The Premier League is poised to secure five spots for the Champions League qualifications this season. With only ten matches remaining, a close competition is evident as just six points separate the top four teams: Manchester United (51), Aston Villa (51), Liverpool (48), and Chelsea (45). They are all chasing three spots behind Manchester City (59) and Arsenal (64).
Following a string of six wins in seven matches under interim head coach Michael Carrick, United currently holds third place, narrowly ahead of Villa due to goal difference. Last season’s champions, Liverpool, are trailing just three points behind in fifth, while Chelsea sits six points back in sixth place after their recent 2-1 defeat to Arsenal.
As the race for Champions League qualification heats up, Villa is set to take on Chelsea at Villa Park this Wednesday in a crucial match that could significantly impact both teams’ aspirations.
With upcoming fixtures where the clubs will face each other, it’s uncertain how this battle will unfold and who might miss out.
Manchester United
When Carrick was appointed after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, United were 11 points behind Villa in the standings. However, an impressive turnaround under Carrick has seen them collect 19 out of 21 points, positioning them as favorites for a Champions League spot.
Nonetheless, they face challenges ahead. United’s upcoming matches include a difficult away game against Newcastle, where they’ve historically struggled, followed by a vital clash with Villa at Old Trafford on March 15.
By winning these two matches, United could solidify their position before facing Chelsea away and Liverpool at home in late April. With a healthy cushion of six points over Chelsea, and only Arsenal and City scoring more goals, they seem well on track to finish in a Champions League slot this season.
Predicted finish: 3rd
1:55
Hislop: Aston Villa’s inconsistency could cost them a UCL place
Shaka Hislop expresses concern over Aston Villa’s depth following their 1-0 loss to Brentford.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa’s form has taken a downward turn, with only three wins in their last nine league matches, exacerbated by key injuries to midfielders John McGinn and Youri Tielemans. Although they now find themselves in a fight for Champions League qualification, Villa remains six points clear of Chelsea, making their upcoming match against Chelsea essential for sustaining their hopes.
A win would put Villa nine points ahead of Chelsea, creating a significant gap. If they can secure victories in their next two matches against Chelsea and United, Villa could reclaim their earlier momentum and aim for a top-five finish. However, with an impending Europa League round-of-16 tie against Lille to navigate, their journey won’t be easy.
Moreover, Villa’s challenging final fixtures against Liverpool (home) and Manchester City (away) emphasize the importance of this week’s clash against Chelsea.
Predicted finish: 5th
2:38
Nicol: Liverpool didn’t appear comfortable against West Ham
ESPN’s Steve Nicol believes Liverpool showed signs of discomfort despite a 5-2 victory against West Ham.
Liverpool
It appears Liverpool may have exited their slump, as they have secured six victories out of their last seven games across all competitions under the leadership of Arne Slot. Their formidable form included a recent comeback from a last-minute loss to Manchester City with three subsequent victories.
After defeating Sunderland and Nottingham Forest, they showcased their resurgence with a commanding 5-2 victory against West Ham, collecting nine points in three matches.
With favorable upcoming fixtures, including a visit to bottom-placed Wolves on Tuesday, Liverpool has the chance to further solidify their position in the top five before facing United, Chelsea, and Villa in successive weeks followed by a concluding match against Brentford.
If they can maintain this momentum, Liverpool could pressure United for a third-place finish. Nonetheless, being involved in the FA Cup and Champions League may pose challenges moving forward. However, having regained their confidence, they are expected to finish strong.
Predicted finish: 4th
1:33
Rosenior: Chelsea’s defensive lapses against Arsenal were ‘unacceptable’
Liam Rosenior expresses disappointment over Chelsea’s defending in their defeat to Arsenal.
Chelsea
After coming on as head coach, Liam Rosenior faced his first Premier League defeat with Chelsea’s loss to Arsenal on Sunday. Despite this, Chelsea had previously drawn matches against Leeds and Burnley, indicating a decline in form at a crucial point in the season.
In the next ten days, Chelsea faces pivotal matches that could determine their season, starting with an important league match against Villa, followed by an FA Cup tie against Championship contender Wrexham and the first leg of their Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
These tough away games will be a significant test for Chelsea and Rosenior’s leadership. However, recent performances suggest challenges ahead, and they must also contend with games against United, Liverpool, and Man City later in the season.
Rosenior has yet to secure victory over a top team in his brief tenure, with multiple defeats to Arsenal, so they need to quickly find a way to improve starting Wednesday at Villa Park. With United and Liverpool in good form, and Chelsea trailing Villa by six points, time is running out for Chelsea’s ambitions.