The competition for Champions League spots in the Premier League is remarkably tight this season. With England set to have five teams qualify based on strong European performances, the top seven clubs are all actively competing for a place. While Liverpool and Arsenal appear to have the top two positions secured, Newcastle United`s excellent recent form positions them favorably for a Champions League spot.
However, the battle heats up behind them. Manchester City, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest are separated by just three points, creating significant tension as the season nears its conclusion.
Nottingham Forest missed a key chance to improve their standing on Sunday. They were leading already-relegated Leicester City until conceding a late goal in the 81st minute. Dropping those two crucial points prevented Forest from potentially climbing above Chelsea into fifth place; instead, they remain in seventh, looking up at their rivals. Despite narrowly avoiding relegation last season, the `Tricky Trees` have seen their form decline lately, with only two wins in their last eight matches causing a slide down the table from third to seventh. Owner Evangelos Marinakis` frustration was evident after the Leicester draw, as he was seen exchanging words with manager Nuno Espirito Santo at the final whistle.
For a team unaccustomed to being in the European qualification race at this stage of the season, Forest`s recent dip in form is somewhat understandable. However, being so close to a Champions League spot makes their current struggles particularly difficult to accept. Their poor run could not have come at a worse time, especially as teams like Aston Villa are hitting peak performance heading into the season`s climax.
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 |
Predicting the Top Five Finishers
With Liverpool already crowned champions and set for the Champions League, and Arsenal highly likely to join them, the focus is on the remaining spots.
Newcastle still has a challenging fixture against Arsenal. While a draw might suit both teams, a loss could complicate matters. However, given their superior goal difference and a favorable final-day match against Everton, it`s difficult to see the Magpies missing out on a Champions League spot.
Manchester City also dropped critical points in a 0-0 draw away to relegated Southampton. A win would have almost guaranteed their Champions League participation next season. Now, their qualification depends on upcoming results. Although facing Bournemouth won`t be easy, City is still expected to secure the points they need.
Following their defeat to Newcastle, Chelsea must win their remaining matches. Any dropped points would provide an opportunity for Aston Villa, who are level on points and waiting to capitalize. Villa faces tough opponents in Tottenham and Manchester United in their upcoming games and might benefit if these rivals are prioritizing the Europa League final. If Villa fails to win their remaining fixtures, the final Champions League spot could be decided on the last day when Chelsea plays Nottingham Forest.
Prediction
1. Liverpool
2. Arsenal
3. Newcastle United
4. Manchester City
5. Aston Villa
