Premier League top five: Champions League race heating up as Nottingham Forest, Chelsea and City drop points

With five teams that qualify for Champions League game in the Premier League because of their performance in the European competition, things have become tight with the top seven in the mix for a place. The first two places of Liverpool and Arsenal seem just about ready, while the large form of Newcastle United has lately placed well to end at a Champions League spot. But behind them, Manchester City, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are only separated by three points, and the tensions are rising.

On Sunday, Forest had a Champions League place within their reach and led the Leicester City relegated to the 81st minute of the game. Those two points that fallen were crucial because it could have seen Forest go over Chelsea in the fifth, but instead they are seventh, look up. Although this was a team that was barely avoided last season, their recent form of only two victories in their last eight games slipped the difficult trees from the third to the seventh of the table. The frustrations of owner Evangelos Marinakis also showed it after the draw opposite Leicester while exchanging words with manager Nuno Espirito Santo at the end of the game.

Because they do not have the experience to be in the race for Europe so late in the season, it makes sense that forest falls back to earth, but when the Champions League is so close to their grip, it doesn’t make it easier to deal with. Their bad enchantment could not have come to a worst time, because teams such as Aston Villa achieve peak performance as the season ends.

Premier League Top Seven

Who is in the top five?

Liverpool who wins the title means that they will be for the Champions League next season, and although Arsenal can technically fall from the top four, it is very unlikely that the Gunners will miss out of the Champions League next season. Newcastle still has to be confronted with Arsenal, but a draw in that match will be good enough for both teams. Losing, and things can become cloudy, but if it takes goal difference into account, it would be difficult to see the Magpies missing because they should take care of Everton on the last day.

City also suffered a harmful draw for a relegated team, with 0-0 away to Southampton. A victory would be able to ensure anything but their place in UCL next season, but instead they will now have to see how things shake. Opposite Bournemouth, it will not be easy to get away with a victory, but City should still do the job. After lost to Newcastle United, Chelsea has to win, but if they drop points, Aston Villa and wait. Opposite Tottenham and Manchester United in their next few competitions, Villa could benefit from their rivals aimed at the Europa League final. If Villa does not win, Chelsea, opposite the forest on the last day, can determine the top five.

Prediction

1. Liverpool

2. Arsenal

3. Newcastle United

4. Manchester City

5. Aston Villa