Any three from five for the remaining Champions League qualification spots | OneFootball

We highlighted at the start of the month that the battle to qualify for Europe could spark plenty of fun and games in the Premier League on the run-in.

While more than half of the division’s teams are still in contention, the race to earn a Champions League qualification spot is a little clearer.

Liverpool have already secured their place, while Arsenal look nailed on to join them after establishing a six-point lead over third-placed Nottingham Forest.

However, the race for the other three qualification spots is less clear, with just three points covering the teams placed third to seventh.

Newcastle’s trip to Villa could be pivotal

Having moved into a strong position to finish in the top five, Forest’s 1-0 home defeat against Everton has left them looking nervously over their shoulders.

Newcastle United are one point behind with a game in hand, while Manchester City are one point adrift of the Magpies.

With Chelsea and Villa just one point behind Man City, the battle to secure a top-five spot looks set to go down to the wire.

Chelsea have the toughest run-in of the five teams in contention and look set to miss out.

By contrast, Forest and Man City each have a relatively favourable set of fixtures and are fancied to finish in the top five.

Newcastle currently have the upper hand over Villa as they have a two-point advantage and a game in hand.

However, they are scheduled to visit Villa Park on Saturday for a fixture, which will be pivotal to their respective chances of securing Champions League qualification.

Top football stories

Football Today features

What to watch

Coventry City could boost their Championship play-off hopes by winning at Hull City tonight. The home side are battling to beat the drop. It should be a feisty one.