da dobrowin： December is upon us. No other month is as hectic for English football clubs as December, with a barrage of festive fixtures as the nights get longer and the weather continues to edge towards arctic temperatures.
da leao： Things are getting altogether more serious now at both ends of the Premier League. It’s tight at the bottom, but the top four teams at the top are packed closely together, and all of the teams at the top have shown their ability to both shine and slip up at various points in the season.
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That means this title race could go right down to the wire. We’re already in December and we still have nothing concrete to separate one from the other, with no clear favourite and a lot of games left to play.
With that in mind, we’re taking a look at each of the top six and examining each of their chances of winning the league this season. Which team will lift the trophy come May?
Arsenal
Arsenal have escaped November with a limited number of scars. With few wounds to lick, it is an opportunity for Arsene Wenger’s side to take true advantage of a strong start to the campaign. Currently three points off the summit and unbeaten since a season-opening defeat to Liverpool, Arsenal will be genuine contenders this season.
A first title in over a decade is the holy grail for Wenger, but taking a challenge deep into the season would show progress.
Rating: 4/10
Chelsea
Defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal are long forgotten for Chelsea, who are riding the crest of a 3-4-3 wave. Squad depth is still a major issue for Chelsea, mind. Diego Costa and Eden Hazard have seemingly remembered how good they once were, while the rest of the side continues to perform well above expectations.
Conte will firmly have his eyes on the prize now, but a return to the top four would still be a satisfactory season for Chelsea.
Rating: 6/10
Liverpool
Liverpool’s start to the season has been better than anyone at Anfield could have dreamed of. Jurgen Klopp’s side are treating the world to an attacking brand of football, but defensive issues remain. As good as things have looked so far, Liverpool will need to learn how to defend as a team if they are to take a title challenge all the way. Having a relatively empty schedule remains a significant advantage, though.
Lifting the EFL Cup and returning to the top four of the Premier League will be more than enough to keep the Kop happy this season.
Rating: 5/10
Manchester City
Despite their apparent dip in form, Manchester City are only one point off the top of the Premier League. Winning games that they would perhaps have drawn or lost pre-Guardiola, the Citizens are looming over the title race. With everyone aware that they are not performing anywhere near their best, the only way is up. The devastation of Barcelona is yet to be replicated in the league, but it can’t be far away.
The critics will be out if Guardiola fails to win a trophy in his first season, but they remain favourites for the title.
Rating: 8/10
Manchester United
Success has been synonymous with Jose Mourinho. Well, it was until last season. Now, with a vastly expensive Manchester United squad at his disposal, Mourinho has seen his side fall to 11 points off the Premier League summit.
That gap is enormous and, barring a remarkable turnaround, the Red Devils will be fortunate to even reach the top four.
Rating: 1/10
Tottenham
Last season’s successes are now a distant memory for Spurs, as they could even miss out on Europa League football after Christmas and gaze at a seven point deficit to the top of the table. Mauricio Pochettino must now focus his side on the league, having won only one of their last six. The return of Harry Kane boosts Spurs, but goals are needed from the rest of the side if they are to really challenge.
The building of the new stadium means that the riches of Champions League qualification will keep the board happy, giving this Spurs team another year to develop.
Rating: 2/10
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