Premier League: the fight for the Champions League comes alive

The race for the Champions League places in the Premier League has hit fever pitch. Only Liverpool and Arsenal have secured their spots in Europe. Meanwhile, five teams—Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa—are fighting for the last three places. The scramble for the next Champions League place is hotter than ever. For those interested, you can bet on every Premier League match on the best online gaming platforms, collected by Oddschecker South Africa. With only four points between third and seventh, the season’s final matches promise a battle for the European places.

Manchester City: a “bad” season by Guardiola’s standards

Manchester City has not made the fans’ hoped-for push this season. A 94th-minute goal by Matheus Nunes secured a vital 2-1 victory away to Aston Villa on April 22. Still, Pep Guardiola was not about to pop the champagne prematurely. “It’s a poor season,” he stated. “The Premier League is what makes a good season, not the FA Cup or Champions League.” 

City’s title defence crumbled with over a quarter of the season remaining, and they are 18 points behind Liverpool. But destiny is still in their own hands, and victory in their final four games (vs Wolves, Fulham, Southampton, and others) could make it 15 straight seasons of Champions League football.

Nottingham Forest: the unexpected contenders

Under the management of Nuno Espírito Santo, Nottingham Forest has been the Premier League’s surprise act. Promoted after 23 years back in the top flight, the team has overachieved and is sixth in the league. 

They still have a showdown with Brentford and a home game vs Chelsea left to navigate. The team is enjoying the challenge, all while doing so on a budget. Their relative inexperience in Europe could be a blessing and a curse in the pressure-cooker finale.

Newcastle United: squad depth under scrutiny

A squad too thin to cope with multiple competitions has been the bane of Newcastle’s season. Manager Eddie Howe’s team was involved in three competitions (the FA Cup, Europa League, and Premier League), fatiguing his players and contributing to erratic performances. 

Their 4-1 defeat to Aston Villa on April 19 had revealed frailties. Newcastle’s midfield could not stifle some dynamic rivals. With important games against Arsenal and Chelsea, their chase for the Champions League now relies on tactical changes.

Chelsea: a season of underachievement

Chelsea’s season has been a story of lost chances. But despite spending large sums, the Blues are fifth, one point behind fourth-placed Manchester City. They still have massive games, including a home clash against Newcastle. 

Coach Enzo Maresca is under increasing pressure for results following low-quality defending and wasted final-third opportunities.

Aston Villa: revitalized by a statement win

Aston Villa’s 4-1 win against Newcastle on April 19 injected fresh ambition into their Champions League pursuit. The victory, behind goals from Ollie Watkins, Ian Maatsen, and Amadou Onana, raised their hopes, but the loss against the citizens was a tough hit. 

They also have a crunch clash against Manchester United and a home match against Tottenham. Manager Unai Emery insisted, “We are going to have chances to take the Champions League.” Villa’s attacking vibrancy and resilience might yet dismantle better teams.