a fantastic season and have surpassed many people’s expectations.
They are currently in fifth place, just two points behind Tottenham who are in fourth place, but Newcastle have two games in hand. Their solid defence has been the key to their success this season, having conceded only 19 goals in 26 games, the best record in the league.
They have conceded six fewer goals than Manchester City, who have the second-best defensive record with 25 goals against. The return of Alexander Isak from injury earlier this month has been a significant boost to the team, with the Swedish striker scoring three goals in three games.
Isak could play a crucial role in Newcastle’s push for a top-four finish. As they are not participating in any European competitions and are out of the FA Cup, Newcastle can focus solely on their top-four charge.
Therefore, it is possible for Newcastle to secure a place in the top four and potentially even surpass Manchester United to claim third place.
2) Manchester City
Erling Braut Haaland, Man City’s summer signing, has contributed significantly to the team’s impressive goal tally of 67 this season, making them the highest scorers in the league. With 28 league goals already, he is just six goals away from equalling the record for most goals scored in a single Premier League season.
However, despite their impressive scoring record, Man City are currently eight points behind Arsenal in the race for the title. To have any chance of winning the league, they must beat Arsenal in their upcoming match at the Etihad Stadium on April 26.
Man City’s involvement in the FA Cup and Champions League may also impact their chances of winning the Premier League, as they have at least 14 more games to play in all competitions compared to Arsenal’s 10.
Guardiola’s desire to win the Champions League, which he has not yet achieved during his time at Man City, may also influence his priorities as the season progresses.
Considering the points gap and City’s more challenging schedule, it seems unlikely that they will be able to close the gap on Arsenal and win the league this season.
1) Arsenal
Arsenal faced a significant challenge to their title aspirations following their 3-1 defeat to Man City last month. However, they have responded impressively by winning their last six games in a row.
Currently, Arsenal is eight points ahead of City, but they have played an additional game. They are now the favourites to win the title according to bookmakers.
With their recent elimination from the Europa League, Mikel Arteta’s team can now focus entirely on their title charge. Moreover, the return from injury of summer signing Gabriel Jesus could be crucial in their final ten games.
Arsenal’s lead over City, a less challenging schedule than their rivals, and the return of Jesus make it likely that they will win their first Premier League title since 2004.
Premier League Top Four: Arsenal and Newcastle United biggest winners of insane April/May schedule
