By EPL Top Four: Who Will Secure Champions League Qualification?
By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nowadays, football seemed more thrilling than before with competitive minds and efforts, finishing in the Premier League’s top four is as coveted as winning a trophy, with Champions League qualification offering immense financial rewards and prestige.
Historically, these spots were dominated by the so-called ‘Big Six’—Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham. However, the past two seasons have seen the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle United disrupt that monopoly.
This year’s battle is tighter than ever, with Nottingham Forest in fourth just seven points ahead of Fulham in 10th. Here’s how the contenders stack up:
Liverpool
A pre-season favorite for a top-four finish, Liverpool are well-positioned to secure a spot barring a significant drop in form. However, they have their sights set higher than merely qualifying for the Champions League.
Arsenal
Runners-up in the past two seasons, Arsenal are chasing rather than leading the pack this year. While the title may elude them, the Gunners remain on course for a comfortable top-four finish.
Chelsea
Chelsea narrowly missed the top four last season, with Aston Villa’s late-season dip helping their cause. The Blues, under Enzo Maresca, were strong contenders early on but have slipped to just one point above fifth after a poor run of form.
Manchester City
Manchester City’s dominance in recent years made a top-four finish seem guaranteed. However, off-field issues and struggles on the pitch have put them just two points outside the top four. Despite this, they are still expected to qualify.
Newcastle United
Newcastle have bounced back from a challenging injury-hit season. Currently fifth and just one point shy of fourth, their five-game winning streak highlights their strong form in this year’s race.
Nottingham Forest
Forest’s transformation under Nuno Espirito Santo has been remarkable. From battling relegation last season, they now sit third, two points ahead of fifth-placed Newcastle, with a game in hand. Their five consecutive wins underline their credibility as serious contenders.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa, buoyed by last season’s Champions League qualification, are aiming for back-to-back top-four finishes. Despite sitting eighth, they are only four points off fourth, keeping their hopes alive in a closely contested race.
Tottenham
Tottenham’s inconsistency has been their Achilles’ heel this season. Despite being the second-highest scorers in the league, a string of narrow defeats and a four-game winless run have dented their top-four ambitions.
Brighton
Under new manager Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton have struggled for consistency. Currently winless in eight and sitting 10th, they face an uphill battle to re-enter the top-four conversation.
Manchester United
A dismal campaign has left Manchester United languishing in 14th place, closer to relegation than Champions League qualification. With Ruben Amorim now at the helm, United’s form has worsened, raising questions about their future.
As the race intensifies, the competition for Champions League spots promises to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory.
