The Race for the Champions League

The Race for the Champions League

This week Mesut Ozil turned few heads by claiming that he sees no reason why Arsenal shouldn’t finish right at the top of the Premier League. It’s still technically possible, and Ozil certainly gets ten out of ten for optimism. Still, his comments are unlikely to be giving league leaders Chelsea and Manchester City any sleepless nights.

Instead, the Gunners are more likely to be focused on the more attainable goal of the lower half of the top four, and a place in the Champions League. If this were a horse race, an each way bet would be a sound one right now.


If you’re studying the form before you place your bet, you’re bound to be looking in the direction of newcomer Alexis Sanchez. In him, Arsenal undoubtedly possess one of the few truly world class players in the Premiership right now, and he’s blown away the old assumption that foreign players need plenty of time to settle in. With 12 goals and seven assists to his name, if anyone is going to lead the Gunners to the Champions League, it’s surely Sanchez. That’s if they can hold their defence together, of course.

So what of the other runners and riders battling out to place in this race? Well, speaking of defence, Southampton are looking pretty strong in that department. Having recovered from the loss of several big names – plus their head coach – last summer, they’ve more recently bounced back strongly from a string of losses in December. Ronald Koeman’s tactics and confidence may just be enough to counter Southampton’s lack of experience in riding at the front of the field.

Manchester United’s inconsistent performance this season has been unconvincing, and with Van Gaal repeatedly rearranging the formation, his team is looking far from settled. Based on United’s defence at the moment, David de Gea should probably be on overtime. Still, the squad is right now the most expensive one ever formed, and with the lack of European distractions, there would be few who would bet against United making the Champions League this year.

Also in with a chance at jumping the Champions League hurdle are Tottenham, riding high from that 5-3 victory over Chelsea, but perhaps a little over dependent on Kane. Liverpool are showing signs of making up lost ground with strong recent performances, although it’s difficult to predict what effect Gerrard’s swan song will have towards to end of the season.

Horse racing of the literal kind gets under way on 9th April, with the Grand Opening Day at Aintree – pick your favourite jockey and get top odds – click here. Just a few days earlier, the Gunners will have hosted Liverpool, and with just a few more jumps to go, the horse race for the Champions League is likely to be a bit clearer.