Six teams for four spots and a complicated fixture schedule
Over the weekend, Matchday 36 of the Premier League took place, further intensifying the battle for Champions League qualification.
The matches involving teams competing for a spot in Europe’s most prestigious club tournament ended as follows:
All six teams are within six points of each other. The gap between the Champions League-clinching 5th place and 7th is just one point, while the 6th-placed side is level on points. Keep in mind, in England, goal difference is the primary tiebreaker when teams are level on points.
Let’s take a look at the remaining fixtures for each contender. You can also check them in their profiles on Tribuna.com. For example, here’s Liverpool’s, who have already secured the title.
Arsenal
Arsenal, unexpectedly, are still in the race and haven’t yet secured a top-5 finish. To do so, they only need to win one more match (in fact, a draw would be 99.9% enough, as the Gunners have the best goal difference).
That’s why even a setback in their head-to-head clash with Newcastle wouldn’t be critical — the London club will close out the season against bottom-placed Southampton.
Newcastle
The Magpies secured an important victory over Chelsea, but two tough matches lie ahead. The first is away against Arsenal, and the second is at home against a challenging Everton.
Manchester City
The Citizens and Guardiola were a bit luckier – two games against teams with no more objectives. However, City has had problems with Bournemouth almost every time this season.
Chelsea
Firstly, a crucial match against Nottingham Forest in the final round. Secondly, a home game against Manchester United, who are desperately trying to take 17th place from Tottenham after dropping from 16th – it’s hard to say what to expect from this encounter next weekend.
Aston Villa
At Aston Villa, the situation is even more challenging – matches against both Europa League finalists, who have been losing to everyone in the Premier League. However, there’s an important factor: in case of a points tie, Emery’s side will be at a disadvantage due to having the worst goal difference (only +7).
Nottingham Forest
Until recently, Nottingham was in the top three and dreaming of a sensational Champions League spot, but now they’re seventh. All hopes rest on the match against West Ham and the decisive game against Chelsea. Although things could have been calmer if the team hadn’t stumbled against relegation-threatened Leicester.
