Champions League Battle Heats Up as Premier League Nears Finale

The Premier League title has been clinched and the relegation spots confirmed, but the race for Champions League qualification is far from settled as we approach the final two rounds.

So far, only champions Liverpool are assured a place in next season’s top-tier European competition, while second-placed Arsenal seem almost guaranteed to join them.

However, the battle remains tight with just four points separating third-placed Newcastle from seventh-placed Nottingham Forest.

AFP Sport highlights the key storylines as we head into the weekend’s fixtures in the Premier League.

Newcastle set sights on leapfrogging Arsenal

Arsenal have been Liverpool’s main competitors for most of the season and seemed to have secured second spot just weeks ago.

A victory for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle at the Emirates on Sunday would see them move a point ahead of the Gunners, who have managed only one win in their last six league outings.

In stark contrast, Newcastle’s morale has been high following their League Cup triumph over Liverpool in mid-March, with just one loss in their last eight league matches.

This past Sunday’s 2-0 victory against Chelsea, a side competing for a top-five finish, has bolstered their Champions League ambitions for the second time in three years.

“We still have two games remaining, and plenty of twists could be on the horizon,” said Howe. “We need to keep pushing forward.”

Newcastle’s final game on May 25th will be a home encounter against Everton, while Arsenal will travel to face bottom-placed Southampton.

Focus shifts to Europa for Villa and Chelsea

Aston Villa and Chelsea are presented with an opportunity to gain ground on their rivals, as they both take the pitch on Friday against Europa League finalists Tottenham and Manchester United respectively.

Villa have displayed strong form in the league despite being knocked out of the Champions League and FA Cup in recent weeks and could move into fourth place with a win over Spurs.

Similarly, Chelsea, also on 63 points, would trail third-placed Newcastle on goal difference if they secure a victory.

Manchester United and Tottenham find themselves perilously close to the relegation zone after lacklustre seasons, with their sights firmly set on the upcoming Europa League final in Bilbao; managers may opt to rest key players.

Villa’s hard-fought 1-0 victory against Bournemouth secured their qualification for European competition, though manager Unai Emery is eager for a Champions League spot following a quarter-final run this season.

UEFA Conference League finalists Chelsea aim to conclude Enzo Maresca’s first season with silverware and qualify for the Champions League after a two-year absence.

Nottingham Forest’s final push

Two-time European champions Nottingham Forest have enjoyed a spell in the top four for much of the season but have faltered at a crucial juncture, now standing as outsiders for Champions League qualification.

Their 2-2 draw against relegated Leicester on Sunday was another setback in their quest to return to the competition for the first time in four decades.

Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo remains optimistic as he prepares his team for a clash against struggling West Ham on Sunday, with Chelsea awaiting in their final match.

“We’ll see how it unfolds,” said the Portuguese manager, whose team has already secured European football for next season. “We need to concentrate on West Ham… I assure you we will give it our all and will not back down.”

Manchester City eye end-of-season surge

Currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, Manchester City have had to realign their expectations following a subpar campaign by their illustrious standards.

Despite their surprising 0-0 draw against Southampton last time out, they remain in contention for a top-five finish with matches against Bournemouth and Fulham still to play.

Pep Guardiola’s side does not return to Premier League action until Tuesday, three days after they compete against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

“I anticipated this would be a battle until the end, just as it has been,” remarked Guardiola, whose side missed the chance to secure their fifth consecutive Premier League title.