Struggle for a spot in the Premier League’s top five: Which matches are crucial? Who might be left out of the UEFA Champions League? What other European positions are available?

Newcastle United’s Dan Burn has declared that their recent 2-0 victory over Chelsea was a pivotal moment in their season, stating, “We said that the League Cup final was our biggest game, but this was the next one.” The win propelled the Magpies into third place in the Premier League, intensifying their pursuit of a coveted UEFA Champions League spot. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s defeat leaves them precariously positioned in fifth, now level on points with sixth-placed Aston Villa, who secured a crucial 1-0 win over Bournemouth just a day earlier. Nottingham Forest, sitting in seventh, are a point behind after conceding a late equaliser against already-relegated Leicester City.

With Liverpool having already clinched the title, the battle for the four remaining Champions League spots is heating up. With only two matches left in the season, the race is set to go down to the wire, determining which teams will represent England in Europe’s premier competition next season.

As the fixtures unfold, Arsenal, who have been chasing Liverpool all season, now find themselves nervously glancing over their shoulders. Their next match against Newcastle at the Emirates is crucial; a win would secure second place, barring an extraordinary swing in goal difference on the final day against rock-bottom Southampton. While Mikel Arteta’s side could theoretically drop out of the top five, it would require them to lose both remaining matches while other teams win theirs.

Newcastle, on the other hand, could leapfrog Arsenal with a victory in London and confirm second place when they host Everton on the final day. With an impressive record of seven wins and one draw from their last nine league matches, Eddie Howe’s side will be brimming with confidence as they approach their final fixtures.

Manchester City, after a strong run of four consecutive wins, stumbled with a surprising draw against Southampton. With an FA Cup final looming before their next league match, City could find themselves as low as sixth by the time they face Bournemouth at home. Their season will conclude with a trip to Fulham.

For Chelsea, the defeat at St James’ Park could prove costly, as they cling to a slender advantage over Aston Villa on goal difference. The Blues will be eager to bounce back when they host a struggling Manchester United side, who may be distracted by their upcoming Europa League final, before facing Nottingham Forest in a match that could have significant implications for both teams.

Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, seem to have put their recent disappointments in the Champions League and FA Cup behind them, securing vital wins over Fulham and Bournemouth. Their upcoming fixtures against Tottenham and Manchester United, once seen as daunting, may now present opportunities, given the struggles of their opponents and the distraction of United’s European commitments.

Nottingham Forest, once considered potential title challengers, now face the reality of a season that may not end as they had hoped. While they are set to play some form of European football next season, there will be disappointment if it isn’t the Champions League, especially after being in contention for so long. Victories in their final two matches against West Ham and Chelsea may only be enough for a Europa League spot, depending on other results.

According to the latest predictions from Opta, Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle, and Chelsea are expected to secure the top five positions. This season, the Premier League has been granted a fifth Champions League spot, allowing the top five teams to qualify, while sixth place will enter the Europa League. With Newcastle winning the EFL Cup, the Conference League spot will go to the seventh-placed team if they finish in the top six. Should Manchester City also win the FA Cup and finish in the top six, the Europa League place will also be passed down the league, meaning seventh place will qualify, and eighth will enter the Conference League. If Crystal Palace win the FA Cup, they will secure a Europa League spot.