If you are conversant with the English Premier League, then you must know what the big four stands for and those classified as the Big Four. But just in case you don't know, big four simply refers to the top four teams at the end of an EPL season. Over the years, we have seen some teams who never fail to make it to the big four, we have also seen teams that have tested the top four in many seasons. So, victory is not only when you win the league but also if you make it to the top four or maybe top six. But the greatest win is championing the league.
What makes the "Big Four and Six" spots a sort after position? Well, as you would presume, there are many benefits attached to being among the big four in the English Premier League. Most outstanding is the fact that you get to compete in Europe club competitions (that is, Champions League and Europa League). Only those who make it to the top four spots get to compete in the UEfA Champions League while the five and six positions compete in the Europa League.
Aside from this, being in the top four means more money for you at the end of a particular season. Over time, these are the clubs that are always making it to the top four in a consistent manner;
- Liverpool FC
- Chelsea
- Manchester City
- Manchester United
- Arsenal
Arsenal team has been slacking off late because of their lingering poor performances in the league. We also have a team like Leicester and Tottenham who have sometime appeared in the top but they are not regular. Leicester won the English Premier League trophy under the reign of Ranieri and ever since then retired to the back until this 2021 season when Brendan Rodgers took over as manager.
The 2021 season has been very surprising and competitive in nature so, looking at the current state of the league, it is somewhat hard to say presently those that will make it to the big four at the end of the 38 matches. Currently, we have the table in this order;
- Manchester City
- Manchester United
- Leicester City
- Westham United
- Chelsea
- Liverpool
Can Liverpool and Chelsea find their way into the top four?
Both Chelsea and Liverpool have had a season full of ups and downs. In the case of Liverpool FC, they started really good but in the mid of tournament, they slacked due to injury crises. Ever since then, they have been a lot of inconsistencies and poor results from them. We see a poor level of zealousness and a low winning mentality compared to their previous seasons. Howbeit, I still believe Liverpool can still get into the big four this season. Similarly with Chelsea, a lot inconsistencies in performance and in the club generally. Lampard didn't perform so well as the coach and this led to Chelsea's drop in the table. As a result, he was fired and Thomas Tuchel hired.
Chelsea actually stepped up ever since Tuchel took over and they are currently at the number six position. Frankly, both Chelsea and Liverpool can still qualify for the Champions League next season if only, they build more momentum and maintain it as well. Why will it be possible? Both Leicester and Westham aren't topping with very high margin and on the other hand, they are beginning to relent. Arsenal just thrashed Leicester in their last outing making the points difference even smaller.
Also, Chelsea and Liverpool have more experience compared to Westham and Leicester hence, I see a possible replacement but it won't happen without a price. Should Leicester and Westham keep building more momentum and stepping up their performances in each coming game, we would likely see both Chelsea and Liverpool in the Europa League next season.
That not withstanding, Leicester City and WestHam should be concerned that Liverpool and Chelsea appear to be back in winning ways. Personally, I would want Liverpool to be among the top four; good news is that the Liverpool squad is bettering of recent. Naby Keita is back and Kabak is a good addition as well. In their game against Sheffield United, they recorded two goals to clinch three points. Liverpool will be hosting Chelsea at Anfield in their next game and it is going to be a deciding match. I want Liverpool to win but there's a likelihood that the game will be a draw.
In conclusion, I think Liverpool and Chelsea will make it to the top four displacing Leicester City and WestHam as a result. This can only happen if the blues and the REDS continue in their current good run/ form.
You are welcomed to think differently!!