Champions League qualification race in focus as Premier League season nears end

The race for Champions League qualification is gathering pace as the Premier League season approaches its final furlong.

Top two Liverpool and Arsenal look odds-on to finish where they currently sit, and three more places are almost certain to be up for grabs with England currently in line to secure one of Uefa’s two European performance spots.

Here, we take a look at the other clubs vying for a seat at the top table next season.

Current position: 3rd P 31 W 17 D 6 L 8 Pts 57 GD +14

Remaining fixtures: Everton (h), Tottenham, (a), Brentford (h), Crystal Palace (a), Leicester (h), West Ham (a), Chelsea (h)

Recent defeats by Fulham, Newcastle and on Saturday, Aston Villa have eaten into Forest’s cushion despite wins over Manchester duo City and United, and the chasing pack has closed on the season’s surprise package. Nuno Espirito Santo’s men do not have the most taxing remaining schedule, but Chelsea’s final-day visit to the City Ground could prove pivotal if points continue to slip away.

Current position: 4th P 31 W 15 D 8 L 8 Pts 53 GD +17

Remaining fixtures: Ipswich (h), Fulham (a), Everton (h), Liverpool (h), Newcastle (a), Manchester United (h), Nottingham Forest (a)

Chelsea will have to manage their quest for qualification alongside a bid for Conference League glory, which could stretch to a further five games for the quarter-finalists. Champions-elect Liverpool, Carabao Cup winners Newcastle and Forest will also have a say in the destiny of their league campaign.

Current position: 5th P 30 W 16 D 5 L 9 Pts 53 GD +13

Remaining fixtures: Manchester United (h), Crystal Palace (h), Aston Villa (a), Ipswich (h), Brighton (a), Chelsea (h), Arsenal (a), Everton (h)

Monday night’s 3-0 win at relegation-haunted Leicester