While Liverpool is dominating the Premier League, the battle for Champions League qualification is intense. Positions 3rd to 10th are incredibly close, meaning both Manchester City and Chelsea could potentially miss out. Although England might get five Champions League spots due to UEFA rankings, Chelsea and City’s places are not guaranteed, with teams like Bournemouth challenging.
So, who are the likely contenders for the top spots in the Premier League?
Current Premier League Top 10
| Pos | Team | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liverpool | 28 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 66 | 26 | +40 | 67 |
| 2 | Arsenal | 27 | 15 | 9 | 3 | 51 | 23 | +28 | 54 |
| 3 | Nottingham Forest | 27 | 14 | 6 | 7 | 44 | 33 | +11 | 48 |
| 4 | Manchester City | 27 | 14 | 5 | 8 | 53 | 37 | +16 | 47 |
| 5 | Chelsea | 27 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 52 | 36 | +16 | 46 |
| 6 | Newcastle United | 27 | 13 | 5 | 9 | 46 | 38 | +8 | 44 |
| 7 | Bournemouth | 27 | 12 | 7 | 8 | 45 | 32 | +13 | 43 |
| 8 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 27 | 11 | 10 | 6 | 44 | 39 | +5 | 43 |
| 9 | Fulham | 27 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 40 | 36 | +4 | 42 |
| 10 | Aston Villa | 28 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 40 | 45 | -5 | 42 |
According to betting odds, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Nottingham Forest are expected to join Liverpool in the top five. However, the close proximity of Chelsea and Bournemouth suggests potential changes in the standings.
Possible Outsiders
Aston Villa, Fulham, Brighton
Aston Villa’s focus on the Champions League might be impacting their Premier League performance. While European qualification is uncertain, their strong team could quickly return to European competition next season with more squad depth and experience.
Fulham and Brighton are competitive, but achieving a top-five finish will be challenging unless they gain significant momentum.
Maintaining competitiveness across multiple competitions will create opportunities for these teams, which is the aim for any team striving for a top-half finish at this point in the season.
Bournemouth’s Opportunity
Bournemouth is an interesting contender and could disrupt the expected European qualifiers. Despite losing key strikers, Bournemouth’s tactical approach with Dango Ouattara has been effective. With a strong goal difference outside the top five and a favorable remaining schedule, Bournemouth has a good chance to control their destiny for European qualification, even from seventh place.
Their defense has become more solid under coach Iraola, giving them a clear strategy, which is crucial at this stage of the season. While it’s still a difficult task, Bournemouth is capable of achieving it.
Newcastle’s Crucial Moment
Newcastle United faces a critical period. Reaching the EFL Cup final offers a chance to end their trophy drought, but facing Liverpool without key players makes it tough. Even winning the cup might not guarantee a top-five finish, similar to Manchester United’s situation last season.
Newcastle needs a top-five finish to validate their project due to financial constraints and player interest. This season is a turning point. Despite progress under Howe, failure to qualify for Europe could limit their growth and player recruitment, potentially leading to changes.
Chelsea, City, or Forest: Who Will Miss Out?
Historically, it’s unusual for unexpected teams like Nottingham Forest to break into the top spots. However, they have shown resilience against strong teams. Their upcoming match against Manchester City is crucial for their Champions League ambitions. Even without a win, matches against Aston Villa and Chelsea will be decisive.
Despite Manchester City’s inconsistent season, their attacking power makes them likely to finish in the top four. Chelsea, however, faces a tough schedule against top teams. Even a few dropped points could cost them a Champions League spot. Chelsea’s recent form has not been convincing, and a repeat of their manager’s previous season’s decline could see them miss out.
Predicted Top 5
Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth
At the start of the season, this prediction would have seemed improbable. While still surprising, Bournemouth’s progress and the strategy of Black Knight Football Club are promising. While some usual top teams will likely qualify, the Champions League could see some new English participants.
