Premier League season set for dramatic end thanks to race for Champions League places

With Liverpool’s dominance having turned the race for the English Premier League title into a doddle, at least the dash for Uefa Champions League football next season has given footie fans something to get excited about in the run-in.

Surprise package Nottingham Forest had the potential to join Newcastle United (fourth) and Chelsea (fifth) on 63 points with victory over Crystal Palace on Monday night. Nuno Espirito Santo’s men seemed to have blown their chance with a recent dip in form, but they are still firmly in with a shout, no matter last night’s result.

Their remaining fixtures are against relegated Leicester, struggling West Ham and Chelsea, which could be a straight shoot-out for a Champions League spot.

The Blues were arguably gifted three points as part of Arne Slot’s victory tour with the Reds. I wonder if there were any suitcases involved there, but I guess that’s just the cynic in me.

Chelsea’s clash against Forest is not the only tricky clash left in their run-in. They face Newcastle away this weekend, and the Magpies will be confident of getting the job done at home. Newcastle still have to face Arsenal and the Toffees, however, and could yet come unstuck.

The return to form of Cole Palmer bodes well for Chelsea’s run-in. A place in the top five and Europa Conference League glory will put some gloss on Enzo Maresca’s season. It won’t erase questions about his tactical approach, however.

Meanwhile, Slot must enjoy the extended victory parade, as Manchester City’s recent form suggests next season won’t be such an easy ride. Pep Guardiola won’t rest until he’s knocked the Koppites off their perch.

The Citizens still have to face relegated Southampton, Bournemouth and Fulham in their three remaining league fixtures. They seem to have the kindest fixtures of the teams vying for a place in the Champions League next season.

The Premier League is nothing if not unpredictable this season, though. There is also the small matter of an FA Cup final against Palace.

Guardiola’s team is even in with a chance of leapfrogging Arsenal in second, with the Gunners more focused on PSG in the Champions League semi-final. Should they lift the cup and pip the Gunners, would they have had a better season than their north London rivals?

That this a point of debate is shocking in a season when City were in a shambles at times and Arsenal were often seen as the only real threat to Liverpool.

Talk about a late season misfire! Yet one night in Paris can change everything.

Mikel Arteta’s men are now forced to place all their eggs in one basket. And they are not alone in that regard.

Manchester United and Tottenham are in the same boat in the Europa League.

Their form in the league this season has been woeful and it hardly seems fair that they could book a place at Europe’s top table next season while the likes of Forest, Newcastle, Chelsea and Aston Villa could potentially miss out.

Ruben Amorim of United and Spurs’ Ange Postecoglu won’t mind one bit, though.

There is still some debate about what a victory for either coach will mean for the number of EPL teams in next season’s Champions League. Five spots are already guaranteed, and that doesn’t include the Europa winners.

Whatever the permutations, the final few weeks of the English Premier League season promise plenty of thrills, spills and drama.

Bring it on!