As the Premier League season reaches its crescendo, three Champions League places remain unclaimed heading into the final day. With Liverpool crowned champions and Arsenal secure in second, the race for third, fourth, and fifth has ignited into a five-way battle that will be decided in dramatic fashion next Sunday.
Manchester City, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest are separated by just three points. All five clubs face high-stakes showdowns, with Europe’s top competition and potentially tens of millions in prize money on the line.
Here’s how each club stands heading into the decisive weekend.
Manchester City – 3rd, 68 points (+26 GD)
Final fixture: Fulham (A)
City took a vital step with their midweek win over Bournemouth, but their place in the top five is still not mathematically secured. A point at Craven Cottage should be enough to guarantee Champions League football due to their superior goal difference, but a defeat opens the door to a shocking fall to sixth if Chelsea, Newcastle, and Villa all win. Second place is technically possible, but Arsenal would need to lose at Southampton while City overturn a significant goal difference deficit.
Newcastle United – 4th, 66 points (+22 GD)
Final fixture: Everton (H)
Eddie Howe’s side can clinch a Champions League spot with victory over Everton. A draw might be enough, but only if Villa fail to win and Forest vs Chelsea doesn’t end level. A defeat would almost certainly see them drop out of the top five, capping a frustrating late-season slip. The fitness of striker Alexander Isak remains a key concern.
Chelsea – 5th, 66 points (+20 GD)
Final fixture: Nottingham Forest (A)
Chelsea must beat Forest to guarantee a top-five finish. Their healthy goal difference gives them an edge over Villa, meaning a win would likely see them finish above both Forest and Villa. A draw leaves them relying on Newcastle losing or Villa failing to win. A loss would see them leapfrogged by Forest and potentially finish as low as seventh.
Aston Villa – 6th, 66 points (+9 GD)
Final fixture: Manchester United (A)
Unai Emery’s men arguably face the toughest assignment, travelling to Old Trafford with a must-win mindset. A draw only works if Newcastle lose and Forest vs Chelsea ends in a draw. Even with a win, Villa’s modest goal difference means they’ll need help from other results to stay ahead of Chelsea and Newcastle.
Nottingham Forest – 7th, 65 points (+13 GD)
Final fixture: Chelsea (H)
Forest need to beat Chelsea to have any shot at the Champions League. A draw would leave them almost certainly out due to inferior goal difference. Even with a win, they must hope that either Newcastle or Villa drop points. Despite the odds, Forest enter the final day with destiny within touching distance provided they can deliver a huge result at home.
