The Premier League 2022-23 top-four race is heating up as we enter the business end of the season.
While the Premier League title is all but wrapped up by Manchester City following Arsenal’s slump in form in April, the battle for the top four spots is still very much alive with as many as six teams in contention for UEFA Champions League qualification next season.
The likes of Manchester City and Arsenal have already secured a place in the top four and with it, UEFA Champions League football for next season.
However, the remaining two spots in the Premier League top four are still very much alive and up for grabs.
As many as four teams are battling it out for the remaining two spots in the Premier League top four. These teams are Newcastle United, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Brighton.
With that in mind, let’s have a look at the scenarios and circumstances that each team will be hoping for the secure a top-four spot in the Premier League as they chase UEFA Champions League qualification for next season.
Premier League 2022-23 top four race and run-in
Newcastle United
Currently, third in the standings with 65 points from 33 games, Newcastle is one of two teams in contention for a top-four spot who have their destiny in their own hands. If the Geordies win their remaining five games they will secure third spot comfortably. However, even two wins and a draw from their remaining matches will be enough for them to secure a UEFA Champions League spot for next season.
Their remaining fixtures include clashes against Arsenal, Leeds United, Brighton, Leicester City, and Chelsea on the final day of the season.
Manchester United
Like Newcastle, Manchester United also have their top-four destiny in their own hands. After 33 games, the Red Devils have amassed 63 points and need another nine points from an available 15 to guarantee UEFA Champions League football next season. It’s worth also mentioning that should the chasing pack drop points in their remaining matches, United could finish in the top four even if they don’t get the three wins necessary to guarantee a top-four finish at this stage.
United’s remaining fixtures will see them travel to West Ham United as well as Bournemouth and welcome the likes of Wolves, Chelsea, and Fulham to Old Trafford.
Liverpool
After an underwhelming first half of the campaign, fifth-paced Liverpool seems to be building up a head of steam at the business end of the season. They have accumulated 59 points from 34 games and will rely on the likes of Newcastle and Manchester United to drop points, while simultaneously ensuring that they win all of their remaining four Premier League matches against the likes of Brentford, Leicester City, Aston Villa, and Southampton.
What’s also worth noting is that there’s a chance that Liverpool could win all their remaining games and still not finish in the top four if Newcastle and Manchester United claim seven and nine points respectively from their remaining fixtures.
Brighton
One of the surprise packages of the ongoing Premier League season, Brighton is currently in sixth position with 55 points from 32 games. Like Liverpool, they need to win all of their remaining six matches while hoping that the likes of Newcastle and Manchester United drop points in pursuit of a place in the top four.
However, that will be easier said than done, especially when you take one glance at their remaining fixtures. Their last six league games of the season will see them square off against Everton, Southampton, and Manchester City at home, while trips to Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa also await them, making their chances of a top-four finish an outside one at best.
Photo credit: Alamy
