EPL top four race heats up this weekend

BY ERIC NJIRU

I have just received the unfortunate news that Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson could miss the rest of the season as well as placing his hopes of a place in the Euros at risk.

This is another blow to Jurgen Klopp but another chance for other teams to capitalize on Liverpool’s injuries coming every week.

As it stands, only Man City, we can say, are assured of a place in the top by virtue of being clear title favourites.

I expect an extra-ordinary demanding race for a place in the top that will go down to the wire, not just the final day but the final minute of matchday 38.

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Up to 11 teams are hopeful of a top-four finish to secure UEFA Champions League football next season. Manchester United sitting second on 49 points, West Ham fourth on 45 and Wolves on 12th on 33 feel they all have a chance.

I have a few reasons why I feel this is the most open top-four race ever. Traditionally, we expected City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Man United to fight for the top 4 but Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham have fallen behind more than we thought.

To start with, consistency will play a major role. No one, those fighting for the top four, seems to be consistent. A team like Leeds will impress for two weeks then fall down again. We had Southampton lead the log a few months down the line before losing six consecutive matches.

Injuries will favour some and definitely hurt others. Liverpool fans will feel were it not for injuries they would be challenging Man City but 18 centre-back pairings later missing the top four has crossed their mind.

The uniqueness of the season presents a unique chance to outsiders like West Ham, Leicester and Aston Villa to have a shot at the top four. Fixtures are coming thick and fast especially for teams playing in Europe thus being disadvantaged when it comes to resting and recovery. The Hammers, Foxes and Villa play only over the weekend, unlike their rivals who have to play on Wednesday then on Saturday in the Premier League that failed to approve the five-substitute rule.

With just 13 matches to go, there is no room for mistakes. Every point going forward will determine where your team will finish come May.

Missing Champions League is unthinkable to clubs like Chelsea and Liverpool while the fifth season outside Europe’s prestigious club competition will leave Mikel Arteta with more questions than answers.

Gameweek 26 kicks off with David Moyes heading to Etihad in what is one of the biggest tests to West Ham’s amazing season. You should look forward to matches between Leeds and Aston Villa, Leicester vs Arsenal and obviously United vs Chelsea.

Enjoy the Premier League.

Eric Njiru is a Premier League football presenter and long time Liverpool fan. Reach him on [email protected] 

PREMIER LEAGUE - Round 26

Saturday

15.30 Manchester City - West Ham

18.00 West Bromwich Albion - Brighton

20.30 Leeds - Aston Villa

23.00 Newcastle - Wolverhampton

Sunday

15.00 Leicester - Arsenal

15.00 Crystal Palace - Fulham

17.00 Tottenham - Burnley

19.30 Chelsea - Manchester United

22.15 Sheffield United - Liverpool

Monday

23.00 Everton - Southampton