Clockwise from top left: Eddie Howe, Pep Guariola, Unai Emery, Nuno Espirito Santo and Enzo Maresca
Clockwise from top left: Eddie Howe, Pep Guariola, Unai Emery, Nuno Espirito Santo and Enzo Maresca
In just 22 days time, it'll all be all over. But of the five teams chasing the remaining three Champions League spots, two will be licking their wounds following a season-long battle. Newcastle United, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Chelsea all have big ambitions, but with Liverpool and Arsenal taking two of the Premier League's five Champions League places, the race is on for the final three.
Eddie Howe's Magpies have kicked on since their Carabao Cup success and know their destiny is in their own hands. Win their final four fixtures and they can't be caught, The same can be said of Manchester City - who took a step closer with a 1-0 win over Wolves on Friday night - but only goal difference separates Forest and Chelsea . . . and the pair go head to head at the City Ground on the final day.
Chelsea have to come to St James' Park too, of course, in what will be a hugely important game, while Villa have ground to make up, but will be confident of doing so even without the injured Marcus Rashford. It promiises to be a fascinating month, so we asked those who cover the clubs to give their verdicts. Our team of writers from the Chronicle and our sister titles covering each club have their say.
Man City have hit form at the right time and have put together a nice little unbeaten run. It feels like that mentality to chase an end-goal is back which normally sees them win a title but they will have to settle for top five this time.
Their fixtures are kind, too. Bournemouth at home and Fulham away may be tricky but are both winnable, and Southampton away should be as straightforward as it sounds. Add their top five rivals having tougher fixtures and some playing each other, and City shouldn't be looking at what anybody else does as long as they do their own job.
I would have backed Forest for one of the spots before their defeat to Brentford, and I think Newcastle will have enough. So it's between Chelsea and Forest - which sets up that exciting clash between the pair on the final day at the City Ground.
Aaron Stokes (Chronicle)
Like many others, I've done my fair share of Premier League run-in predictors in recent weeks. I've got Newcastle finishing third, with 69 points, due to wins against Chelsea and Everton at St James' Park, along with a draw at Brighton and a defeat at the Emirates.
Manchester City are inevitable at this stage of the campaign and despite a shaky season, I'm backing Pep Guardiola's side to finish fourth.
In a straight shootout for fifth, I'm backing Aston Villa to capitalise on a Nottingham Forest wobble and Chelsea's mind being preoccupied with Europa Conference League matters. Unai Emery's side have four wins from their last five in the top flight and have favourable fixtures to round out the campaign.
Sarah Clapson (Nottingham Live)
It would come as no surprise if the battle for the Champions League spots goes right to the wire. Nottingham Forest are at home to Chelsea on the final day, so that could end up being decisive - although the Reds will hope they are already confirmed of a top-five finish before then.
Forest have been up there for the majority of the season and although many continue to write them off, there is no shortage of belief at the City Ground. They have already proved they are in the mix on merit. It is going to be close, though. Discounting Liverpool and Arsenal, I’m going for Forest along with Newcastle United and Manchester City to qualify.
John Townley (Birmingham Live)
At the start of the season, most Aston Villa fans would have gladly taken Europa League qualification - especially if it came alongside a strong run in the Champions League.
Given Newcastle’s struggles last season while balancing Champions League commitments, expectations for Villa were tempered. Few anticipated a deep run in UEFA’s elite competition while also mounting a serious bid for a top four or top five Premier League finish.
By December, Villa had fallen behind in the Champions League race. But that changed in the weeks following the close of the winter transfer window. Unai Emery’s side went on a remarkable run, winning 10 of their 11 matches in all competitions before facing Manchester City at the Etihad. Now, after a late loss there and a lacklustre performance in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, the question is: has their momentum stalled?
Beat Fulham, and Villa face another crucial clash - this time away at Bournemouth. Their final two matches come against potential Europa League finalists Tottenham and Manchester United.
Villa are more than capable of winning all four remaining games. If they do, they’ll stand a strong chance, especially with Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, and Newcastle all expected to drop points in the run-in.
Tom Coley (football.london)
Chelsea's last two results have put them back in the mix for a top five race which looked to be getting away with them in mid-April. The concern is that they have by far the hardest remaining fixtures.
Qualification for the Champions League looks likely to be decided in the final two matches for Chelsea. They go away to Newcastle and then to the City Ground on the final day. Pressure will be on and the stakes will be high.
This current Chelsea side lack the statement win to make confidence of getting two big results likely. They are getting points when needed right now but draws to Ipswich Town and Brentford last month might still prove costly. Newcastle and Manchester City seem better placed to get over the line. Chelsea do have their fate in their own hands but that might be a curse rather a blessing when push comes to shove.
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