Assessing Arsenal’s chances of finishing in the top 4

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The race to finish in the top four of the Premier League is arguably more exciting than who will win the 2018/19 title this season.

As has been the case for the past few years, there are six teams battling to finish in the top four with Arsenal vying with Man City, Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.

Finishing in the top four has become like a trophy as it secures qualification to the lucrative Champions League group stages so it’s no wonder Arsenal are desperate to get back to dining at the main table.

After over 20 years of Champions League football, we’ve missed out on the top four for the past two seasons so new boss Unai Emery has been tasked with getting us back among Europe’s elite.

However, it’s going to be tougher than ever as the competition is fierce and Arsenal are going through something of a transition year with Emery still trying to implement his ideas on his newly-assembled squad.

It’s no surprise then that a quick look at the soccer betting odds shows us that the bookmakers make Arsenal the 9/4 sixth favourites to finish in the top four this season.

We’ve endured a tough start following successive defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea, and while wins over West Ham and Cardiff have got six points on the board, we still look a little short of the very best teams in the division.

Defending champions City are certain to finish in the top four with bookies only giving odds of 1/100 while Liverpool also look a solid bet at 1/12. Jurgen Klopp spent well in the summer and they look strong so far having taken a maximum 12 points from their 4 opening games. So City and Liverpool are expected to battle for the title and are highly likely to finish in the top four meaning there are four clubs fighting for the two remaining places.

Chelsea have also began the season in superb form after winning their four matches – including a win over Arsenal – and they always seem to do well in the first season under a new manager so Maurizio Sarri’s side look a real threat at odds of 4/11 to finish in the top four.

Tottenham have a solid and settled squad and after finishing third last year, Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping to retain their top four place with bookmakers offering 1/2 on our north London rivals. However, they are extremely short of alternatives behind Harry Kane so if he gets injured then we have a great chance to finish above them.

Man Utd could also be in danger of slipping out of the top four with bookies making them the 11/8 fifth favourites. They somehow finished second last season but they are in turmoil right now with Jose Mourinho at odds with chief executive Ed Woodward and he’s reportedly had bust-ups with the likes of Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial.

United have lost to Brighton and Tottenham already this season and if their patchy form continues we could see Mourinho sacked in his third season at the club – which has become something of a tradition for the so-called ‘Special One’.

It’s certainly going to be an interesting season but Arsenal have the potential score against anyone so if Emery can sort out our defence then I’m quietly confident we can sneak back in to the top four this year.

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