The English Premier League enters its final months, and there are at least seven teams fighting for the top-four spots, which give access to the UEFA Champions League next season. With Chelsea's elevated chances of winning another championship under Jose Mourinho, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham and even Southampton will make the top-four race one of the most competitive in the history of the English tournament. Let's have a look at their upcoming games and determine which sides will end this season in the first places.
English Premier League standings after 31 games
Chelsea: A game in hand might be the key to another title
Jose Mourinho's men have put together a very consistent season. The Blues will try to make it a two-title season after their Capital One Cup victory over Tottenham, and they will surely try to build upon their strength as hosts to make it happen. Losing only one EPL game in 2015, Mourinho's crew will have to play their best against Manchester United (April 18th), Arsenal (April 26th) and Liverpool (May 10th), hosting the Red Devils and Brendan Rodgers' team. If they can manage to win those nine points, they will surely take Manchester City's place as Premier League champions.
Chelsea's upcoming matches, including their game in hand against Leicester.
Arsenal: The team's current form will be tested by The Blues and Manchester United
Perhaps the best team in the Premier League in 2015 Arsenal is staging a major comeback this season, after being doubted by fans and media for quite some time. The Gunners have only lost two Premier League games this year, and their chances of beating Chelsea to the EPL title will rely heavily on what they can do in their upcoming match. Is Arsenal really a contender? Can they silence all of their critics by finally finishing in the top of the table? Their game against the Blues and their clash against Manchester United(May 17th) may give us the answer.
Le Proffeseur and his men have won their most recent seven games, keeping a clean sheet twice. Here's how their calendar looks like.
Manchester United: Will Van Gaal's words about his team's chances come true?
After one of the most disappointing seasons in the team's history, Louis Van Gaal has struggled at times to make his team one of the most consistent, losing games against Leicester and both matches of this season against Swansea. But their current form, Wayne Rooney's performance and the possible return of Robin Van Persie might provide the Red Devils the necessary boost to finish in Champions League spots. Their schedule tells us that the most dangerous games should be the Manchester derby this weekend, along their visit to Stamford Bridge and the clash against the Gunners. But to be honest, it seems that United will have to pay more attention when they meet against teams on the lower side of the table, which have been proven to be rather complicated for them to beat.
Man United's remaining games
Manchester City: Their 2015 form may end up costing Manuel Pellegrini his job
The current Premier League champions have virtually no chance of winning back-to-back titles under Manuel Pellegrini. Their top players, such as Sergio Aguero, are currently going through a slump which has endangered their presence in next season's Champions League, while putting their coach under serious pressure. Their recent losses against Burnley and Crystal Palace confirm the team is not going through the best of times, and their clashes against Manchester United and Tottenham(May 3rd) could be their fina chance to secure a place in the European tournament next season. Despite their heavy investment, will the Sky Blues keep Manuel Pellegrini as coach if they end this year without any silverware and out of Champions League spots?
The Citizens need to bounce back during this last games. Will they be able to?
Liverpool: After losing their unbeaten streak, will they be able to bounce back?
It seems that, out of the seven teams fighting for a top-four finish, Liverpool's calendar is the easiest. Considering they lost their pace after their meeting against Manchester United, the Reds might take advantage of playing against such teams as Hull(April 18th), WBA(April 25th) and QPR(May 2). While the other top-four contenders will have to face each other, Liverpool might bounce back if the other clubs leave points behind.
Rodgers and his team appear to have a suitable calendar up ahead.
Tottenham: Can the "Harry Kane effect" take them to a top four finish?
Currently placed sixth, Spurs will have to take on Southampton and Manchester City one after the other, with the clear intention of taking all six points in those meetings. Harry Kane's form, which led Roy Hodgson to call him up for his National Team debut, could be the key to their success, since he is currently tied with Diego Costa as the Premier League's top scorer. If Kane can keep up his good work, maybe Tottenham could improve their chances of bagging a Champions League spot.
Tottenham's next games seem to be quite comfortable, but can they revert the Citizens' seven-point advantage over them?
Southampton: Can Koeman cap their fantastic season with a Champions League berth?
Even after losing three of their last six matches, the Saints season has been one of the biggest surprises of the year. Coach Ronald Koeman has managed to keep his side in contention, and maybe their final games could give fans one of the greates stories of all time. If they want to improve their chances of European football next season, a win against Tottenham and Manchester City on the final day of the season could come in handy for the Dutch coach and his men. Will they be able to climb spots, or will their season end up like one of the good stories of the year which failed to come true?
The Saints' upcoming fixtures could benefit their chances of a top-four finish
Considering their final games of the season, will there be any surprises? Or do you believe the top four will remain as they are right now?
