Premier League top 4 prediction: How Arsenal can sacrifice Premier league for Europa league crown amid top four tussle.
The North-London club is at the 5th spot of the current Premier league table and are 2 points behind their city rivals Chelsea. Moreover, their arch rivals Manchester United are only 1 point behind them. Therefore, the race for the 4th spot is more intense than it was ever this season.
However, Arsenal’s last night home victory against Valencia makes them closer to the Champions league qualification, as they are only one match close to the Europa league finale with a 2-goal advantage.
Hence, they can risk sacrificing the competition with their domestic rivals in the league. Instead they can focus on winning the European silverware and prevent being trophyless this season. Which would make Unai Emery’s debut season look more successful than just finishing in the top 4 of the league.
Although, the task for Gunners is not easy, as Chelsea secured an away goal advantage for the return leg at their home ground in the other semi-final tie of Europa league against Frankfurt. Therefore, Arsenal over here need to take a calculated step in order to safeguard their Champions league qualification.
Premier League top 4 chances: Can Arsenal be in top 4?
With two league matches remaining this season Arsenal has a chance to secure a top 4 spot if they win both the matches and Chelsea lose one of the two remaining games or draw a game with less goal difference in comparison to Arsenal.
List of teams Arsenal and Chelsea will play in the remaining matchdays:
Arsenal:
- Brighton (H)- May 5
Arsenal have lost none of their seven previous home games with Brighton in all competitions, which brings Gunners at an advantage. However, Brighton also has to avoid the relegation as they are only 4 points away from the final three. It will be an intense match with both the teams looking to fulfill their purposes but Arsenal will probably manage earning three points with a 2-1 victory at Emirates.
- Burnley (A)- May 12
In all previous encounters since 2014, Arsenal have won all matches against Burnley. Therefore, Arsenal will probably secure 3 points by a small margin away victory of 1-0.
Chelsea
- Watford (H)- May 5
Chelsea are unbeaten in 11 home matches against Watford in all competitions. So, Chelsea will probably give all to earn a 3-1 victory against Watford.
- Leicester (A)- May-12
Leicester away will be a tough tie for Chelsea and Jamie Vardy being in a good form will surely trouble Chelsea. Hence, Chelsea might struggle and would end up getting a 1-1 draw at King power stadium.
Interestingly, both the London clubs will play their matches on same time on 5th may and probably top four race could end on that day itself, if any of the side achieves negative result.
Whereas, Manchester United are also battling for the 4th spot with 65 points on the table and would require Arsenal to drop points. Meanwhile, Tottenham are at a significant advantage and need to win only one game out of the two remaining matchdays to be in the top 4.
Therefore, Arsenal who are amid such intensive tussle for a top 4 berth can opt for focusing at Europa League triumph as their 3-1 thrashing against Valencia puts them in an advantage to reach the finale of the tournament.
Overall top 4 prediction:
Meanwhile, Manchester City and Liverpool are competing for the title and have secured their qualification for champions league. The next two spots are uncertain but we are giving our prediction for the final top 4.
- Manchester City
- Liverpool
- Chelsea
- Arsenal
How twitter reacted to Arsenal Europa League victory last night:
What’s next?
Arsenal needs to secure a victory against Brighton at Emirates stadium in order to remain in the top 4 race.
