Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham battle for Champions League spots… but who has the hardest run in?

THE race for the top four in the Premier League has never been hotter.

Manchester City and Liverpool are fighting it out for the title, with Pep Guardiola’s side just about holding the aces.

Spurs produced a statement win against Newcastle on SundayCredit: Getty

But in the race for the Champions League places, Chelsea have seen their title challenge wilt and now face a battle to finish inside the top four.

With just two months left in the season, there are FIVE teams fighting for third and fourth.

But who will claim them?

SunSport takes a look at the run-ins for Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham and Manchester United.

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CHELSEA

Current position: 3rd

Games played: 30

Points: 59

Remaining fixtures: Southampton (A), Arsenal (H), West Ham (H), Everton (A), Wolves (H), Man Utd (A), Watford (H), Leeds (A)*

*Date to be confirmed

Chelsea were thrashed by Brentford at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty

It’s been a difficult time for Chelsea off the pitch and now they are starting to feel the pressure on the field too.

A humiliating thrashing at home to Brentford was a major warning sign for Thomas Tuchel and his players.

They now need to be on high alert to ensure they are not caught by the top four chasers behind.

A defeat to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge later this month could well prove damning – with a trip to Old Trafford also still yet to come.

ARSENAL

Current position: 5th

Games played: 28

Points: 54

Remaining fixtures: Crystal Palace (a), Brighton (h), Southampton (a), Chelsea (a), Man Utd (h), West Ham (a), Leeds (h), Newcastle (a), Everton (h), Spurs (a)*

*Date to be confirmed

Arsenal appear to be in the driving seat to finish in the top four this seasonCredit: AP

The Gunners are in the driving seat ahead of their North London rivals Tottenham, currently sitting fourth, enjoying a great run of form and holding at least a game in hand over the rest of the clubs.

Mikel Arteta’s side continued their fine form with a win over Aston Villa before the international break and travel to Crystal Palace on Monday night.

In fact, if they keep up their run – led by their brilliant young stars, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard – they may even Chelsea in third.

The Gunners have a tricky run-in but still play all the teams around them, though only Manchester United visit the Emirates, and have no European distractions.

Despite that though, Arsenal still have their destiny firmly in their own grasp.

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TOTTENHAM

Current position: 4th

Games played: 30

Points: 54

Remaining fixtures: Aston Villa (a), Brighton (h), Brentford (a), Leicester (h), Liverpool (a), Burnley (h), Norwich (a), Arsenal (h)*

*Date to be confirmed

Tottenham have been on a great run of late themselvesCredit: AP

After an inconsistent period, Tottenham’s 5-1 thrashing of Newcastle was their third successive Premier League win in a row.

When Spurs bother to turn up they can beat any team in the division and they still boast arguably the best striker in Europe in Harry Kane.

Then again, they are equally capable of losing to any team in the division.

Tottenham still have to face Arsenal and Liverpool, but aside from that their run-in is quite favourable.

If they can finally find some ore consistency they are more than capable of beating the others to finish in a Champions League spot.

WEST HAM

Current position: 6th

Games played: 31

Points: 51

Remaining fixtures: Brentford (a), Burnley (h), Chelsea (a), Arsenal (h), Norwich (a), Man City (h), Brighton (a)

Michail Antonio and West Ham have a mountain to climb in the race for the top fourCredit: Getty

West Ham face a difficult task if they are to finish in the top four.

They are currently just three points off a Champions League place but have played more games than all their rivals – including three more than Arsenal.

A win against Everton will keep those slim hopes alive, but West Ham are also facing further fixtures because of the Europa League.

And while fans and the club are looking forward to their trip to Lyon and dreaming of more European adventures, their extra games do them no favours in the race for fourth.

MAN UTD

Current position: 7th

Games played: 30

Points: 51

Remaining fixtures: Everton (a), Norwich (a), Liverpool (a), Arsenal (a), Brentford (h), Brighton (a), Chelsea (h), Crystal Palace (a)

Ralf Rangnick’s side have slipped down the tableCredit: AP

Where to start with Manchester United?

Another turgid performance at home to Leicester saw them drop two more points in the race to finish in the top four.

Their hopes of a Champions League place appear to be slipping away and their run-in is arguably the toughest of them all.

Trips to Liverpool and Arsenal along with a home game against Chelsea.

They may already be out of the running.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham battle for Champions League spots… but who has the hardest run in?

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