With just five games to go, the Premier League’s race for a top-five finish — and a golden ticket to next season’s UEFA Champions League — is shaping up to be one of the tightest in recent memory.
Liverpool have already secured their place, while Arsenal are expected to follow suit, sitting second on 66 points with a comfortable goal difference.
But the real drama lies just beneath, where only THREE points separate third-placed Nottingham Forest (60) and seventh-placed Aston Villa (57).
Nottingham Forest have stunned many this season with their resilience, while Newcastle United and Manchester City continue to look dangerous in the final stretch.
City, with a game-changing squad and Champions League pedigree, are favorites to surge ahead. Newcastle also enjoy unanimous backing, having found form at the right time.
Chelsea, despite their recent resurgence, have a sign of inconsistency that continues to plague their campaign.
Aston Villa remain in the mix, but their inferior goal difference and tough fixture list may prove costly.
Notably, no one is writing off Forest, with several tipping them to hold their nerve and secure an historic European return.
It’s almost impossible to call — and with every point crucial, expect a nail-biting finish right up to the final whistle in May. One thing’s certain: drama is guaranteed.
— BBC Sport
