Premier League’s Top Five Race Intensifies as Season Nears Completion

LONDON, England — As the 2024-2025 Premier League season winds down, the battle for Champions League qualification remains fiercely contested among six teams. With just two games left, Liverpool has secured the championship title and will represent England in next season’s Champions League.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will also participate in European competitions as they compete for a Europa League title. This leaves Arsenal, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Nottingham Forest vying for the remaining Champions League spots.

In the upcoming matchweek 37, teams face a crowded schedule. Aston Villa and Chelsea will play on Friday, while Nottingham Forest, Arsenal, and Newcastle clash on Sunday. Manchester City, fresh from either a victory or loss in the FA Cup final, will face Bournemouth on Tuesday evening. This chaotic fixture list adds to the excitement as the season reaches its climax.

Opta’s prediction model gives Arsenal the highest chance to finish second, contingent on their performance against Newcastle this weekend. If Newcastle wins both of their remaining matches, they will secure a runners-up position for the first time since 1997. The timing of Manchester City’s last match could impact their standing in the league.

Each club’s standing in this race has significant implications. UEFA‘s system for distributing prize money is influenced by historic performance and coefficient rankings, potentially reshaping the financial landscape for the next season. If Manchester City were to miss out on Champions League football, it could elevate the financial positions of other competing teams.

In addition, Newcastle United’s form has been impressive recently. They currently sit just behind Arsenal in the league and will face them in a crucial match that could determine second place. Newcastle has won three matches against Arsenal this season and retains confidence going into the encounter.

Aston Villa is also in contention with a strong finish, currently riding high after a successful run of seven wins in their last eight matches. Manager Unai Emery has instilled a winning mentality, and they are targeting Champions League qualification with only two matches remaining.

Nottingham Forest, currently ranked seventh, also hopes to secure a top-five finish. Despite a recent draw against relegation-threatened Leicester City, Forest showcases resilience and is determined to capitalize on their remaining opportunities, even as they face challenges from above.

Fans are eagerly anticipating how this season wraps up. As clubs fight fiercely for European glory, the concluding matches not only impact their standings but will also redefine their strategies heading into next season.