With just two rounds remaining in the Premier League season, the race for Champions League qualification remains fiercely contested. Liverpool, already crowned champions, are the only team guaranteed a spot in next season’s top European competition, while second-placed Arsenal appear almost certain to join them. However, the battle for the remaining three places is wide open, with only four points separating third-placed Newcastle United from seventh-placed Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle, buoyed by their recent League Cup victory over Liverpool and a strong league run, aim to overtake Arsenal when they face them at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal, struggling with just one win in their last six league games, could slip behind Newcastle with a defeat. Newcastle’s recent 2-0 win against Chelsea marked a significant step toward securing Champions League football for the second time in three seasons.
Aston Villa and Chelsea also have opportunities to climb the table this weekend. Villa, who have maintained good form despite exits from the Champions League and FA Cup, could move into fourth place with a win against Europa League finalists Tottenham. Chelsea, currently level on points with Villa but behind on goal difference, face Manchester United and could move just behind Newcastle with a victory. Both United and Tottenham, struggling near the relegation zone, will likely rest key players ahead of the Europa League final.
Nottingham Forest, once in the top four for much of the season, have faltered recently and now face an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League. Their recent 2-2 draw with relegated Leicester was a setback, but manager Nuno Espirito Santo remains hopeful as Forest prepare to face West Ham and Chelsea in their final two matches.
Manchester City, currently fourth, have had a disappointing campaign by their standards but remain in contention for a top-five finish. After a recent goalless draw with Southampton, they have two league games remaining against Bournemouth and Fulham. City’s focus will soon shift to the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, scheduled just days before their next league fixture.
This weekend’s fixtures include Aston Villa vs. Tottenham and Chelsea vs. Manchester United on Friday, followed by key Sunday matches such as Arsenal vs. Newcastle and West Ham vs. Nottingham Forest. Liverpool will close the weekend with a Monday night match against Brighton, while Manchester City’s next league game is set for Tuesday against Bournemouth. The final weeks promise intense competition as clubs vie for coveted Champions League spots.
