Premier League top-five frenzy: How the Champions League tussle is unfolding | OneFootball

With Liverpool and Arsenal running away with two of five guaranteed spots in next season’s Champions League, we look at other viable candidates to represent England in the tournament.

Nottingham Forest P 32 Pts 57 GD +13

Marred by injuries to standout striker Chris Wood and first-choice wing-back Ola Aina, Forest slumped to back-to-back league defeats for the first time this season.

As a result, Forest’s historic return to Europe’s top table hangs by a thread, with sixth-placed Chelsea only three points below heading into the last six rounds.

Confidence stems from the Tricky Trees’ three home games down the final stretch, including a top-five six-pointer against the Blues on the curtain-dropping weekend.

Top-five quest in five words: Injury-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 fans after throwing accusations at the club faithful in the wake of a chastening 2-2 draw against relegation-bound Ipswich Town (via Daily Mail).

Another substandard performance at Stamford Bridge consigned the Blues to a third winless league outing in their last four, derailing their pursuit of a first Champions League qualification under Todd Boehly.

The prize money on offer at Europe’s top table would significantly improve the club’s finances, but they must return to form after dropping out of the top five.

Top-five quest in five words: Heavy spenders must step up.

Remaining Premier League fixtures: Fulham (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 needed further confirmation after a stunning League Cup triumph, Eddie Howe’s charges dismantled Manchester United 4-1 at St James’ Park.

It was the Magpies’ fourth consecutive league victory, moving them two points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea and only one adrift of third-placed Forest.

With a game in hand on all top-five rivals, Howe’s high-flying charges are on course to a second Champions League qualification in three years, as they are the masters of their destiny.

Top-five quest in five words: It is within their reach.

Remaining Premier League fixtures: Crystal Palace (h), Aston Villa (a), Ipswich (h), Brighton (a), Chelsea (h), Arsenal (a), Everton (h).

Manchester City P 32 Pts 55 GD +20

Pep Guardiola showered star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne with praise after the 33-year-old inspired Man City’s come-from-behind 5-2 home win against Crystal Palace (via Daily Mirror).

De Bruyne’s vintage performance offered Guardiola a crucial boost ahead of an intense season run-in as the Spaniard aims to avoid failure to claim Champions League qualification for the first time in a 16-season career.

Losing marquee goalscorer Erling Haaland to injury until the final weekend threatens to hinder Man City’s lofty ambitions, but Guardiola’s star-studded squad would have no excuse for a potential fiasco.

Top-five quest in five words: Test of character without Haaland.

Remaining Premier League fixtures: Everton (a), Aston Villa (h), Wolves (h), Southampton (a), Bournemouth (h), Fulham (a).

Aston Villa P 32 Pts 54 GD +3

Unai Emery has never backed down from a challenge, though Aston Villa’s fixture schedule could undermine the Spaniard’s quest to beat stiff competition to the punch.

High-profile matches against Man City, Man Utd and Newcastle lie ahead, forcing the four-time Europa League winner to summon all his tactical acumen to help Villa navigate these troubled waters.

The task of leading Villa to consecutive Champions League qualification is nothing short of Herculean, but if someone can pull off this gigantic feat, it’s Emery.