United's Champions League task made clear

Monday 22 May 2023 10:55

The task could not be clearer for Manchester United as we enter the final week of the Premier League season.

One point is required to ensure a top-four finish, following the weekend's results, with Erik ten Hag's side beating Bournemouth 1-0 and Liverpool drawing 1-1 with Aston Villa.

The Reds face west London teams Chelsea (Thursday) and Fulham (Sunday) at Old Trafford, as we bid to ensure a return to the Champions League in 2023/24.

Fifth-placed Liverpool can still reach our current tally of 69 points and have a far superior goal difference, meaning there is still to work to do for United.

90 in 20: Bournemouth v United Video

90 in 20: Bournemouth v United

Extended highlights of the Reds' final away match of the Premier League season are available to view now...

The Merseysiders are away to relegated Southampton on the final day and could still technically be overtaken in the standings by Brighton & Hove Albion, who play champions Manchester City on Wednesday.

The Seagulls confirmed a European spot for the first time in their history by beating the Saints 3-1 on Sunday and finish with a key clash against Villa, which will determine whether the Midlanders can retain the Conference League slot.

Newcastle United did not play over the weekend, as they host relegation-haunted Leicester City (tonight). The Magpies, like United, require only a point to make certain of a top-four place, although their goal difference means they are already in an incredibly strong position.

At the bottom, Nottingham Forest secured their safety with a 1-0 win over Arsenal at The City Ground. It means two from Leicester, Leeds United and Everton will join Southampton in being relegated to the Championship.

Sean Dyche's Everton appear firm favourites to stay up, as they are two points clear of Leeds, with a better goal difference.

Things will be looking bleak for Leicester if they cannot get anything at St James' Park this evening.

CURRENT STANDINGS

3rd (Champions League): Newcastle 36/69
4th (Champions League): UNITED 36/69
5th (Europa League): Liverpool 37/66
6th (Europa League): Brighton 36/61
7th (Conference League): Aston Villa 37/58
8th: Tottenham 37/57
9th: Brentford 37/56

RELEGATION BATTLE

17th: Everton 37/33
18th: Leeds United 37/31
19th: Leicester City 36/30
20th: Southampton 37/24

REMAINING FIXTURES

Newcastle United v Leicester City (Monday, 20:00 BST)
Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester City (Wednesday, 20:00 BST)
UNITED v Chelsea (Thursday, 20:00 BST)

FINAL DAY

Arsenal v Wolves
Aston Villa v Brighton & Hove Albion
Brentford v Manchester City
Chelsea v Newcastle United
Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest
Everton v Bournemouth
Leeds United v Tottenham
Leicester City v West Ham United
UNITED v Fulham
Southampton v Liverpool

(all Sunday, 16:30 BST kick-offs)

Recommended: