What the Champions League chasers need for Christmas

The festive period is always a crucial part of the Premier League calendar, but what will the Champions League wannabes want in their stockings?

TOTTENHAM

2.3 to finish in the top four

 

Need: Greater consistency away

 

Why: Spurs may have pulled off a famous victory at Old Trafford this season but Andre Villas-Boas' side have actually lost the most away games of all the top six. If Tottenham are to make the top four then they must pick up points on their travels more frequently.

 

Urgency: Once Tottenham have played Stoke on Saturday at White Hart Lane, they take to the road for two away games within four days against Aston Villa and Sunderland. Both games appear eminently winnable; especially the trip to the Stadium of Light, though with Aston Villa in resurgent mood, a draw at Villa Park (a first on their travels this season) would not be a bad result. Four points from these two fixtures would equal a great Christmas for the Londoners.

 

 

ARSENAL

2.0 to finish in the top four

 

Need: Theo Walcott to stay

 

Why: Walcott's contract saga has been dragging on for most of the season and it still seems no closer to a resolution despite the England man being the club's top scorer. Theo clearly wants greater financial recognition for his exploits and quite possibly some assurances of a permanent striking role thrown in.

 

Urgency: If Arsenal are to improve their chances of again making the Champions League spots then the board ought to get their chequebook out pretty sharpish. With the January window within touching distance, there isno shortage of suitors lining up to offer Theo lucrative deals elsewhere, with Liverpool and Manchester United leading the hunt. After witnessing Theo's standout performance against Reading in his favoured position, the Gunners would be mad not to meet his demands.

 

 

EVERTON

6.2 to finish in the top four

 

Need: To stop drawing

 

Why: If the Toffees had converted just four of their nine draws into wins they would currently be sitting one point behind Manchester City in the Premier League and six clear of Chelsea. Drawing games is a dangerous disease to contract if you harbour top-four ambitions and one Everton must cure quickly.

 

Urgency: There's no time like Christmas to exorcise your drawing demons and Everton have a chance to do just that against West Ham on Saturday. The Toffees normally do well at Upton Park too, winning on four of their last five visits to east London, where they can be backed at 2.6 to grab all three points. David Moyes' men should take a leaf out of Manchester United's book; they haven't drawn any of their first 17 games.

 

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