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Soccer Saturday predictions: Manchester United and Arsenal to miss top four

Soccer Saturday pundits Paul Merson, Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas cast their verdict

We asked the Soccer Saturday pundits to predict the Premier League top six following the latest round of fixtures.

Chelsea took an another significant step closer to the title with their 3-0 win at Everton, while Tottenham kept pace by denting Arsenal's top-four chances.

Man City and Man Utd were held to draws by Middlesbrough and Swansea respectively, allowing Liverpool to take advantage with a 1-0 victory at Watford on Monday Night Football.

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All four pundits expect Chelsea to hold on to top spot, with the main point of contention being the battle for third place.

Here's how they see the top of the table ending up...

Paul Merson predicts...

Premier League top six

Position Team
1. Chelsea
2. Tottenham
3. Liverpool
4. Man City
5. Man Utd
6. Arsenal

Chelsea need to win three games and if they could hand-pick those fixtures then they'd probably go with the ones they've got.

It was a big result for Liverpool in terms of finishing third and they, like City, have got a pretty favourable run-in.

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Watch highlights from Liverpool's win at Watford

United, in contrast, have got too many difficult games and they've got to put their eggs into the Europa League basket right now.

They've got to weigh it up. If they win their next three games in the Europa League then they'll qualify for the Champions League, whereas if they win all four of their league games they could still miss out.

As for Arsenal, they were embarrassing on Sunday. They've got some tough games still and they're just not playing well enough to win them all, even if those above them slip up.

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Phil Thompson predicts...

Premier League top six

Position Team
1. Chelsea
2. Tottenham
3. Liverpool
4. Man City
5. Man Utd
6. Arsenal

Monday's game was absolutely massive and was very pleasing in many aspects, especially the way they defended against such a physical attack. It was also a goal worthy of winning any game from Emre Can.

Finishing third is really important. Playing in the qualifying round means you have to be prepared earlier and there's always a danger of getting a tough tie or a really long journey.

Thommo's tips...
Thommo's tips...

Find out what Thommo is predicting at 60/1 for Monaco v Juventus here.

I'd still take fourth now because it makes enticing players so much easier, but you go back to when Everton finished fourth and got Villarreal, so it can be dangerous.

Manchester United have got two very difficult away games, while Arsenal's run-in isn't quite as difficult.

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Watch Emre Can's overhead wonder strike

Matt Le Tissier predicts...

Premier League top six

Position Team
1. Chelsea
2. Tottenham
3. Man City
4. Liverpool
5. Man Utd
6. Arsenal

I'm not in with those saying the title race is over. You still get some funny results at this stage of the season and I remember playing in a few games where we went up against title challengers and got a result.

Manchester City and Liverpool both have favourable fixtures but the Reds struggle more often against those sort of sides so I'm going for City to get third.

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Manchester United and Arsenal have blown it with what happened at the weekend. United will just be going all out to win the Europa League and secure their Champions League place that way.

I think they'll do just that and we'll have five Premier League teams in next season's Champions League.

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Watch highlights from Man Utd's home draw with Swansea

Charlie Nicholas predicts...

Premier League top six

Position Team
1. Chelsea
2. Tottenham
3. Man City
4. Liverpool
5. Arsenal
6. Man Utd

The top two is done for me. The only issue I have is whether Manchester City can jump above Liverpool. People are looking at those fixtures and reading them wrong because of how often Liverpool drop points in games they're supposed to win.

It was a massive result for Jurgen Klopp against Watford but they very nearly dropped another two points and they really do struggle to beat teams below them.

City have Gabriel Jesus back and a clear focus on the top four. They are a side who usually do beat the teams below them so I'm backing them for third.

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - APRIL 30:  Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City is congratulated by team mates after he scores his team's second goal during the Premi
Image: Gabriel Jesus was back on the scoresheet against Boro

I can't see either Arsenal or Manchester United challenging anymore. Arsenal just are not good enough. There's still a couple of tricky games, including Arsene Wenger having to actually beat Jose Mourinho, then Southampton and Everton. They're a better side when the pressure is off but this team just isn't good enough to do it.

United have got Arsenal and Spurs away and the whole issue with the Europa makes it so difficult. Their players look tired and frustrated and I can't see them winning many of their remaining league games.

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