Premier League top-five frenzy: How the Champions League tussle is unfolding
With Liverpool and working away with two of 5 assured spots in subsequent season’s Champions League, we take a look at different viable candidates to signify England within the event.
Nottingham Forest P 32 Pts 57 GD +13
Marred by accidents to standout striker Chris Wooden and first-choice wing-back Ola Aina, Forest slumped to back-to-back league defeats for the primary time this season.
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Consequently, Forest’s historic return to Europe’s high desk hangs by a thread, with sixth-placed Chelsea solely three factors beneath heading into the final six rounds.
Confidence stems from the Difficult Timber’ three residence video games down the ultimate stretch, together with a top-five six-pointer in opposition to the Blues on the curtain-dropping weekend.
Prime-five quest in 5 phrases: Damage-ravaged outsiders navigate uncharted territory.
Remaining Premier League fixtures: Tottenham (a), Brentford (h), Crystal Palace (a), Leicester (h), West Ham (a), Chelsea (h).
Chelsea P 32 Pts 54 GD +17
Enzo Maresca is on the verge of falling out with Chelsea followers after throwing accusations on the membership trustworthy within the wake of a chastening 2-2 draw in opposition to relegation-bound Ipswich City (by way of ).
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One other substandard efficiency at Stamford Bridge consigned the Blues to a 3rd winless league outing of their final 4, derailing their pursuit of a primary Champions League qualification underneath Todd Boehly.
The prize cash on supply at Europe’s high desk would considerably enhance the membership’s funds, however they have to return to kind after dropping out of the highest 5.
Prime-five quest in 5 phrases: Heavy spenders should step up.
Remaining Premier League fixtures: (a), Everton (h), Liverpool (h), Newcastle (a), Manchester United (h), Nottingham Forest (a)
Newcastle P 31 Pts 56 GD +16
As if Newcastle United’s return to prominence wanted additional affirmation after a shocking League Cup triumph, Eddie Howe’s costs dismantled Manchester United 4-1 at St James’ Park.
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It was the Magpies’ fourth consecutive league victory, transferring them two factors away from sixth-placed Chelsea and just one adrift of third-placed Forest.
With a sport in hand on all top-five rivals, Howe’s high-flying costs are on the right track to a second Champions League qualification in three years, as they’re the masters of their future.
Prime-five quest in 5 phrases: It’s inside their attain.
Remaining Premier League fixtures: Crystal Palace (h), Aston Villa (a), Ipswich (h), Brighton (a), Chelsea (h), Arsenal (a), Everton (h).
Manchester Metropolis P 32 Pts 55 GD +20
Pep Guardiola showered star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne with reward after the 33-year-old impressed Man Metropolis’s come-from-behind 5-2 residence win in opposition to Crystal Palace (by way of ).
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De Bruyne’s classic efficiency supplied Guardiola a vital increase forward of an intense season run-in because the Spaniard goals to keep away from failure to say Champions League qualification for the primary time in a 16-season profession.
Dropping marquee goalscorer Erling Haaland to harm till the ultimate weekend threatens to hinder Man Metropolis’s lofty ambitions, however Guardiola’s star-studded squad would haven’t any excuse for a possible fiasco.
Prime-five quest in 5 phrases: Check of character with out Haaland.
Remaining Premier League fixtures: Everton (a), Aston Villa (h), (h), Southampton (a), Bournemouth (h), Fulham (a).
Aston Villa P 32 Pts 54 GD +3
Unai Emery has by no means backed down from a problem, although Aston Villa’s fixture schedule might undermine the Spaniard’s quest to beat stiff competitors to the punch.
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Excessive-profile matches in opposition to Man Metropolis, Man Utd and Newcastle lie forward, forcing the four-time Europa League winner to summon all his tactical acumen to assist Villa navigate these troubled waters.
The duty of main Villa to consecutive Champions League qualification is nothing wanting Herculean, but when somebody can pull off this gigantic feat, it’s Emery.