England's race for Top 4

With Manchester City all but wrapping up the Premiership, the race for Top 4 will surely be tight from here on out.

With 15 fixtures left to be played, only six points separate second and fifth place. Currently Manchester United are in second with 50 points, followed by Liverpool and Chelsea on 47, and Spurs on 44. Tottenham who have won five of there last six are in terrific form, while Chelsea's has slightly dipped having yet to score in any of there last three matches.

Liverpool come off quite possibly there biggest win under manager Jurgen Klopp, as they defeated the undefeated Manchester City at Anfield four goals to three. New signing Virgil van Dijk, did not play, due to tweaking his hamstring, but rest assured the 75 million pound defender will be fit for the run in. At least the red half of Merseyside hope.

Conflict between the managers of Manchester United and Chelsea have filled the British tabloids this week yet again. More or less a war of words between Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte is nothing new really, but is fitting none the less, because this is what takes place in the world of football. Managers name calling like girls (or boys) in a school hallway with the Portuguese gaffer usually the one stirring the pot. Jose Mourinho who formerly managed Chelsea, still is defensive of his place in the club, where as Conte seems he could care less. Rumors are circulating that for some time Conte has been upset with the Chelsea board over transfers and has not adapted that great to life in London and may be chomping at the bit to move back to Italy, should the right job arise. Insert AC Milan.

Similarly Mourinho has not been the happiest of campers at United, due to similar reasons as Conte. He claims for the most part that United simply did not spend enough money to challenge for the title, at least not as much as Pep Guardiola and Manchester City. Since his arrival in the summer of 2016, Mourinho has spent nearly 300m in new signings. Compared to Guardiola who has dropped 365m in that same amount of time. You can see how Mourinho may have a point, as City are 12 points clear at the top of the table, but that still would not explain the boring style of football that Mourinho plays that does not let his players express themselves, as they would otherwise playing for Guardiola.

It's also worth noting, that all four clubs fighting for the last three champions league spots in the Premier League are also taking part in the competition itself. With only 16 teams left, five of which play in England, the European fixtures midweek will surely impact there chances of finishing in the top four the longer they stay in the European competition. Set aside the FA Cup, and the fixture list just piles games upon games for these clubs. Prioritizing may very well be the answer, but not the one that anybody but an honest fan/pundit would admit. Certainly no player or coach.

Looking at things from that perspective, the amount of squad depth is what will be the deciding factor. Stay tuned for an analysis of the kind to come.