With five teams qualifying for Champions League play in the Premier League due to their performance in European competitions, competition has intensified with the top seven teams all in contention for a spot.
The first two slots appear secure with Liverpool and Arsenal, while Newcastle United has surged into a favorable position for Champions League qualification.
Behind them, Manchester City, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest are tightly packed, separated by only three points, resulting in increasing pressure. On Sunday, Nottingham Forest had the chance to secure a Champions League position against a relegated Leicester City but conceded in the 81st minute, missing out on vital points that could have pushed them past Chelsea.
Despite narrowly escaping relegation last season, Forest’s form has dipped to only two wins in the last eight matches, causing them to fall from third to seventh place. Owner Evangelos Marinakis showed visible frustration at the match’s outcome as he exchanged words with manager Nuno Espirito Santo following the draw.
Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of Nottingham Forest, confronted his manager post-draw against Leicester City after the match, expressing displeasure over the missed opportunity that could have ensured a European spot.
Not having prior experience in the race for a European position at such an advanced stage of the season makes it understandable that Forest has been regressing. However, with Champions League qualification so close, the pressure is unrelenting.
Their performance slump is particularly ill-timed as Aston Villa enters peak form as the season approaches its conclusion.
Premier League Top Seven
| 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 Places in the Top Five?
With Liverpool set to claim the title, their spot in next season’s Champions League is assured. Arsenal is unlikely to miss out on the top four, although scenarios could arise where they slip. Newcastle is well positioned, needing only a draw from their match against Arsenal to secure their place.
A damaging draw for City against a relegated side could complicate their Champions League aspirations, while Chelsea must secure victories in their remaining matches to avoid falling behind Aston Villa.
Predictions:
- Liverpool
- Arsenal
- Newcastle United
- Manchester City
- Aston Villa
