Which Teams Could Still Make a Top Six Finish in the Premier League?
“Premier League” (CC BY 2.0) by Chingster23
When the Premier League resumes, there are several teams in with a shout of a top six finish. Finishing in these places guarantees European football for next season.While runaway leaders Liverpool have absolutely no worries about qualifying for continental competitions and closest challengers Manchester City’s participation hinges on a successful appeal in the Court of Arbitration for Sport, just six points separate fifth from eleventh in the table.
With Leicester City and Chelsea in the driving seat for Champions League qualification, that leaves plenty in with chances of the top six. Manchester United, buoyed by the recent extension of Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo’s loan spell from China, occupy fifth place three points behind Chelsea. They are odds-on for the top six and 7/4 to break back into the top four under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Like the Red Devils, Wolves are qualified for Europa League football this season and, despite a small squad in the West Midlands, there are 6/5 for the top six again.
Only champions-elect Liverpool boast a better defensive record in the division than Sheffield United, meanwhile. After defying all expectations under Chris Wilder, the Blades are 5/2 chances with 888Sport, where free football betting tips are on offer, to cap a truly memorable couple of years with a top six finish and bringing European football to Bramall Lane.
North London duo Tottenham and Arsenal have more resources at their disposal, so could easily make up small deficits on the teams occupying European places. Spurs have key striker duo Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min to come back from injury and military service in South Korea respectively.
That is why Jose Mourinho’s men are 2/1 chances to break back into the top six. Like the Blades, Arsenal have a game in hand on the sides in the mix but won the fewest matches of any of the current top 12.
If the Gunners are to justify odds of 9/4 for the top six, then Mikel Arteta must mastermind more victories. Among the outsiders to make it into Europe are Everton, who made a high-profile managerial appointment in Carlo Ancelotti during the season.
“Carlo Ancelotti” (CC BY 2.0) by Doha Stadium Plus
Steering the Toffees into the top six from twelfth will be some achievement for the Italian who has been the boss AC Milan, PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in a stellar coaching career. The fact that Everton are a shorter price to make the top six than Burnley or Crystal Palace reflects the manager and deeper roster at Goodison Park.
Sean Dyche has got Burnley into Europe before, but the Clarets came seventh in 2017-18. Finishing a place higher on the tight budget that the team from Turf Moor operate would be an incredible feat, but odds of 66/1 reflect their chances.
The 15/8 about Burnley recording a top 10 finish again are probably nearer the mark. Crystal Palace are the same price as Burnley for the top six but have scored just 26 Premier League goals for Roy Hodgson this season. More is needed in this department, and that’s why it is 2/1 for the Eagles to sneak into a top 10 place.