So the end of the season is nearing. Every game now is huge and impacts the Title Race, the Race for the Top 4 and the Relegation Zone. There are a bunch of story lines developing. Chelsea had the chance to seize a Top 4 spot over the last 3 weeks. All winnable games and 9 points would have placed them in a great spot. A Win-Loss-Draw and only 4 points secured leaves them in 6th but only a point behind. Tottenham was almost a lock 5 weeks ago, with clear separation to 4-5-6th places. They have not won in 5 weeks and had back to back 2-1 losses. They have slipped to 4th and are in bad form right now. Manchester United surged from 7th to 4th over the past 6 weeks and were in a great spot….so what did they do today….they lose 2-1 to the Wolverhampton Wolves and now are at risk of missing Top 4. Arsenal was clinging to 6th last month but has been the best of the teams fighting for 3rd, back to back wins have moved them past Tottenham into 3rd. They are in form and playing well. Can they hold that form for 6 more weeks.
Let’s recap the winners from Week 32 in the race for the Title and Top 4 position.
Manchester City 2-0 over Fulham.
Liverpool with a huge 2-1 win over Tottenham.
Manchester United 2-1 over Watford.
Arsenal 2-0 victory over Newcastle.
Chelsea 2-1 over Cardiff City.
Lets take a closer look at the top game of the week, Liverpool v. Tottenham.
Race for the Title & Champions League Top 4
Win-Loss-Tie
1- Liverpool 24-1-7 79 Points. 32 Games
2- Manchester City 25-4-2. 77 Points. 31 Games
3-Arsenal 19-6-6 63 Points. 31 Games
4- Tottenham 20-10-1 61 Points. No wins their last 5 games! 31 games.
5-Manchester United 18-7-7 61 Points. 32 games
6-Chelsea 18-6-7 60 Points. 31 Games
Wolves, Watford, Leicester City and Everton round out the Top 10.
Relegation Zone
There are now no teams within 3 points of the 18th position and fighting to stay up. Southampton, Brighton and Burnley sit just outside the 18th spot at 33 points and are well clear of the relegation zone. Two teams are now officially relegated and will return to the Championship league next year. The new bottom three:
18. Cardiff City 8-19-4. 28 Points. Still have a chance but need to make up 6 points on the 17th spot.
19. Fulham 4-24-5. 17 Points. RELEGATED
20. Huddersfield 3-24-5. 14 Points. RELEGATED
Cardiff City will need a small miracle, at minimum 2 wins but probably 3 and a team above them to just fall apart.
Match Week 33 Preview
Game of the Week. #10 Everton vs. #3 Arsenal. A big game for Arsenal. Major implications. Can Arsenal keep their form and lock down the #3 spot. A loss really tightens up the race for Top 4.
Get ready for an exciting finish to the season. 5-6 games to go. Every game is huge!!!!