Villains still not safe, while Spurs wait for Arsenal to slip up
Published:Chelsea’s win at Aston Villa has all but sealed their top four place this season.
The Blues hold a six-point lead over fifth-place Tottenham, who have two games left to play.
Frank Lampard’s double over Villa extended their unbeaten run to seven league games, and thanks to a goal difference of almost twice that of Tottenham’s, the Blues can breathe easily in the remaining matches.
The Gunners are fourth – five points behind Chelsea with two games to play – and Arsene Wenger’s men are 1/3 for a 16th consecutive Champions League appearance.
The north London outfit face some potentially tricky ties in the remainder of this campaign however, and it is not unforeseeable they could drop points when they take on Wigan or Newcastle.
Just a single point separates Arsenal from rivals Spurs, and Andre Villas-Boas’ side could still be worth backing at 11/5 to bring the prized European competition back to White Hart Lane.
The Lilywhites’ destiny is out of their hands, but should Arsenal slip up, Spurs will need to ensure they are in position to take advantage in their games against Stoke and Sunderland.
At the bottom end of the table, defeat for Villa means they still aren’t yet mathematically safe, and are 50/1 for the drop.
Wigan are still favourites at 1/4 to return to the Championship after an eight year absence, and must win at least one of their remaining games against Arsenal and Villa.
Norwich’s dismal run of form has seen them slip right into contention and could be worth backing with some tricky games left to play.
The Canaries are 13/2 for the drop after a run of one win in nine and are just three points above Wigan.
Chris Hughton’s side face West Brom, before a final day clash at Manchester City.
Newcastle have picked up two points from a possible 12, and have scored just once in those last four games.
A price of 9/1 could attract some attention for a team in such poor form, who still have to face a pressure-free QPR and top-four chasing Arsenal before the season is over.
Sunderland and Southampton are the other two sides embroiled in the relegation battle.
The Black Cats are 20/1 for relegation, having racked up a solid seven points in their last four games, while Southampton are 66/1 as they sit four points above Wigan with just six left to play for.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
