With Chelsea's shock loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday Tottenham fans will have a tiny glimmer of hope that they can catch the league leaders in the final stretch of the league. It would obviously require a major capitulation for Chelsea alongside a near perfect run in for Spurs. But if results go against the Blues they could find themselves only four points ahead of Spurs with eight games remaining for both.
Team: Chelsea
Position: 1st
Points: 69
Potential Threats: Man City (5th April, Home), Man Utd (16th April, Away), Everton (30th April, Away)
Odds: 1/8
History favours Chelsea to win the League from this position. Only two teams, (Newcastle 1996 and Arsenal 2008) managed to throw away the Premier League title after being league leaders with 10 games remaining. Chelsea realistically have three potential threats. The timing of the City game after a loss to Palace is probably their biggest game of the season. If they lose that then all of a sudden they may begin to question themselves.
Considering Chelsea won the League two seasons ago they shouldn't face a startling nervous breakdown, like Newcastle did where they only managed to pick up 17 points from their final 10 games and were usurped to the title by United. After beating United twice this season already, both being at home, they will be confident facing the reds. Everton's chances from the top six took a major blow and Chelsea will want three points away at the toffee's too. Their run in in May is realistic enough for them to expect to win every game. They are almost certain of claiming their fifth Premier League title.
Team: Tottenham Hotspur
Position: 2nd
Points: 62
Potential Threats: Arsenal (30th April, Home), Man Utd (13th May, Home), Leicester (TBC, Away)
Odds: 7/1
Considering Spurs have to face nobody in the top six until the final day of April, if Chelsea fail to get a point against United and Spurs keep momentum then the difference may only be one point, or even worse going into May. The likelihood of this happening isn't great for Spurs. Only time will tell if they have a chance to catch the leaders.
However, they have to play Man Utd, who already beat them earlier in the season and face a rejuvenated Leicester City later on in the season, most likely in May. Their home form has been impeccable and they will be confident to beat United. If results do go their way and they are top of the league by May 1st they may have to win ugly and pull off one of the greatest stories in Premier League History.
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