Former Tottenham and Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham believes that despite Manchester City’s challenging campaign, their vast experience and quality will ultimately secure their Champions League qualification.
In an interview with Finaria.it, Sheringham shared his perspective on Manchester City’s pursuit of a top-four finish in the Premier League:
“I think they’ve got too much quality in their ranks to not qualify for Europe at all. I would still expect them to finish in the Champions League spots. It might be fourth, might even be third, but I would still expect it just because of the know-how, it becomes a long hard season when you get into the last two months.”
Sheringham emphasized that the Premier League champions’ seasoned roster will prove crucial as the campaign reaches its climax:
“That’s when the season starts as such, when you are challenging for trophies, when you’re at the end of the season. From their perspective, it hasn’t even started, when the real pressure comes. Nottingham Forest haven’t been there, Bournemouth haven’t been there, Newcastle don’t know about it. Man City will grind results out, they’ll run people down.”
Impact of January Signings
Manchester City spent heavily during the January transfer window, and Sheringham believes that the club’s new acquisitions could play a significant role in the closing weeks of the season:
“I would fully expect Man City to be in the mix and doing that at the end of the season, that’s another two months’ time for the new players to bed in and understand what’s expected of them.”
Current Premier League Standings and Predictions
At the moment, Manchester City find themselves in 5th place in the Premier League table, level on points with Newcastle United and two points behind Chelsea, who occupy the final Champions League spot.
Surprisingly, Nottingham Forest are currently six points ahead of the Cityzens, with 14 matches remaining.
However, according to Opta’s statistical analysis, the reigning champions are predicted to finish in 3rd place, accumulating 68 points by the end of the season. You can view the predicted table here to see where other teams are expected to finish.
In conclusion, Teddy Sheringham’s confidence in Manchester City’s ability to secure Champions League qualification is based on their proven track record, experienced squad, and the potential impact of their recent signings. As the season reaches its climax, the Cityzens will be determined to overcome their current challenges and consolidate their position among the Premier League’s elite.
