With Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool all chasing Chelsea, Alan Shearer picks his Premier League top four.
The Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer won the title with Blackburn back in 1995.
With the season now at the halfway stage, the Gunners, Liverpool, City, Spurs and the Red Devils are all vying for the Champions League spots.
And Shearer was asked by Coral what teams he believes will finish in the top four come what May.
Premier League legend Alan Shearer
“Liverpool, Chelsea big advantage no Europe and some impressive performances in there,” Shearer told Coral.
“Jose seems as if he’s got Man United playing again, difficult to beat, a more settled team, particularly with the two centre halves in (Marcos) Rojo and in (Phil) Jones.
“Chelsea, Liverpool will finish in the top four. I think Arsenal will also finish in the top four.
“I said Manchester City at the beginning of the season for the title so I’m not going to change my mind just as yet so at the minute that’s my top four.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
“I think United have relied on (Zlatan) Ibra(himovic), and he’s been sensational this season, Pogba seems to be finding some good form, but I’m just wondering if they get a few injuries whether they can replace Ibrahimovic.
“So at the minute I would say Manchester United and Tottenham to miss out.”
While Chelsea and Liverpool are building up a head of steam in first and second place respectively at the midway point in the season, from Arsenal in third down to Manchester United in sixth, just four points separate four teams.
It could be that the race for the top four is the most exciting element of the season.
But with Spurs looking particularly good after jumping ahead of Pep Guardiola’s under-performing City with a thumping 4-1 win over Watford Shearer could yet eat his words.
Mourinho’s side go in search of a sixth straight league win against West Ham at the London Stadium, a task made more difficult after the Hammers’ recent upturn in form and results.
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