‘I would be astonished’: Michael Owen now predicts who’ll finish fourth… Aston Villa or Tottenham

Michael Owen has delivered his verdict on this season’s race for a top-four finish, with Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur currently battling it out for fourth.

Unai Emery’s men moved six points clear of Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham with a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on Sunday.

Spurs do have two games in hand over Aston Villa but their fixtures look difficult, to say the least. Indeed, Tottenham host Arsenal this Sunday before trips to Stamford Bridge and Anfield next week.

The north Londoners will also play Manchester City in their final home game of the season.

Jeff Stelling has already backed Villa to get over the line and secure their place in the Champions League next season.

For a while, it looked as if fifth place could earn either side a spot amongst Europe’s elite next term. But following Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool’s exits in European competitions last week, that prospect seems highly unlikely.

What Owen has said about the race for fourth in the Premier League

Speaking to the Premier League’s official website, Michael Owen admitted he would be stunned if Villa fail to secure a top-four finish.

“Yes, he is six points clear, two games in hand for Tottenham, but look at Tottenham’s run-in,” the former Liverpool man said. “It’s very, very difficult, so I would be astonished if Aston Villa don’t finish fourth in the league.

“I mean, imagine winning a European trophy and finishing fourth in the league. It’s such a big climb from where they have been before, and there’s no fluke about it, and you actually think, wow, if you keep improving, I am sure he will have a bit of money to spend in the summer, could they be challenging for the league title?

“I mean, you look at the league, they are not that many points behind the top three at the moment. Only a handful of points. So, with another summer, as I said, of building the squad and getting his ideas across, who knows what next season again?”

Tottenham and Aston Villa’s fixtures compared

Ahead of Sunday’s north London derby, Villa have the opportunity to move nine points clear of Spurs as they host Chelsea on Saturday.

When you look at each side’s fixtures, it’s easy to see why many are backing Emery’s side to get the job done.

Spurs are certainly capable of pulling off some big results and they boast a decent record against the top six sides this term.

But Postecoglou’s men aren’t exactly firing on all cylinders at the moment and their recent 4-0 defeat at Newcastle will be a cause for concern.

Here are Tottenham and Villa’s remaining fixtures this season.

Aston Villa

Tottenham

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