Rio Ferdinand would ‘put his house’ on Man Utd, Arsenal and City finishing in top four… along with one outsider

RIO FERDINAND says he would “put his house” on Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City finishing in the top four this season.

But Ferdinand also reckons there’s one strong outsider to take the final spot for next term’s Champions League.

The race to qualify for Europe’s elite competition is already proving to be an intriguing one.

Arsenal, Man City, Tottenham and Newcastle occupy the top four after 12 to 13 games played.

Man United and Chelsea are hot on their heels in fifth and sixth.

Meanwhile, surprise packages Fulham and Brighton follow on ahead of last season’s beaten finalists Liverpool.

And Ferdinand reckons there could be a shock come the end of the campaign.

The former United superstar is backing his old side to qualify under Erik ten Hag.

He also believes Arsenal and City, the two top teams this term, should also easily make the cut.

But as for the fourth and final Champions League spot, Ferdinand has overlooked all three of Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool.

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He believes it’s Newcastle who are actually leading the race for fourth.

The Magpies have impressed under Eddie Howe this term, losing just once while boasting the best defence in the table.

And with no extra European games to play this term, Newcastle will be able to fully focus on the league once the World Cup is out of the way.

Ferdinand told Vibe with Five: “It will be Arsenal, Man City and Man United.

“They are the three teams I would put my house on now.

“And then the fourth one I can’t pick. Newcastle could come in and take it.”