Former Tottenham Hotspur manager, Tim Sherwood, has revealed his Premier League top-four prediction for the ongoing campaign, as Liverpool and Arsenal jostle for the title while several teams eye Champions League positions.
Sherwood expects Arne Slot’s side to be the team to end Manchester City’s recent dominance in the English top-flight and he predicted how the rest of the top-four places will finish.
“I think at this stage you would be mad to say Liverpool won’t win the Premier League,” Sherwood told Metro via Discasino. “They’ve got the experience across the team and they’ve got world-class players in every position. Liverpool are uncatchable for me.”
Liverpool are in the driving seat in the title race, moving six points clear of nearest rival Arsenal at the moment, with 17 matches to go for the Reds who have a game in hand on their nearest rivals.
“It’s a dogfight for the rest of the positions but I think Arsenal will find a rhythm and be tough to catch for some of the other teams that are looking at that top-four,” Sherwood continued. “They had that sticky patch – exiting the FA Cup and they have a mountain to climb in the League Cup – and I don’t think they can win the league. But it’s not a write-off season for Arsenal.”
Defending champions Manchester City have dropped off after a terrible run of form in October and November, finding themselves 12 points off top spot and two points off a top-four spot.
“My other two are Man City and Chelsea. I think City will put a run together,” Sherwood said. “I wouldn’t say they’re back to what we knew they were but once they get a few results, we know the calibre of players they have and we know how well they finish seasons.”
He reckons City are out of contention for the league. “They can’t win the league but I think they’ll finish well and push Arsenal for second. I even think they’re capable of winning the Champions League.”
He also shared his thoughts on other teams. “Newcastle are having such a good run and Nottingham Forest have done so well but I think Chelsea might just pip it (the final top-four spot),” he said. “I think Forest will just drop out. Nuno Espirito Santo has done an amazing job and they’re such a well-drilled and organised team with a great counter-attack.”
In the end, he feels Chelsea will pip Forest to a top-four finish. “But I think Chelsea will get it. Enzo Maresca has turned them around despite this little blip,” Sherwood said. “They weren’t ready to challenge for the title but they’re certainly making strides forward and I think they will get fourth, just.”
Tim Sherwood’s top-four prediction:
Liverpool
Arsenal
Manchester City
Chelsea