This Premier League season, an unprecedented five spots in the Champions League are available thanks to English clubs` strong performance in European competitions. This has intensified the race, with the top seven teams closely vying for these coveted positions. While Liverpool and Arsenal appear relatively secure in the top two spots, Newcastle United`s recent excellent form puts them in a strong position to secure a Champions League place. Behind them, Manchester City, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest are separated by a mere three points, making the competition incredibly tense as the season reaches its climax.
On a recent Sunday, Nottingham Forest had a Champions League spot within their grasp. They were leading relegated Leicester City but conceded a late equalizer in the 81st minute. These two dropped points were critical, as a win would have propelled Forest above Chelsea into fifth place. Instead, they sit seventh, looking up at their rivals. Although this is a team that narrowly avoided relegation the previous season, their recent form, with only two wins in their last eight matches, has seen the `Tricky Trees` slide down the table from third to seventh. Owner Evangelos Marinakis` frustrations were evident following the draw against Leicester, as he was seen exchanging words with manager Nuno Espirito Santo at the final whistle.
It`s understandable that Forest might be struggling to maintain momentum, lacking the experience of competing for European qualification late in the season. However, with a Champions League place tantalizingly close, the current poor spell is undoubtedly difficult to stomach, especially as rivals like Aston Villa are hitting peak performance 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 Finish in the Top Five?
With Liverpool securing the title, their Champions League spot for next season is confirmed. While Arsenal could technically drop out of the top four, it is highly improbable that the Gunners will miss out on Champions League football. Newcastle still faces Arsenal, but a draw in that match would likely be beneficial for both teams` European aspirations. A loss could complicate things for Newcastle, but considering their goal difference, it would be tough to see the Magpies missing out, especially as they are expected to secure points against Everton on the final day.
Manchester City also suffered a damaging result, drawing 0-0 away to a relegated Southampton side. A victory there could have virtually guaranteed their place in the Champions League, but now they must wait to see how results unfold. Facing Bournemouth will not be an easy task, but City are still favored to get the job done. Following their loss to Newcastle United, Chelsea needs to win all their remaining matches. If they drop points, Aston Villa is right there, ready to capitalize. With upcoming games against tough opponents like Tottenham and Manchester United, Villa might benefit from their rivals potentially being focused on the Europa League final. Ultimately, if Villa don`t secure maximum points from their remaining fixtures, Chelsea`s final day match against Forest could potentially determine the crucial fifth position.
Prediction
- Liverpool
- Arsenal
- Newcastle United
- Manchester City
- Aston Villa
