Man Utd odds shorten for top four after Chelsea win

In the latest betting news, Manchester United have shortened to as low as 7/2 in places to finish in the top four in the Premier League, after their 2-0 victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Man City situation

Although the top four is generally perceived as the positions needed to make the Champions League the following term, the news that broke over the weekend that Manchester City have been banned from Europe for two years, could yet see the team that finished fifth making the elite competition, however in terms of betting, bookmakers do not pay out on Champions League qualification, just on a top-four finish.

United boost their chances

Most people thought the match against Chelsea on Monday evening was ‘must not lose’ for United, rather than a game they had to win, but they got the job done in fine style anyway to move to within three points of Chelsea, who they have a better goal difference than, which has led to their odds coming in.

Chelsea still the ones to watch

With Leicester City and Manchester City looking like they are away and gone, there appears to be one spot left in the top four. Chelsea sit in a precarious position on 41 points, but despite failing to win any of their last four league matches, they remain the even money favourites to snatch that last place.

Plenty of challengers

Manchester United are not the only team pushing for a spot in the top four, indeed the club managed by their former boss Jose Mourinho, Tottenham Hotspur, are the side closest to Chelsea. They sit a point off the Blues and can be backed at 12/5 to claim a top-four berth, but without Harry Kane there are plenty of doubters looking down in Spurs.
Sheffield United are in between Tottenham and Manchester United in the league table, yet you can get 14/1 for them to crown their amazing return season into a finish inside the top four. The general consensus is that they may fade down the stretch, rightly or wrongly.

Summary

Chelsea look to be going backwards at the minute but do hold pole position, and while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men looked good in winning at Stamford Bridge, they have some way to go before confirming to punters they have the consistency for a top-four finish. Tottenham will have plenty to say in the race too, ensuring a fascinating end to the season, one which at the minute the odds may just be in line about.