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More than halfway into the Premier League season, we are finally getting to start a faint idea of how the clubs will finish in the table come May. While there is a tough battle on hands for the Champions League spots, there seems to be only one favourite to clinch the title based on how things stand now. The relegation battle too is starting to heat up, with a lot of clubs clustered around the similar number of points, making it for an interesting run in into the business end of the season.

After 23 rounds of some scintillating and action-packed football, let’s take a look at which four clubs will finish in top four based on their progress over the course of the season thus far and their current form and momentum:

1.Chelsea

Nine points clear at the top with the best goal difference in the Premier League and the joint best defence, along with Tottenham, it is clearly Chelsea’s title to lose from here on. Their excellent defensive form combined with their attacking triumvirate of Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Pedro have gone on to slay teams in the top-flight this season with comfort.

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Add to that, the lack of European football at Stamford Bridge this term means, more time to rest the players and lesser chances of them tiring out, which will be very crucial as the end of the season approaches. An excellent backline, a strong and robust midfield and an attack that is firing on all cylinders, Antonio Conte has turned this team into a powerhouse this season and after a dismal campaign last year, Chelsea look well on their way to return to the summit of the Premier League.

2. Tottenham Hotspur

Currently second-placed in the league standings, Tottenham are definitely going to finish in the top four for the second season running and after having ended up third last time around, the North Londoners might do one better and finish as the runners-up, ahead of bitter rivals Arsenal. With the joint best defence in the league and arguably the most consistent striker in England currently, after Diego Costa, in Harry Kane, Spurs look destined to finish in the second place.

There is a confidence flowing in abundance at the White Hart Lane. The recent performances from the likes of Dele Alli, Son Heung Min, Danny Rose have been nothing short of brilliant and despite an injury to Jan Vertonghen, Spurs seem to have enough in their tank to stave off the Gunners and Manchester City and hold on to their current spot come May.

3. Arsenal

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Midweek’s poor performance against Watford aside, Arsenal have been a delight to watch this season in the league. The title will most likely once again elude them, with Chelsea building such a big gap already, but there is no stopping the Gunners from finishing in the Champions League spots for the 20th time running.

Alexis Sanchez has been in inspirational form for Arsene Wenger’s side having already scored 15 times this term along with 8 assists, whereas the return of form for the likes of Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott will give them further boost. The summer signing of Shkodran Mustafi has seen them improve vastly in defence whereas another summer arrival, Lucas Perez, has hogged the limelight with great displays each time he has been given an opportunity. Having finished above Spurs in the second position last campaign, there might be a role reversal on the cards this season.

4. Manchester City

This was a tough one, with Liverpool having given a good account of themselves this season, barring the abysmal last month and Manchester United too making the slow creep upwards, closing in on the gap. However, Manchester City’s immensely talented and gifted attacking force should see them through to a top-four finish.

Kevin De Bruyne has been one of the best players in the league this season and has been instrumental for Pep Guardiola’s side while David Silva and Raheem Sterling too have done very well. Sergio Aguero may have hit a roadblock in terms of form, but he is a world-class striker and will bounce back. The return of Fernandinho in the midfield along with the emergence of new signing Gabriel Jesus, who has taken the Premier League by storm, City seem to have the firepower to see out the competition and finish in the final Champions League spot.

Arsenal

Arsenal vs. Chelsea: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview

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Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.

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Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports

Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club

Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.

The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.

Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition

Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.

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Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.

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Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson

Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!

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Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City

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Arsenal fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Olivia Smith is discharged from the hospital after her injury scare during the FA Cup match against Bristol City.

Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.

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This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.

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Left Hospital Yesterday Evening

According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.

It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.

Big Boost for Champions League Hopes

With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.

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While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.

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Also read: Arsenal Women March Schedule Set as Dates and Times Confirmed for Champions League Quarter Final Tie Against Chelsea Plus WSL Fixtures

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Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone

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Arsenal's Kim Little named WSL Player of the Month for January, celebrating outstanding form after her remarkable 400th appearance as Scotland midfielder.

Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.

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Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.

400th Appearance Came in Belgium

Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.

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This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.

Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals

Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.

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Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.

Also read: Three Arsenal Women Players and Manager Renee Slegers Up for WSL Awards After Unbeaten January Includes Landmark Chelsea Victory at Stamford Bridge

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