Race For Premier League Final Champions League Spot
With few games left, several teams are still fighting for a Champions League spot next year. Liverpool has won the league, barring a spectacular collapse, so there are three open spots. The teams currently fighting are Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Manchester City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, and Newcastle. All of these teams have an opportunity to obtain a spot; Chelsea currently sits fourth with 49 points, while Newcastle sits ninth with 44 points. This is one of the tightest races in years, and it makes this Premier League season exciting, even with the title race just about over.
Chelsea has moved into the final spot after a win and Manchester City’s loss over the weekend. Chelsea looked promising at the beginning of the season, but their form dropped over time. They have won consecutive matches and will have the momentum to make it to the Champions League after a series of disappointing league campaigns. Despite the significant drop-off from Manchester City this season, they are still in a prime position, sitting only two points behind Chelsea. Brighton has now won four consecutive matches and sits three points behind Chelsea. They have been fighting for this spot for several campaigns in a row but have been unable to take advantage when the opportunity has arrived. They have hit their stride at the perfect moment, and with some teams dropping form, they have a chance to finally get that Champions League spot they have been searching for. Aston Villa got fourth last year but hasn’t hit the mark this season. They still have an opportunity, as they are only four points behind, but it will be hard as they also have the Champions League to play throughout the week. Bournemouth’s young talent has brought them to eight on the table and only five points behind Chelsea. Their inconsistency has seen them struggle at points, but they have the talent to compete for the final spot.
Even with their recent drop in form, Arsenal is comfortably in second place, four points ahead of Nottingham Forest and six ahead of Chelsea. Their stout defense has brought consistency to a team that sometimes has attacking deficiencies. Arsenal will likely hold on to a second-place finish for the third year in a row. Nottingham Forest has been the most surprising team this season and now sits third with ten games left. They have a favorable remaining schedule, but we have seen these clubs with less spending power falter over time due to roster depth. Chelsea will look to hold onto the final Champions League spot but will have competition from several teams chasing their tails.
