Who will win the Premier League top-four race?

The race for the top-four is starting to heat up with a handful of games remaining in the season. The top two sides Manchester City and Arsenal are fighting for the Premier League title while a host of teams below them are in contention for the Champions League places. 

Manchester United and Newcastle United are the top favourites to win the remaining two spots but Liverpool are also in the race after their recent upturn in form. Below we look at where the three teams currently stand and what their remaining fixtures are. 

Newcastle United – 3rd position (65 points)

After finishing 11th last season, Newcastle were expected to be challenging for a seventh or eighth-place finish in the Premier League this season. But Eddie Howe’s men have defied expectations this term as an impressive 2022-23 campaign have put them on the cusp of securing Champions League football. 

The Magpies’ excellent run came to an end on Sunday when Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners at St James’ Park. But their top-four prospects still look very strong with only 7 points needed from their final four games of the season. 

Fixtures

Leeds (away) – 13 May

Brighton (home) – 18 May

Leicester (home) – 22 May

Chelsea (away) – 28 May

Manchester United – 4th position (63 points) 

Manchester United were regarded as title contenders at one point but they are now facing the threat of missing the top-four following their poor results in recent weeks. Sunday’s 1-0 loss at West Ham was their second consecutive league defeat that left them just a point behind Liverpool in fifth. 

However, with three of their remaining four fixtures coming at home, Erik ten Hag’s side still hold the advantage. 

Fixtures 

Wolves (home) – 13 May

Bournemouth (away) – 20 May

Chelsea (home) – 25 May

Fulham (home) – 28 May

Liverpool – 5th position (62 points)

Liverpool have hit an impressive run of form to make a late charge for a Champions League place. The Reds are now on a six-game winning run offering hope they can pull off the incredible feat of displacing Newcastle or United for a top-four finish. 

Their last three matches are against Leicester City, Aston Villa and Southampton, teams against whom they are likely to pick up full points. But they also need Manchester United to slip up twice, something which looks unlikely at this stage. 

Fixtures 

Leicester (away) – 15 May

Aston Villa (home) – 20 May

Southampton (away) – 28 May

Conclusion

Newcastle and United both slumped to disappointing defeats last weekend, but they are still firm favourites for finishing in the top-four. Jurgen Klopp’s men will likely end up winning their remaining matches but they may have to be content with a Europa League place in the end.