English Premier League title chase starts through White Hart Lane

English Premier League title challenge has entered its home stretch with 10 games to be played. For the first time since the EPL was launched, this edition has been the most open with at least five teams in contention to grab the title. Besides, the top two contenders have never been crowned champions, adding spice to the contest.

Leicester City – 57 points

Surprise leaders Leicester City are prime contenders for the title barring any wobbles at the end. (Source: Reuters)

FORM: D, W, L, W, W

Next 10 games: EASY
Claudio Ranieri’s side boast the best home record, having picked up 29 points of 42. They however have yet to play Manchester United and Chelsea.

Advantages
The form of Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy — who has scored 19 goals this season provides optimism. The Foxes head into the final stretch having to play just one of the current top five.

Disadvantages
Injury to pivotal midfielder N’Golo Kante comes as a major blow for the side. However, Ranieri is still hopeful to have him back soon. With none of their players having any sort of title winning experience, Leicester City may lack the psychological edge that could be crucial. More so when they face Manchester United and Chelsea – both away – in May.

Tottenham Hotspur – 54 points

Tottenham Hotspur, like Leicester, are seeking their first English Premier League title. (Source: Reuters)

FORM: L, W, W, W, W

Next 10 games: DIFFICULT
While they are out of the FA Cup, Spurs are still part of the Europa League where they face Dortmund, which can be taxing. With games against Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United yet to come, Spurs have the most difficult final stretch.

Advantages
Mauricio Pochettino’s side boast of the best record in their last 5 fixtures, having picked up 12 points of a possible 15. Add to that, striker Harry Kane is in great touch having scored 16 goals this season. They also have no major injury worries.

Disadvantages
Tottenham missed a chance to go to the top of the table as they lost to West Ham in their last game. Plus, their final few games in the league are bound to see them drop points somewhere.

ARSENAL – 51 points

Arsenal gave up a glorious opportunity to bridge the gap at the bottom in loss to Swansea over the week. (Source: Reuters)

FORM: L, L, W, W, D

Next 10 games: MODERATE
Gunners have five home games and have a good record with eight wins from their 14 home games this season. They start off the stretch against fellow Londoners and title hopefuls Spurs. Other key games sees them travel to West Ham and Manchester City.

Advantages
Apart from the two away trips to West Ham and City, Arsenal have a set of winnable fixtures to come, playing five teams from the bottom half of the table.

Disadvantages
Arsenal’s injury hit squad just took another blow with goalkeeper Petr Cech out for the next four weeks after suffering a calf injury in the game against Swansea. David Ospina, who will take his place has not inspired confidence. Poor form of key players such as Oliivier Giroud, Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez has hit the side hard.

Manchester City – 47 points

Manchester City have dropped off the races with losses to big teams and injuries hitting them hard. (Source: Reuters)

FORM: L, L, L, W, D

Next 10 games: DIFFICULT
City have tough games against Manchester United and Arsenal in the next few weeks. The side also travels to Chelsea, along with potential quarter-final games in the Champions League.

Advantages
With a game in hand, a win for City against Newcastle will push them seven points behind the leaders.

Disadvantages
Though the win in the League Cup title came as a booster, the 3-0 humiliation against Liverpool along with having picked up just four points in last five games does not augur well. Sergio Aguero has returned from injury but has still to rediscover his scoring touch.

Manchester United – 47 points

Manchester United have only an outside chance to win the title as their prime focus is to bag a Champions League place. (Source: Reuters)

FORM: W, W, L, D, W

Next 10 games: DIFFICULT
Louis Van Gaal’s side face Liverpool twice in Europa League, Manchester City, West Ham, Everton, Tottenham and Leicester City by the start of May.

Advantages
The performances of youngsters such as Guillermo Varela and Marcus Rashford — who has scored four goals in his last three games has been a welcome sign for Van Gaal. United will be looking to the youngsters to drive their top four ambitions.

Disadvantages
Inconsistency has been a major issue for Van Gaal’s side this season. With a lot of key players injured, the inexperienced United youngsters could find it hard to grind out results against top opposition.