Fair play to the Independent this morning which has given an excellent analysis of the final games faced by the clubs vying for the fourth place in top six this season.
It’s a lot more informed than the lazy journalism produced by many outlets and their super computers – that’s for sure.
Arsenal are the last club to be involved this ‘weekend’ in a match at Palace which could see them move into fourth place above Spurs but the good news is there will be plenty of twists and turns before the end of the campaign.
However, the survey suggests that it would be very unwise to discount the Hammers as possibles for a Champions League spot.
However, it’s worth remembering that we have a double chance of qualifying – the other of course being by winning the Europa trophy – with the next stage coming on Thursday night at the London Stadium against Lyon.
In the meantime the Independent’s piece at https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league-table-fixtures-arsenal-spurs-man-utd-west-ham-champions-league-race-1555172 is well worth a read.
It shows every team’s fixtures and analyses the key games and is well worth a read.
Of the Hammers they write: “David Moyes’ West Ham have been the surprise package of the Premier League this season, rising beyond all expectations to become real contenders for a Champions League finish and enjoying a stellar run in the Europa League.
Spurs, Arsenal and Man United all have games in hand on the Hammers – but it would be unwise to write them off. For so long a picture of disunity and discontent, the club and its supporters have coalesced around the team Moyes has built to forge a powerful bond.
The real ace up the Hammers’ sleeve though is the fixture list: their run-in includes games against Brentford, Burnley, Norwich and Brighton, all of which will be viewed as eminently winnable. The clash with the Gunners though is a real six-pointer, and is the kind of game that could take Arsenal’s fate out of their own hands.
West Ham’s remaining fixtures
Brentford (A) – Sun 10 Apr, 2pm
Burnley (H) – Sun 17 Apr, 2.15pm
Chelsea (A) – Sun 24 Apr, 2pm
Arsenal (H) – Sun 1 May, 4.30pm
Norwich City (A) – Sat 7 May, 3pm
Manchester City (H) – Sun 15 May, 3pm
Brighton (A) – Sun 22 May, 4pm
