Predicted Top 6 in the Premier League 17/18
With just 11 games left for the 17/18 Premier League season, it will be interesting to see which teams seal Champions League qualification, who will head into the CL qualification and who will play in the Europa League next season.
Although the top six teams are somewhat guaranteed European action next season, given their current standings, some teams have left themselves with too much to do while others are left to consolidate the positions they have held all season.
The teams heading into the Champions League next season are all but determined. Here is an analysis of the top 6 teams in the league and where they will end up:
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola's team has been dominant this season just like they are dominant in possession in each game. With just one loss, to rivals Liverpool, in the season so far, it is almost certain that they will win the league. The team is currently 16 points ahead of second-placed Manchester United and it is hard to see them lose any form despite some injuries to first team players. Having scored 79 goals and conceded just 20 as of 13 February 2018, the team are hot favourites to maintain their league position until the end of the season.
The star players this season include Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne. Aguero has scored 21 goals thus far, just 2 goals behind Golden Boot leader Harry Kane and 1 goal behind Salah. Out of the top 3 contenders for the Golden Boot, Aguero has the highest shot conversion rate including blocks of 23.86% as per Opta. He has had the most number of hat-tricks this season (3). That has made him an invaluable player for the team. Together with Sterling, the duo has been responsible for the majority of goals scored by the team. Despite some of their games ending off as a victory by just a goal, Manchester City have managed to keep hold of their lead in the game and defend well.
Kevin De Bruyne has been the assist king for his club this season. Most of the attack came from his superb vision and accuracy in passing, which has led to Guardiola claiming that he should be in contention for the Ballon d'Or. It is important for all players to defend and attack as a team. De Bruyne has been excellent in the transitioning from defending to attacking, making him hard to stopr.
With their spectacular form and decisiveness in the attack, it is no wonder that Manchester City have led the race right from the beginning. With 16 points adrift, there is hardly any race for the trophy and it is pretty comfortable for Guardiola's team to win the title.