With five Premier League teams potentially qualifying for the Champions League thanks to their performance in European competitions, the battle for these coveted spots among the top seven clubs is incredibly tight. While Liverpool and Arsenal appear largely secure at the top, Newcastle United`s recent excellent form has positioned them well for a Champions League finish. However, Manchester City, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest are currently separated by just three points, leading to rising tensions as the season heads towards its conclusion.
On a recent Sunday, Nottingham Forest missed a key opportunity to strengthen their Champions League bid. They were leading against already-relegated Leicester City but conceded a late goal in the 81st minute, resulting in a draw. These two dropped points were crucial, as a win would have potentially lifted Forest above Chelsea into fifth place. Instead, they remain in seventh, looking up at the teams above them. Although they narrowly avoided relegation last season, Forest`s form has dipped recently, with only two wins in their last eight matches, causing them to slide down the table from third to seventh. Frustration was reportedly evident when owner Evangelos Marinakis was seen exchanging words with manager Nuno Espirito Santo after the match against Leicester.
Given their lack of experience competing for European qualification late in the season, Forest`s recent struggles are perhaps understandable. However, with a Champions League spot within touching distance, this poor run of form is undoubtedly difficult to accept. Their dip in performance has unfortunately occurred at the same time that teams like Aston Villa are hitting peak form as the season concludes.
Premier League Top Seven Standings
| Pos | Team | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liverpool | 36 | 25 | 8 | 3 | 83 | 37 | +46 | 83 |
| 2 | Arsenal | 36 | 18 | 14 | 4 | 66 | 33 | +33 | 68 |
| 3 | Newcastle United | 36 | 20 | 6 | 10 | 68 | 45 | +23 | 66 |
| 4 | Manchester City | 36 | 19 | 8 | 9 | 67 | 43 | +24 | 65 |
| 5 | Chelsea | 36 | 18 | 9 | 9 | 62 | 43 | +19 | 63 |
| 6 | Aston Villa | 36 | 18 | 9 | 9 | 56 | 49 | +7 | 63 |
| 7 | Nottingham Forest | 36 | 18 | 8 | 10 | 56 | 44 | +12 | 62 |
Who Will Secure a Top-Five Finish?
With Liverpool already confirmed as league winners and secured in the Champions League, attention turns to the remaining spots. While Arsenal could theoretically drop out of the top four, it is highly unlikely. Newcastle still faces Arsenal, and a draw in that match might be mutually beneficial. A loss could complicate matters for the Magpies, but their strong goal difference and a favorable final fixture against Everton suggest they are well-placed.
Manchester City also experienced a setback with a goalless draw away to relegated Southampton. A win would have almost certainly guaranteed their Champions League place. Now, they must wait and see how results unfold, although securing a win against Bournemouth, while not easy, remains probable. Following their loss to Newcastle United, Chelsea needs to win their remaining games. Should they drop points, Aston Villa is ready to capitalize. Villa`s upcoming fixtures against Tottenham and Manchester United could be advantageous if those rivals are prioritizing the Europa League final. Ultimately, the composition of the top five could depend significantly on Aston Villa`s results and Chelsea`s final-day match against Forest.
Prediction
- Liverpool
- Arsenal
- Newcastle United
- Manchester City
- Aston Villa
