Pros and cons of six Premier League top four hopefuls

Coral run the rule over the Premier League’s top four contenders this season, as the halfway point approaches. There are a number of teams who can realistically make it, with Chelsea and Manchester City likely to finish in the top two.

Arsenal
It is very unlikely that Arsene Wenger will fail in his attempt to finish in a Champions League place, having always achieved this during his time in charge. The Gunners are odds-on at 2/5 with Coral to finish in the top four and, with the players they have at their disposal, it should be no surprise to see this happen. With Olivier Giroud back from injuries, his goals have already proven vital, and relieves the goalscoring burden on Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck.

Liverpool
Brendan Rodgers’ Reds are in all kinds of trouble at the minute, with odds of 5/1 to achieve a top four finish. They need to find an approach that works quickly, or find someone to step into Luis Suarez’s shoes in January. Steven Gerrard is taking a lot of the responsibility, though at 34, really isn’t the answer.

Tottenham
Spurs are 6/1 to finish in top four and seem to be on an upward curve at the minute. Mauricio Pochettino finally appears to have got his team playing how he wants and, with young striker Harry Kane going from strength to strength, they have a great chance, especially if the club recruits in January.

Southampton
The Saints are 9/2 to secure Champions League football for next season, though are currently experiencing a bad patch. Boss Ronald Koeman has the January transfer window the make additions to his squad, which could be crucial to sustaining, at the very least, a top six finish.

Manchester United
You must have been wondering when the Red Devils were going to get a mention. They are odds-on at 1/6 to be in the top four at the end of the season, and Louis van Gaal is sure to add to his squad in the winter window.

West Ham United
Sam Allardyce has done a fantastic job so far this season. Noone would have expected them to be occupying a top four spot this far into the campaign and are 14/1 to sustain it.