We are approaching the halfway stage of the 2023/24 English Premier League season, and there have been plenty of surprises in the top-four battle.
A trio of teams have established themselves as favourites for the all-important Champions League spots, but the race for the final position is wide open.
The Sporting News takes a look at the main contenders.
Odds via Unibet.
Manchester City (4th), Arsenal (1st) and Liverpool (2nd)
As we near Christmas, there are three teams set for a comfortable top-four finish.
Arsenal and Liverpool occupy the top two spots on the ladder — on 36 and 34 points, respectively — and will be aiming to de-throne reigning champions Manchester City.
Despite going winless in their past four games, City undoubtedly have the quality to finish the season in the Champions League spots (and are still the betting favourites to take home the title).
TOP 4: Manchester City (1.03) | Arsenal (1.06) | Liverpool (1.12)
Aston Villa (3rd)
Aston Villa's quality was evident at the tail-end of last season, but not many would have predicted them to be one of the league's best sides in the early stages of 23/24.
Unai Emery is thriving as their manager in his return to the English top-flight, helping transform Villa Park into a fortress — a stadium where they are currently unbeaten in 14 consecutive league matches.
As things stand, Villa sit in third place on 32 points, having recently defeated Manchester City 1-0.
They have not only been consistent in this campaign but have also proven they can mix it with the big boys.
A top-four finish is certainly on the cards.
TOP 4: Aston Villa (2.75)
Tottenham (5th)
Ange Postecoglou guided Spurs to a scintillating start in his debut season at the helm, but things have taken a major dip recently.
Multiple injuries — including one to key playmaker James Maddison — have impacted the side, which has seen them fail to win any of their past five league matches.
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Their recent 3-3 draw with Manchester City was promising, though, proving they still can challenge top-four sides.
There is a long way to go in this season, and they could easily regain form once some of their important players return in the New Year.
TOP 4: Tottenham (3.25)
Manchester United (6th)
Remarkably, Manchester United are just three points below local rivals Manchester City.
A lot of pressure was piled on manager Erik ten Hag after a poor start to the season, but the Red Devils have squeezed out several narrow wins to keep themselves in the top-four hunt.
A closer look at the table highlights why they may struggle to keep pace with the rest, however.
They have already lost six games this season and currently possess a goal difference of 0 — the 11th lowest in the league.
Is their current form sustainable? Time will tell.
TOP 4: Manchester United (5.50)
Newcastle United (7th)
It has been a mixed campaign for Newcastle thus far.
Eddie Howe's side have recorded some memorable results, including victories over Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.
However, their away form is very alarming, winning just one of their last nine matches as the visitors.
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If they can navigate the Christmas period relatively unscathed (and avoid adding to their growing casualty ward), then they will put themselves in great stead for a shot at the top four.
They have proven they can beat the big guns, so it's primarily a case of rectifying their road problems, balancing life in the Champions League and staying as healthy as possible.
TOP 4: Newcastle (2.50)
