The race for a top-four finish in the 2025–2026 Premier League season is reaching boiling point with Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are separated by only a few points, and every remaining fixture could define their season.
Softfootball gathered, There is also the possibility that fifth place may qualify for the Champions League, depending on English clubs’ performances in Europe. However, for now, the focus remains firmly on securing a top-four spot.
Manchester United
Since the arrival of Michael Carrick following Ruben Amorim’s departure, United have climbed back into contention and currently sit fourth.
Their remaining fixtures include:
Everton (A)
Crystal Palace (H)
Newcastle (A)
Aston Villa (H)
Bournemouth (A)
Leeds (H)
Chelsea (A)
Brentford (H)
Liverpool (H)
Sunderland (A)
Nottingham Forest (H)
Brighton (A)
United still face direct rivals like Chelsea and Liverpool, which means their fate is very much in their own hands. However, away trips to Newcastle and Brighton could prove tricky.
Chelsea
Chelsea are in strong form, with four wins and a draw in their last five league matches. Their run-in looks challenging:
- Burnley (H)
- Arsenal (A)
- Aston Villa (A)
- Newcastle (H)
- Everton (A)
- Manchester City (H)
- Manchester United (H)
- Brighton (A)
- Nottingham Forest (H)
- Liverpool (A)
- Tottenham (H)
- Sunderland (A)
Chelsea arguably have the toughest schedule, facing Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa. Their top-four hopes may depend on how they perform in these direct clashes.
Liverpool
Liverpool, currently sixth and just two points behind Chelsea and three behind United, also face a demanding set of fixtures:
- Nottingham Forest (A)
- West Ham (H)
- Wolves (A)
- Tottenham (H)
- Brighton (A)
- Fulham (H)
- Everton (A)
- Crystal Palace (H)
- Manchester United (A)
- Chelsea (H)
- Aston Villa (A)
- Brentford (H)
Liverpool’s schedule includes several mid-table sides, but crucially, they face both United and Chelsea in what could be decisive six-pointers.
Who Has the Advantage?
On paper:
- Chelsea have the toughest run.
- Manchester United have balance but must navigate key away games.
- Liverpool have momentum and slightly fewer top-tier clashes early in the run-in.
With minimal points separating them, consistency will decide it. The team that handles pressure best in head-to-head clashes will likely secure the spot.
At this stage, it remains an open contest and possibly five English teams could qualify if European performances allow it. The margin for error is gone.
