Leicester have Palace (H), Southampton (A) and Newcastle (H) in their next 3 games, before a difficult run in their next 3 games. If they win their next 3 easier fixtures and we beat Pool next week (even if it’s a draw, but we need to win because it’s Pool), then the top 4 race is over. Chelsea probably goes without saying considering their defensive record. They’ll probably beat Fulham (H), Arsenal (H), Villa (A) and if Leicester have top 4 sown up by the time they play (GW37), then they’ll beat them too.
I will give Everton a shout though. They were winless in 5 games before the Arsenal game, but that sort of away win can provide a powerful springboard for the rest of the season. They’re 6 points behind, but they have a game in hand and a decent run in, including games against Villa (home and away), an out of form West Ham, Sheff Utd and Wolves before playing City. They’re key players are all fit again, and at the start of the season when they could field their strongest team every game, they collected 13 points from their first 5 games. I see them winning 4 of those 6 games, and if Chelsea slip up a few times, it becomes Everton’s to lose if they themselves live up to expectations.
West Ham are worthy of a mention having been in the top 4 for so long, but with 3 key players in Cresswell, Rice and Antonio injured, I see them falling off and finishing as low as 8th. Spurs have an easy run in, but also an absolute novice of a manager. I see them finishing 7th, with Kane leaving after somehow still finishing as PL top scorer.
For me, it’ll be:
3) Chelsea
4) Leicester
5) Everton
6) Pool
7) Spurs
8) West Ham