oddschecker look at the latest odds in the race for the Champions League via the Premier League top 4, which looks increasingly likely to elude Manchester United.
A pipe dream for Manchester United?
It is a crazy scenario where there is a Champions League season without Mr Champions League himself (Cristiano Ronaldo) in it. It’s a scenario that is becoming increasingly likely as Man Utd continue to lose ground in the battle for the top 4.
Their draw to Leicester at the weekend saw them fall even further off the pace. Arsenal travel to Crystal Palace tonight and Spurs dispatched Newcastle with ease yesterday. This leaves Rangnick’s men in somewhat of a sticky spot; they must now win almost every game if they are to stand any chance of clinching 4th place and that most sought after final Champions League spot.
United have now drifted out to 14/1 with some bookies and for good reason. They were lucky to come away with a point against Leicester and with Arsenal and Chelsea to come the door to the Champions League could be slamming shut for the Red Devils.
Arsenal all guns blazing for final Champions League slot
The international break probably came at the wrong time for Mikel Arteta’s side, but they will be hoping to pick up where they left off at Crystal Palace on the Monday Night Football.
They put in a strong performance away to Gerrard’s Aston Villa and they looked worlds away from previous Arsenal sides that would routinely make simple defensive errors. They were both organised in defence and swift in attack.
Out of everyone chasing the Top 4 they do seem the most likely. There are big games still to come for them but with the way they are playing you’d be a fool to bet against them. If you fancy Arsenal to get over the line you can back them at best odds of 11/17.
Chelsea not over the line yet
Chelsea suffered a shock defeat to Brentford at the weekend in a timely reminder to many fans that they’re not yet over the line in terms of qualification for next season’s Champions League.
Question marks will remain over their focus on the league as they’re still in contention for the Champions League and the FA Cup. This could certainly affect them as we get down to the business end of the season. They’re still odds on to finish in the top 4 but we could see some movement should they drop more points in the coming weeks.
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Who else is in the running?
Tottenham are at best odds of 31/18 and Conte’s men looked in scintillating form against Newcastle at the weekend. They do still have the North London derby to come as well as a match against title-chasers Liverpool but suddenly look more than capable. For a longer shot, I think they present decent value in the market. West Ham are next up (66/1) closely followed by Aston Villa (94/1).
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Chelsea | 1/12 |
| Arsenal | 11/17 |
| Tottenham | 31/18 |
| Man Utd | 14/1 |
| West Ham | 66/1 |
| Aston Villa | 94/1 |
