The competition for Champions League places in the Premier League is reaching a fever pitch. With the possibility of five English teams qualifying based on European performance, the top seven clubs are all intensely battling for a spot. While Liverpool and Arsenal seem to have all but secured their positions, Newcastle United`s recent surge in form puts them in a strong contention for a Champions League spot.
However, the situation is much tighter behind them, with Manchester City, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest separated by only three points, leading to escalating tension as the season concludes.
Nottingham Forest recently missed a golden opportunity to strengthen their claim, leading relegated Leicester City only to concede a late equalizer in the 81st minute. Dropping these two crucial points prevented Forest from potentially leapfrogging Chelsea into fifth place; they now find themselves in seventh, looking up at their rivals.
Having narrowly avoided relegation last season, Forest`s recent form, which includes just two wins in their last eight matches, has seen the “Tricky Trees” slide down the table from a surprising third position to seventh. This downturn reportedly culminated in a frustrated exchange between owner Evangelos Marinakis and manager Nuno Espirito Santo following the draw against Leicester.
For a team inexperienced in navigating a late-season charge for European football, a drop in form might be understandable, but it is particularly painful when a Champions League place felt within touching distance. Their poor run has unfortunately coincided with competitors like Aston Villa finding peak performance as the season draws to a close.
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 Spot?
With Liverpool effectively securing their title win, their place in next season`s Champions League is confirmed. While technically possible for Arsenal to miss out on the top four, it remains highly improbable. Newcastle still faces Arsenal, and a draw in that encounter would likely suit both clubs. A loss could introduce uncertainty, but considering their goal difference and a final fixture against Everton, the Magpies are still strong favorites to secure their spot.
Manchester City also dropped valuable points with a goalless draw against relegated Southampton. A victory would have nearly guaranteed their UCL participation, leaving their position now subject to remaining results. They face Bournemouth next and are expected to win, though it won`t be straightforward. Following their loss to Newcastle United, Chelsea needs to win all their remaining games. Should they drop points, Aston Villa are poised to capitalize.
Villa`s upcoming matches against Tottenham and Manchester United are challenging, but they might benefit from their rivals potentially prioritizing the Europa League final. If Villa fails to achieve maximum points, Chelsea`s final day fixture against Nottingham Forest could prove decisive in determining the final top five.
Our Prediction
- Liverpool
- Arsenal
- Newcastle United
- Manchester City
- Aston Villa
Adrian Whitmore