The race for a second position will be among three clubs, not only two, and in my opinion these clubs are Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea. They are most promissing clubs to finish this season in top four, and only one of them can end this season beyond top four but I see it's very unlikely to happen. Manchester City and Arsenal can secure their positions in top four and Chelsea have good improvement in this season, and I really don't believe other clubs can beat Chelsea in this race to top four.
For the second position, it's too early and many things can change so I think it's very soon for a prediction on this position.
Even for the first position, it is still possible to change where when Liverpool does not perform consistently, it will make the distance with the challengers below it closer, as happened to Arsenal when Man City managed to catch up with their points in the previous season. The league is still quite long and maybe we will see the standings change over time.
I have a different opinion to it. The first place race is still between Liverpool and Manchester City. One of them would be first while another second. 3rd and 4th place race would be between Arsenal and Chelsea. They'll occupy those position while the 5th place would probably be taken by Aston Villa. As Brighton, Fulham and Nottm forest fail to maintain their performance.
Liverpool and Manchester City's game are a level better than Arsenal and Chelsea, it's just bad luck that's keeping Manchester City down.