OK so we slipped up last weekend, but so did others and it’s still really tight in the battle for fourth.
Current State of Play
4 Newcastle 13 7 26
5 Chelsea 13 11 25
6 Liverpool 13 5 23
7 Arsenal 13 3 23
(played,GD,points)
Newcastle and Chelsea have been losing out recently, whilst Liverpool and Arsenal have been marking time. The key fixture for this group comes at lunchtime on Saturday:
Newcastle v Chelsea
So how do we call this one? Here’s the form guide:
Newcastle DWWWLD
Chelsea WLLWLW
Of course Chelsea have had disappointments in the Champions League and Carling Cup as well.
Then, in the afternoon, Arsenal visit Wigan. This should be just the fixture for us after the Fulham disappointment. The form guide inspires confidence:
Wigan LLLLDW
Arsenal WWWWWD
You could say that Wigan were improving, but those last two were a controversial against fellow strugglers Blackburn and a win against plummeting Sunderland. We mustn’t be complacent, but this should be an Arsenal win.
Then we have to wait until Monday evening and Fulham v Liverpool.
Liverpool have the edge on form, but they haven’t been consistent.
Fulham LLWLDD
Liverpool DDWDWD
There’s an obvious nightmare scenario here for Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas. Arsenal and Liverpool wins, which would follow current form, would see Chelsea seventh if they lose at St James’ Park. Then they have to beat Valencia to stay in the Champions League. Can Villas-Boas survive that or will Guus Hiddink be back in London next week?
I expect Arsenal and Liverpool to end the weekend with 26 points. So it’s all down to Newcastle and Chelsea. Can Terry and Alex keep Demba Ba at bay? A draw could leave the order unchanged, but three clubs on 26. Tighter and tighter?
Come on Arsenal!
