Chelsea are pushing for a top five finishChelsea are pushing for a top five finish
Chelsea are pushing for a top five finish | AFP via Getty Images
A look at the latest on the Premier League’s Champions League race after Thursday night’s twist.
Chelsea know they need to finish in the top five to secure Champions League football for next season, with an extra spot up for grabs in the Premier League and Spain’s La Liga this term. Here we round up the latest in the race, including the latest predicted table and each of the contenders’ remaining fixtures after Thursday night’s clash between Forest and Brentford.
Predicted final Premier League table
The latest OPTA predicted final Premier League table sees Chelsea still tipped to finish sixth despite Forest’s slip-up. Forest are expected to reach 66 points and Chelsea only 55. Newcastle United are expected to finish fourth with 68 and Manchester City third with 69 points. The Blues have the toughest run-in of the lot, so the prediction should come as no surprise.
The remaining fixtures
Here are the remaining fixtures for the five teams battling for those all-important three Champions League spots.
Aston Villa: Fulham (H), Bournemouth (A), Tottenham Hotspur (H), Man Utd (A).
Maresca’s view
Maresca has been clear that Chelsea need to be playing Champions League football as they chase down a top five finish. He said recently when asked about whether his side have improved this season: "I've already answered this one a few times. Compared to the last few years, it is not a failure. How many times have Chelsea been in the Champions League in the last few seasons? How many times? Zero. It's already an improvement because we have spent all season there. Compared to the last few years, it is quite clear there is an improvement.
"For sure in terms of results, we have the obligation to bring this club to where it belongs. The results have been there. But the good thing is me as a manager, the club, we all have ambition of where we want to go and we are in the right direction. Hopefully we can be there very soon."
Santo on Forest blow
Speaking after his side’s defeat to Brentford, Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo told Sky Sports: "Credit to Brentford, but I think they are situations we should solve [for the two goals]. Normally, we have better defending. We are disappointed but it's about reacting and preparing for the next one. I don't think that result was about the semi-final. It was high demanding on the fitness aspect, but the way we conceded [tonight], it's nothing to do with fitness. It's about better position and better approach.
"We didn't create too much. Brentford defended really well, congested the box. We had a couple of chances but only half chances. It's basic. We have to compete much better to achieve what we want. The way we are competing, especially in this game, is not how we are. This is the main issue to resolve for Monday. There are still four games to go, a lot of football to be played. We have to focus on ourselves and be better at approaching situations and playing better football. There are many things we want to correct."
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