The race for the final Champions League spot now concerns just two teams and it promises to be a thrilling final week of the Premier League season.
Chelsea’s 2-1 win at Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime confirmed their participation in Europe’s premier club competition next term, they join the two Manchester clubs, and now it is a straight fight between a pair or bitter rivals for the remaining place.
Tottenham and Arsenal have kept their form reasonably well as the campaign has neared its climax and it is still too close to call as to which of the two will prevail.
Spurs’ 2-1 victory over Stoke on Sunday has turned up the heat on their near neighbours however and I think they marginally have the edge entering the home straight.
Emanuel Adebayor’s late winner took Andre Villas-Boas’s men two points clear of the Gunners, who have their game in hand against FA Cup winners Wigan on Tuesday night, and we a guaranteed a final day shootout whatever happens at The Emirates in midweek.
A victory for Arsenal would give them the advantage but the Latics will be full of confidence following their memorable Wembley triumph and must also collect maximum points themselves to avoid relegation.
It will be no easy task for Arsene Wenger’s side but, should they manage three points, a trip to St James’s Park to play Newcastle on Sunday still awaits.
With Spurs hosting Sunderland on Sunday there is no doubt AVB and his players face the easier final assignment and I am expecting Arsenal to drop points in either of their two remaining fixtures.
That means that the 2.10 about Tottenham piping their great rivals to fourth spot appeals and it is sure to be a dramatic week ahead.
2pts Back Tottenham To Finish Fourth in Premier League @ 2.10 (various)