For the sake of argument, let’s take it as a given that Manchester United, City (1/7) and Arsenal will, in whichever order, finish first, second and third this season (we can save that particular debate for a later article) so it’s with keen interest that we look at who can land fourth, with Chelsea, Spurs and Liverpool lining up to do battle at the minute.

Fernando Torres cited it was his wish to be competing for the top trophies season after season as the reason why he jumped ship from Anfield and joined the Blues at Stamford Bridge in the transfer window, but the Spaniard could yet be left with egg on his face if Chelsea do not even make it into the Champions League places next season.

That prospect would have been laughed at back in the early months of the campaign when Carlo Ancelotti’s side were sweeping all before them and looking every inch back-to-back title winners, nevermind a great bet for Champions League glory, but the exit of Ray Wilkins in the autumn took everyone by surprise and a shocking downturn in form followed.

The Londoners are just about clinging on to fourth at the minute but it’s by no means guaranteed with Spurs (13/8) looking like the most likely side to benefit if they continue to stumble.

Harry Redknapp’s men have generally impressed this season with not only some fine results but a free-flowing, attacking brand of football orchestrated by Player of the Year contenders Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart. Luka Modric, Aaaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe have also been key players and who would bet against them finishing fourth once again – as long as they can maintain their form over the next few months.

Well, to answer that question – Chelsea, probably (1/8). However, last weekend’s reverse at home to Liverpool merely added fuel to the fire in the case against the Blues while, equally, it added weight to the claim that maybe, just maybe, Kenny Dalglish can perform one of the quickest resurrection acts seen in the top flight for many a year.

That Liverpool are even in with an outside chance of fourth (7/1) in February – they were in the relegation places in October – is great credit to the Scot for the way he has turned things around on Merseyside. A defeat and draw in his first two games ensured he did not enjoy a brilliant start but, since then, the Reds have won four on the bounce without conceding a goal and are the form team in the Premier League ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Wigan.

It would still take quite a turnaround for Liverpool to make it to fourth in May but it’s by no means out of the question. Torres is one who is looking nervously over his shoulder already.

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