By Mike Parrott
After Manchester United's draw with Southampton, the top four is even closer with three games to go. However, data analysts fivethirtyeight have predicted the outcome already.
Even though the title race was concluded a couple weeks ago, the hunt for Champions League qualification will likely go down to the last day.
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With Manchester United, Chelsea, Wolves and Leicester City in the middle of arguably the closest top-four race ever, third and fourth could go to anyone.
The four teams will also have a game played against each other too with Chelsea playing Wolves, while Leicester play Man United, all on the last day of the season.
After United's draw against Southampton which ended 2-2, they see themselves fifth but on the same points as Leicester and only three goals behind the Foxes on goal difference. Chelsea are currently top of this pack but with only a one-point gap over Leicester and United.
Sports data analysis site fivethirtyeight, have used their algorithms to predict the outcome of the top four as seen below.
The prediction sees Manchester United finish the league third, leapfrogging both Chelsea and Leicester who both slide down one position each to fourth and fifth respectively.
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The site has Chelsea being the most likely to make the top four, but actually have the two sides finishing on the same points and United coming third on goal difference.
Chelsea still need to face Norwich, Liverpool and Wolves. With Wolves still having an outside shot of making top four, and Liverpool needing a win to break the Premier League season points record, Chelsea could easily drop points.
Leicester have the hardest run-in remaining with Sheffield United, Tottenham and Manchester United. Sheffield United and Tottenham are both fighting for the elusive sixth and seventh spots while obviously United are still in the race for top four.
Manchester United probably have the easiest games remaining, seeing themselves against Crystal Palace, West Ham and Leicester. Palace have cemented themselves mid-table, and if West Ham beat Watford, their game prior to United, then they will be safe from relegation.
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Who do you think will make the top four?
Let us know in the comments below.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Leicester City, Chelsea, Football, Manchester United, Premier League
