Man Utd, Newcastle & Tottenham’s fixtures compared in race for Champions League qualification

The Champions League race in the Premier League looks like it could still have legs as at least three teams fighting over two spots in the top four behind Arsenal and Manchester City.

It is turning into a great season all round with the title race, European qualification and the relegation scrap still to be determined heading into the final few games of the season.

Newcastle cemented their claim on third place on Thursday night with a thumping 4-1 win over Everton. The Magpies were also helped shortly afterwards when the clash between Manchester United and Tottenham finished in a 2-2 draw.

Newcastle have an eight-point cushion over fifth place Spurs with a game in hand. Manchester United could have put it to bed on Thursday but now remain six points ahead of Spurs, but with two games in hand.

Some others are mathematically in the fight, including a flying Aston Villa, but these three teams have got the most to gain, or lose, as it stands.

Current Premier League table, top scorers & upcoming fixtures

There were many throughout the season who assumed Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side would start to fall away after Christmas, or at least by the time spring arrived. That has not been the case, even if there was a slight wobble where they drew a few more games than was ideal.

Newcastle’s remaining matches after beating Everton feature a pretty clear mix of sides fighting to avoid the drop and those aiming for bigger things who will give the Magpies a tough test.

They’ll host Southampton next on Sunday before Arsenal, a team that needs to win every game if they are to lift the Premier League trophy, arrive at St James’ Park. A trip to Leeds represents a great chance for three more points, but then they take on Brighton who are fighting for the Europa League.

It’s back to the bottom again on the penultimate day as Newcastle host a desperate Leicester before a trip to Chelsea on the final day which, based on their form so far under Frank Lampard, might be a fairly easy game.

Having had a rollercoaster of emotions recently with Europa League defeat against Sevilla and an FA Cup semi-final win over Brighton, Erik ten Hag only has the Premier League left to focus on until June.

The FA Cup final against Manchester City will be a consideration throughout, but the next five weeks are all about making sure the club is in the Champions League for next season.

In terms of games against major rivals, United got the last out of the way with the disappointing Tottenham draw. That doesn’t mean they have simple games left, though. They need to take on Brighton and Aston Villa who are both still dreaming of Europe.

West Ham, Wolves and Bournemouth all follow which are games United will expect to win, before a clash against Chelsea at Old Trafford. They end the season at home to Fulham who are likely going to have nothing to play for.

Tottenham are certainly the outsiders to grab a top four place because of the current gap. It is never a great sign when the interim coach gets the sackm but that is what happened to Cristian Stellini before the comeback against Manchester United.

Spurs have the fewest remaining games to grab points and are relying on others dropping points. They also need to look over their shoulders to make sure they don’t drop any further down the table. There are tough games to come such as a massive clash with Liverpool. Tottenham can end the Reds’ chances of a late charge into the top four with a win there.

Tricky fixtures against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Brentford all come before the final day trip away to a Leeds side who might need to win guarantee their continued stay in the Premier League.

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On this edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey & Toby Cudworth discuss Chelsea’s likely appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, the carnage at Tottenham and Harry Kane’s next steps, David de Gea and Harry Maguire’s Man Utd futures, Lionel Messi’s impending Barcelona return & more! If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!

If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!