Beyond the Premier League title race, another compelling storyline is unfolding the battle for the top four and Champions League qualification, which is shaping up to be even more competitive.
Softfootball gathered, as things stand, several clubs remain firmly in contention: Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Brentford.
Arsenal currently sit top of the table with 56 points and appear to have momentum firmly on their side. Manchester City are second on 47 points, having played 24 of their 25 matches, while Aston Villa also have 47 points but have played one game more than City. Manchester United occupy fourth place with 44 points after a strong run of form.
Chelsea are right behind United in fifth place on 43 points following their 3–1 win over Wolves, inspired by the brilliance of Cole Palmer. Liverpool sit sixth on 39 points with a game in hand, level on points with Brentford, who are seventh. Despite their position, there are just five points separating United in fourth and Brentford in seventh, highlighting how tight the race has become.
Manchester United under Michael Carrick have shown increased stability, winning their recent Premier League matches and reasserting themselves as top-four contenders. Similarly, Chelsea’s ambitions were revived after the club sacked Enzo Maresca, with Liam Rosenior restoring belief and direction. United also benefited from change, following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim.
While Aston Villa may struggle to maintain their Champions League push, Brentford remain a team to watch. Their impressive 3–2 away win over Newcastle suggests they should not be written off, even if they appear unconcerned with the pressure of a top-four chase.
With Arsenal seemingly favoured to win the league, attention is increasingly shifting to what promises to be a fierce and unpredictable fight for Champions League places most likely involving Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool as the season reaches its decisive phase.
