The Premier League’s race for Champions League places looks set to go right down to the wire. Heading into the final weeks of the season, as many as eight teams are all in contention to seal a place at Europe’s top table for next term.
And each of them had a huge boost this week with Arsenal’s win against Real Madrid officially sealing a fifth place in the competition by virtue of the league’s UEFA coefficient rules. With the league title and relegation all-but sealed, the race for Europe is the only thing left to play for.
With seven matches of the season left to go, there could be plenty of twists and turns left. Assuming Liverpool and Arsenal have secured their spots, that leaves a further six teams chasing the further three spots.
There are a few surprise packages in contention, while some established clubs could potentially lose out come the end of the campaign. With that being said, take a look at the upcoming fixtures for each of the Champions League contenders:
Currently occupying third spot, Forest have enjoyed a brilliant season under Nuno Espirito Santo. And should things go to plan over the coming weeks, they could seal a spot in the Champions League for the first time since 1980.
They start their latest run with a home game against a resurgent Everton ahead of an away clash with Spurs. Brentford and Crystal Palace represent their next opponents before a clash with local rivals Leicester – who will presumably be relegated by May 11.
Forest round off their season with a London double header. West Ham are their penultimate opponents, with a key game against Chelsea at the City Ground rounding off the season.
Fixtures: Everton (H), Tottenham (A), Brentford (H), Crystal Palace (A), Leicester (H), West Ham (A), Chelsea (H)
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Speaking of the Blues, they actually have a tricky end to the season. A home game with Ipswich represents a relatively kind start to that run, with Fulham next up.
Chelsea then face a Merseyside double at Stamford Bridge, with Everton coming before champions elect Liverpool. The fixtures do not get much easier with a trip to St James’ Park and a home game with Manchester United all coming before a potentially decisive away game against Forest.
Fixtures: Ipswich (H), Fulham (A), Everton (H), Liverpool (H), Newcastle (A), Man United (H), Nottm Forest (A)
Like Chelsea, Carabao Cup winners Newcastle face a tough run between now and the end of the season. They are set to entertain Man United this weekend ahead of another home game against Crystal Palace.
The Magpies have a tough assignment following that with a trip to Aston Villa before a showdown with Ipswich at St James’ Park. Newcastle then have a relatively tough final four fixtures against Brighton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton.
Fixtures: Man United (H), Crystal Palace (H), Aston Villa (A), Ipswich (H), Brighton (A), Chelsea (H), Arsenal (A), Everton (H)
After only having one trophyless season so far at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola could actually miss out on a Champions League place entirely this season. City will be aiming to get a late season push underway against Crystal Palace this weekend.
A trip to Goodison Park then follows ahead of a key match with Aston Villa at home. Wolves, Southampton and then Bournemouth follow ahead of City’s season conclusion against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Guardiola’s side currently sit sixth in the table but are just a point behind Chelsea so are certainly capable of overturning that deficit.
Fixtures: Crystal Palace (H), Everton (A), Aston Villa (H), Wolves (H), Southampton (A), Bournemouth (H), Fulham (A)
Having reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League this season, Unai Emery’s men are certainly keen to secure a spot in the competition next term. And they’re off to a relatively easy start with already relegated Southampton to come.
But Villa then face a host of tricky games with Man City, Fulham, Bournemouth and Tottenham all to come over the coming weeks. And while Man United have not been anywhere near their best this season, a last day trip to Old Trafford could prove slightly problematic.
Fixtures: Southampton (A), Newcastle (H), Man City (A), Fulham (H), Bournemouth (A), Tottenham (H), Man Utd (A)
Having beaten Liverpool last time out, Marco Silva’s Fulham will be hoping for a few more surprises over the coming weeks. A win against Bournemouth this weekend would be an excellent start, while another victory against Chelsea in their next feature would surely force the Londoners into contention.
Struggling Southampton are their next opponent with a run of four tricky games to come at the end of the season. Aston Villa, Southampton, Brentford and Manchester City are all set to come over the coming weeks.
With five points to make up, a few wins against some of their rivals would be very useful.
Fixtures: Bournemouth (A), Chelsea (H), Southampton (A), Aston Villa (A), Everton (H), Brentford (A), Manchester City (H)
Currently the underdogs for a Champions League spot, the Seagulls are six points off the pace. But they have the perfect start to their latest run of fixtures with a home game against Leicester.
Brentford and West Ham then follow ahead of what looks to be a key game against Newcastle at the Amex Stadium. Wolves come ahead of a clash with Liverpool – albeit the Reds’ could already be confirmed as champions by then. Brighton round off their season with an away game against Tottenham.
Fixtures: Leicester (H), Brentford (A), West Ham (H), Newcastle (H), Wolves (A), Liverpool (H), Tottenham (A)
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