Saints' Efforts Intensify to Escape Unwanted Record in Heated Five-Team Race
Weekend's Premier League action promises a thrilling climax as teams fight for Champions League spots and avoid relegation.
Man City, currently in fourth, are hanging onto their hopes of securing a top-three finish and clinching a Champions League spot. They face a formidable challenge from in-form Wolves this Friday. Although Pep Guardiola has welcomed back Rodri and Erling Haaland from injury, neither are expected to return just yet. City are locked in a tight battle with Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest, who sustained a 2-0 loss against Brentford on Thursday.
On the other hand, Southampton are aiming to steer clear of Derby's historically low Premier League points total of 11. They came frustratingly close last weekend but ultimately failed to secure a draw against Fulham. With just four games left, Saturday's trip to second-bottom Leicester could offer them a chance to escape Derby's infamous record.
Arsenal, with the title race out of reach, are now focused on their Champions League semifinal clash with Paris Saint-Germain. Although they suffered a 1-0 loss in the first leg, they'll be heading to the Parc des Princes with high hopes of securing a famous victory. The Gunners are likely to play conservatively in their match against Bournemouth over the weekend to conserve energy for the decisive encounter.
Here's a rundown of the weekend's fixtures:
- Friday: Manchester City v Wolves (1900 GMT)
- Saturday (1400 GMT unless stated): Aston Villa v Fulham (1130), Everton v Ipswich, Leicester v Southampton, Arsenal v Bournemouth (1630)
- Sunday (1300 GMT unless stated): Brentford v Manchester United, Brighton v Newcastle, West Ham v Tottenham, Chelsea v Liverpool (1530)
- Monday: Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest (1900)
According to recent projections, Manchester City (95% chance of qualification) and Newcastle United (84% chance) are favorites to secure a Champions League spot, with a three-point cushion over Chelsea (49% chance) and Nottingham Forest (59% chance). The race for the top five is exceptionally competitive, with just five points separating third-placed Newcastle and seventh-placed Aston Villa. Liverpool and Arsenal are effectively guaranteed qualification.
- If Southampton want to avoid surpassing Derby's historically low Premier League points total of 11, they must secure positive results in their remaining matches, starting with their trip to Leicester on Saturday.
- In the 2025 Champions League semifinals, Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain, and they will be hoping for a reversal of their 1-0 loss in the first leg when they visit the Parc des Princes.
- In the race for the European-leagues spots, Manchester City and Newcastle are currently favored, with a three-point cushion over Chelsea and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League standings, according to recent projections.
- The fight for a Champions League spot in the Premier League is intensifying, as only five points separate third-placed Newcastle from seventh-placed Aston Villa.
- The battle for the top five in the Premier League promises to be thrilling until the last game, with teams like Man City, Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest still in contention for Champions League spots, and Manchester City facing a formidable challenge from Wolves this Friday in the Champions League race.
