Villa keeper Friedel: Top four battle most intense

Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel says the fight for a top four finish is too close to call.

For all the talk of Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa breaking into the elite, Liverpool's recent form means the summit of the table includes the four heavyweights that have not seen their dominance broken since 2005 when Everton pipped their rivals.

"I can't remember it being this tight for the Champions League places," American Friedel said. "It used to be the top two going away then the next two on their own. It'll be different this time.

"I would think it will go to the end, looking at the results this season. Clubs are dropping points and it's going to make it exciting."