Top Four. Are we in?

On the penultimate weekend of what’s sure to be a thrilling end to the 2013/2014 EPL season, as far as the top 4 contest goes, it’s still not absolutely certain who picks the 2 Champions League spots, but Chelsea’s ‘journey to the Holy Land in pursuit of the Holy Grail’ is almost over as we need just one more win to secure our spot amongst ‘the immortals’.

For Arsenal and Spurs, it’s still all nerves for them with Spurs trailing the Gunners with just 1pt and their next games will be severely crucial in deciding their fates. If you’re placing a cheeky Unibet who are your favourites?

The hunt for Champs Lg game could be decided this weekend. Aston Villa play Chelsea on Saturday, Spurs play Stoke on Sunday and Arsenal play Wigan on Monday. Call it titanic, do or die, decisive, yes, it’s got that ring to it it! Whatever happens after these games, one thing is certain, clubs will either fall irrecoverably or get hoisted back up.

CHELSEA

We started so explosively against Spurs that we were all convinced we’d go for their jugular. We were totally misled. Adebayor’s solo effort didn’t matter when Ramires poked us back ahead. But conceding in the last 10min has now prolonged the thrills we should have revelled in against our bitter rival Spurs, at the Bridge, on that epic occasion! However, we can become the first team to confirm our place in the Champs League by beating Villa this afternoon.

I believe we’ve learnt from that depressing draw and must not take the Villa game lightly. Villa have been playing nicely in the last couple of games and given they are not entirely out of the relegation waters, they would fight.

Benteke and Agbonlarhon are 2 of their few exceptional players and they continue to prove why! We didn’t play with a sustained intensity against Spurs as we did against Utd, and this, even if seemingly easy, must be taken seriously! The high point of our season has been defeating todays opponents 8-0 at the Bridge, and we could make this another spectacle by getting the 3pts and ultimately, qualifying for the Champs Lg against them today!

TOTTENHAM

Spurs, going by their draw against us, are desperately clinging on, sustaining their chance of qualification. The game against Chelsea wasn’t much about a mustered effort rather, a lack of the killer instinct on Chelsea’s part.

So, the lifeline still hangs on, Spurs are not totally out of it, just 1pt adrift Arsenal. However, if they hope to book a place in the Champions League, they must defeat Stoke, at the Britannia Stadium. Stoke are on 41pts, and with that mark, are virtually safe. Yet, the fact still remains, Stoke are one of the toughest teams to beat in the EPL. Even when they never had troubles with relegation struggle.

Tottenham’s task will be to break the resolve of Stoke’s defence rather than restrain their mobility and effectiveness upfront. With this in mind, Spurs attack must come out smoking; I expect Adebayor, Bale and Lennon in the frontline. It’s not going to be any easier than the Chelsea game, especially with Stoke on the precipice, but for Spurs, it’s either win or bust!

Arsenal face a tough match against WiganARSENAL

The Gunners didn’t play mid-week, but they couldn’t have been overly dissapointed with the draw. It didn’t improve their chances significantly, as Spurs are now just a point behind yet, could be vital as they are still 4th.

Again, Arsenal will have to sit out and watch their rivals play their games on Saturday and Sunday before filing out against Wigan on Monday. On that game, to a large extent, lies the hope of both teams. Arsenal must win to ensure they keep on pushing on for qualification whilst a defeat for Wigan would all but relegate them and their hopes.

Although, Arsenal will be at home, that won’t deter the Latics from coming all out. Wigan are again showing that fighting spirit that made them escape relegation, they fight from trailing positions to win games and in the same vein, will push Arsenal until the 90th minute and more.

The Gunners must be careful here, as recently, they’ve only managed to win by hanging on to their lead. With the likes of Kone, McManamman, Di Santo in good form, it would be tough for Arsenal to suppress them and the only logical option for the Gunners is to impose their game on them, making sure their attacking play consistently puts them on the back foot.

By Salako Aramide
Follow @aramyde08Cfc

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