While the Premier League title and relegation battles are long decided, the race for Champions League qualification is intensely contested and set to be decided in the final fixtures.
League champions Liverpool and Arsenal have already secured their berths in Europe`s premier competition for next season.
However, a fierce five-way battle is raging for the remaining European spots involving Newcastle United, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Nottingham Forest.
These teams are incredibly close in the standings, with a mere single point separating 3rd and 7th places, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the season.
Manchester City currently sits in sixth position but has a game in hand. A victory in this fixture would see them leapfrog into third place with 68 points.
Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa are all tied on 66 points. Goal difference gives Newcastle the edge, followed by Chelsea, with Aston Villa eleven goals behind Chelsea.
Nottingham Forest is just one point adrift of this trio, on 65 points, currently placed below City on goal difference.
If City wins their game in hand, securing a win on the final day against Fulham would guarantee them third place.
Upcoming Crucial Matches:
Newcastle United will host Everton; a win guarantees Champions League qualification for the Magpies.
Chelsea faces a vital away trip to Nottingham Forest. Chelsea must avoid defeat to stay above Forest in the table.
Should Chelsea draw, Aston Villa could overtake them if Unai Emery`s side defeats Manchester United at Old Trafford.
For Nottingham Forest to clinch a Champions League spot, they need to beat Chelsea and hope that either Newcastle or Aston Villa fail to win their respective final matches, OR that Manchester City drops points in both of their two remaining fixtures.
Other European Spots:
The team finishing sixth will qualify for the Europa League.
The team finishing seventh will qualify for the Europa Conference League.
An additional English team will also secure a place in the Champions League: the winner of the Europa League final between Tottenham and Manchester United will earn a spot in next season`s top European competition.
