Most teams in the Premier League battle either against relegation or for Europe. Chelsea FC, Arsenal and Tottenham are still battling for the crucial Champions League qualification.
Chelsea is currently third and faces a tough week with 3 games in 7 days. Benitez team will face FC Basel at home in the return leg of the Europa League before they have to travel to the new Premier League champion Manchester United on Sunday, May 5th. However, the highlight of the week will be the London derby against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge, which is a crucial game for both teams. Lampard has been in great shape in recent weeks and is only one goal away from the all-time goal-scoring record, which is currently held by Bobby Tambling with 202. However, Mata, Torres and Hazard have to find their form and help the Blue not only to qualify for the Euopa League final in Amsterdam, but also to secure a Champions League spot.
Arsenal is currently fourth in the table, but Spurs and Chelsea have a game in hand. Arsenal certainly has the easiest program until the end of season facing Queens Park Ranger, Wigan Athletics and Newcastle. QPR is already relegated, but Harry Redknapp will certainly play for his pride and leave the Premier League memorable. Wigan and Newcastle are still fighting against relegation. The Gunners consistency and their striking power have been questionable. Wenger’s team struggled against smaller teams throughout this season. The best examples are Blackburn, Reading and Bradford in the League Cup. Podolski, Giroud and Gervinho were never able to replace Van Persie. Oliver Giroud still had a great season scoring 17 goals. The Frenchman, however, will miss the next two games due to a red card suspension against Fulham.
The Spurs are the secret favourites. Andre Villas-Boa’s team is currently 5th in the table and will face Southampton, Chelsea FC, Stoke City and Sunderland in the upcoming weeks. Gareth Bale returned from his ankle injury against Manchester City and instantly made an impact and led his team to the deserved victory. The Welshman was just named Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year by the Professional Footballers’ Association. The Spurs will face Chelsea in a decisive game on Wednesday, May 8th at Stamford Bridge.
