MariamPREMIER LEAGUE WIDE OPEN AT HALF WAY STAGE
This is the title race that no one wants to take charge of. Each of the ‘big four’ have shown stuttering form this season, and whilst this is not unusual, it is strange that none of the major contenders have shown the sort of form that will signal the end to their bad phases.
This is why fifth-placed Arsenal are still thought to be in the title race, despite losing five of their opening 18 fixtures and being eight points adrift of leaders Liverpool a match before the title race reaches halfway. A stunning run of form would put the Gunners right back in the hunt.
Similarly, if Chelsea and Manchester United won the games in hand they have on Liverpool, just three points would separate these three. Unfortunately for followers of these chasing teams, neither look like closing the gap in the near future.
The Blues and Red Devils have not been able to take advantage of Liverpool’s own sticky patch. The leaders have drawn four of their last five league matches, but Luiz Felipe Scolari and Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have each drawn two of their last four fixtures. Arsenal have the same draw ratio from the same amount of games.
Liverpool’s inexperience in a title race – this is only their second sustained involvement in one since the inception of the Premier League – is widely expected to count against them. However, they have coped relatively well with the absence of star man Fernando Torres and should improve more than anyone when the Spaniard returns from injury.
In contrast, Manchester United are well-used to the tension of title races and are renowned for their late season surges. They have overhauled significant point deficits before, most notably the 12 point difference they were confronted with by Newcastle United in 1995/96, and their big squad is the best-equipped to gain momentum over the busy December and January period.
However, the last four teams leading the Premier League at Christmas have gone on to win the title, suggesting the trophy is Liverpool’s to lose. The Reds have gained seven points from their three meetings with the other members of the ‘big four’ so far. Member they won’t choke after all.
Written by Philip Oliver, a professional sports writer who blogs about football betting at Betfair
This is why fifth-placed Arsenal are still thought to be in the title race, despite losing five of their opening 18 fixtures and being eight points adrift of leaders Liverpool a match before the title race reaches halfway. A stunning run of form would put the Gunners right back in the hunt.
Similarly, if Chelsea and Manchester United won the games in hand they have on Liverpool, just three points would separate these three. Unfortunately for followers of these chasing teams, neither look like closing the gap in the near future.
The Blues and Red Devils have not been able to take advantage of Liverpool’s own sticky patch. The leaders have drawn four of their last five league matches, but Luiz Felipe Scolari and Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have each drawn two of their last four fixtures. Arsenal have the same draw ratio from the same amount of games.
Liverpool’s inexperience in a title race – this is only their second sustained involvement in one since the inception of the Premier League – is widely expected to count against them. However, they have coped relatively well with the absence of star man Fernando Torres and should improve more than anyone when the Spaniard returns from injury.
In contrast, Manchester United are well-used to the tension of title races and are renowned for their late season surges. They have overhauled significant point deficits before, most notably the 12 point difference they were confronted with by Newcastle United in 1995/96, and their big squad is the best-equipped to gain momentum over the busy December and January period.
However, the last four teams leading the Premier League at Christmas have gone on to win the title, suggesting the trophy is Liverpool’s to lose. The Reds have gained seven points from their three meetings with the other members of the ‘big four’ so far. Member they won’t choke after all.
Written by Philip Oliver, a professional sports writer who blogs about football betting at Betfair
