BRIMA

#8 Southampton

southampton

There was a cloud of uncertainty over the future of Mauricio Pochettino after executive chairman Nicola Cortese departed the club in January, but that uncertainty has disappeared for now, as Southampton continues to impress in the Premier League. Many of the stronger clubs in the Premier division may make it difficult for Southampton to reach much higher than 8th, but this is nonetheless an extremely respectable position for a club that has drawn many plaudits since returning to the top flight last season.

#7 Everton

Everton

Everton have been very impressive this season under the new stewardship of Roberto Martinez, but have dropped slightly down the Premier League form table in recent times. The team’s resilience has been demonstrated by the fact that they have only lost 4 Premier League games all season, but the number of draws they have could derail their bid for Champions League football. Nevertheless, Europa League football is a very realistic expectation for the club, and it would be a step in the right direction under their new management. 

#6 Tottenham

tottenham

Tottenham have certainly been impressive since Tim Sherwood took over after Andre Villas-Boas’ sacking in December, and have exceeded expectation in the period since. They are only 3 points off of 4th place, but have ridden their luck with a number of narrow victories. They have an inferior goal-difference to 4th placed Liverpool, with a massive 30 goals less than the Merseyside club. Their luck could run out, and the lack of goals the team have managed to score over the course of the campaign is likely to derail the efforts for Champions League football.

#5 Manchester United

manchester united

Man United have endured a miserable season so far and are currently 7th in the Premier League, and 10th in the form table. They are 11 points off of 4th placed Liverpool, 3 behind 6th placed Everton, and 8 behind 5th placed Tottenham. Now with Juan Mata, and a fit duo of Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney, the club could feasibly overtake a few of the clubs above them to reach 5th with a late push. However, Liverpool’s impressive form and deadly goal-scoring means that 4th place is likely to be a bridge too far for David Moyes’ men this season. 

#4 Arsenal

arsenal

With only 4 points separating 4th and 1st place in the Premier League, it is anybody’s guess which order the top 4 will finish in. Arsenal have managed a sustained title push all season but have a tough run of fixtures that could make or break their season. With key players like Ozil and Olivier Giroud showing signs of fatigue at this stage of the season, the title may be out of reach for them. With Liverpool also hot on their heels it could mean that they are overhauled and end up in 4th place.

#3 Liverpool

liverpool

It is safe to say that Liverpool have surpassed expectation this season under Brendan Rodgers. His players have brushed aside Everton, Tottenham and Arsenal in deadly displays and have scored for fun throughout the campaign. Their ruthless attacking football means that a place in the top 4 is very likely, but their indifferent away form means that a title chase could be just out of reach. Arsenal do not have an attacking force like Liverpool do, so overtaking the North London club is also a realistic possibility. 

#2 Chelsea

chelsea

Chelsea have done very well to reach the summit of the Premier League, and completing a league double over Man City slashed their odds on becoming champions in May for the first time since 2010. Jose Mourinho’s men have the best defensive record in the Premier League, which has fortunately compensated for their misfiring strike-force. Samuel Eto’o, Fernando Torres and Demba Ba have been frustrated figures this season, and the blues’ lack of goals from their frontmen could ultimately see them drop just short of title glory.

#1 Manchester City

manchester city

Man City have managed to eradicate their indifferent away form that hampered their early season tally, and are very strong candidates to regain the Premier League title in May. They have enjoyed high-scoring wins over Man United, Tottenham and Arsenal this campaign, and are the leading scorers in the Premier League. They have stuttered slightly of late, but with key players Fernandinho, Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo returning soon they are likely to have the power to surge towards the summit in the near future.

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premier league, epl, bpl, chelsea, soton, everton, tottenham, manchester united, manchester city, liverpool, arsenal, football, england , champions league, europe, season 2013, soccer, david moyes, mata, aguero, willian, hazard, ozil, van persie, negredo, suarez, osman, bale, other, jokes