Former Manager Explains Why Arsenal are Favourites for Top Four Finish

Former Arsenal and Tottenham manager George Graham believes the Gunners will pip their north London rivals to the top four again this season, owing to their easier fixture list. Arsene Wenger's side are currently fifth, two points behind Chelsea and Tottenham, in third and fourth spot respectively.

Arsenal have been in brilliant form lately, winning five of their last six Premier League fixtures, with their only loss coming against Tottenham at White Hart Lane earlier in March. However, Spurs have gone on a downward spiral since that win, losing two and drawing one in their four league fixtures.

"I fancy Arsenal [to finish in the top four]. I didn't earlier in the season but now they're favourites and could maybe even end up third. Tottenham have been outstanding this season. In the games I saw them play earlier this season I thought they would definitely be in the top four, but if you look at the fixture list they have got a very, very hard run-in. Arsenal's only real tough game is away at Manchester United," Graham said.

Tottenham do have a tough fixture list, with game against Chelsea and Manchester City left, along with their second leg against Basel in the Europa League quarter-final. Qualification to the semis will further constrict their schedule, giving Arsenal an advantage to script their 17th consecutive season in the Champions League.

Graham, who had previously blamed Wenger for Arsenal's problems and claimed the manager was fortunate to keep his job, has finally praised the Frenchman for his tactics in the run-in.

"Arsene Wenger has been under a lot of pressure and criticism this season, some of it is justified, but when it comes to the run in at the end of the season he's been fantastic. They're not the Arsenal of old but they're picking up important points and playing with a lot of confidence," the 68-year-old pointed out.

Graham also praised Wilshere, who is set to make a comeback against Norwich City this weekend and believes his return will be a major boost to Arsenal's top four ambitions.

"Jack Wilshere is one of the few world class players in the team. He was out for so long and they missed him. He's not only got wonderful technical ability, but he's a natural winner. They need that drive from midfield, without question," he added.