United Firmly Back in Race for Top Four
Following the departure of Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford, Manchester United have closed the 11-point gap to the top four down to just three points, with many now backing the Red Devils to finish ahead of the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal come the end of the campaign. With a top four finish guaranteeing qualification for the UEFA Champions League, the next few months are hugely important for clubs at the top of the Premier League standings, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United travel to North London in order to take on Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday evening.
United are now offered odds of just 11/8 with bookmaker Ladbrokes to finish inside the top four, with Solskjaer’s side having now won their last seven matches in all competitions. The form of Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba has been a positive for the x20 Premier League champions, two players who struggled under the guidance of former boss Mourinho.
Chelsea Under Pressure Following Defeat at Arsenal
Elsewhere, having lost to Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium over the weekend, problems are seemingly mounting for Maurizio Sarri’s men, who are close to completing the signing of Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain. Despite having made a fine start to the season under their new manager, the reports mounting surrounding unhappiness over training sessions and the lack of rest before matches. However, Chelsea remain 2/5 with William Hill to secure their place in the top four come the end of the campaign.
Time for Emery to Show his Worth
Arsenal have certainly let United back into things with their recent results, despite their 2-0 win over London rivals Chelsea having demonstrated what they are capable of on their day. The Gunners have lost two of their last five Premier League matches, coming against Liverpool and West Ham, with their defensive frailties only likely to be magnetised following the news that Hector Bellerin is likely to miss the remainder of the season due to injury.
Could Kane Injury Lead to Spurs Slip
A last-gasp goal from Harry Winks helped Spurs secure an important win against Fulham at Craven Cottage over the weekend, however Mauricio Pochettino’s side were certainly not as threating in the absence of England skipper Harry Kane. The forward has been ruled out until March due to injury, meaning that bookmakers are still unsure of their ability to finish inside the top four. In fact, bookmaker Betfair offers Spurs odds of just 2/9 to qualify for the Champions League, despite currently sitting 7 points clear of United at present.