Rio Ferdinand Rules Arsenal Out Of Title Race

The Premier League's 'Big Four' all continue to stumble as 2008 lurches to a close, with no one team looking capable of making a break from the pack and surging towards glory.

Manchester United stopper Rio Ferdinand, though, thinks that the Red Devils will start to pull away with Liverpool and Chelsea, leaving Arsenal - who're currently fifth behind in-firm Aston Villa - to contemplate another morale-sapping season of domestic failure.

The Gunners actually beat United on November 8, winning 2-1 at the Emirates, and are only two points behind the third-placed Mancunians. Still, Ferdinand has seen fit to write Arsene Wenger's side off at this stage.

Speaking ahead of the Club World Cup encounter with Gamba Osaka in Yokohama, Ferdinand told BBC Sport: "It is not beyond Arsenal, but it is my personal opinion that it will be between the other three this season.

"At the moment it looks like being nip and tuck. Usually, though, from Christmas onwards, the teams who are going to be there at the end start pulling away.

"I can see that happening this season. I presume ourselves, Chelsea and Liverpool will pull away, then it will be down to two and finally one."

The England defender, however, seems to be relishing the unpredictable nature of the league at the present moment. It seems as though almost any side can get something from the elite clubs on their day.

"It looks like teams will drop points," Ferdinand added.

"Hull going to Anfield and getting a draw is a massive result for them. Who would have said that before the season kicked off?

"West Ham getting a draw at Chelsea was a surprise as well. There have been quite a few unusual results this season and I'm sure it's good for the fans."

Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com