With just seven games remaining in the 2025/26 season, the Premier League top four race has taken a dramatic and unpredictable turn.
The battle for Champions League qualification is tighter than ever, and with only seven points separating third-placed Manchester United and sixth-placed Chelsea, predicting who will claim the coveted spots is increasingly difficult.
What makes this Premier League top four race even more intriguing is the emergence of Brentford and Everton, who sit just behind on 46 points and remain firmly within touching distance of the top four.
Their consistent performances have turned what once looked like a straightforward contest into a fiercely competitive six-team battle.
This growing uncertainty is largely due to the inconsistent form shown by all the contenders in recent weeks.
Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth, while both Liverpool and Chelsea suffered defeats to Brighton and Everton, respectively.
Aston Villa stood out as the only side among the top contenders to secure all three points this week, giving their push in the Premier League top four race a significant boost.
Momentum has shifted repeatedly, with no single team able to assert full control over its destiny. As a result, every remaining fixture now carries enormous weight, and even the slightest slip-up could prove decisive.
With pressure mounting and stakes at their highest, the final stretch of the season promises a thrilling conclusion to the Premier League top four race, where form, mentality, and composure will ultimately determine who secures Champions League qualification.
Premier League Top Four Race: The Two Teams Best Positioned To Secure Champions League Qualification
Manchester United
Since taking over, Michael Carrick has done a remarkable job, overseeing 10 games with an impressive return of seven wins, two draws, and just one defeat — a 76.9% win rate that has reignited belief at Manchester United.
Under his guidance, United have developed a more structured and confident style of play, showing greater control in midfield and improved cohesion across the pitch.
Several players have elevated their performances, reflecting the positive impact of Carrick’s tactical approach and man-management.
One of his standout decisions has been the reintegration of Kobbie Mainoo into the starting XI.
At a time when the club were reportedly considering a move to sell the young midfielder — a decision that could have proven costly — Carrick’s faith in Mainoo has paid off.
The midfielder’s composure, energy, and intelligence in the midfield have added balance to the team and significantly boosted Manchester United’s top four hopes.
Mainoo’s resurgence, combined with United’s improved form under Carrick, has not only strengthened their midfield but also reinforced their credentials as serious contenders for Champions League qualification as the season enters its decisive phase.
Aston Villa
Earlier in the season, many had tipped Aston Villa to stay firmly in contention until the very end, especially after their record-breaking run of 11 wins from 11 matches — a remarkable streak that cemented their status as genuine contenders under Unai Emery.
However, a dip in form has seen the Villans pulled back into the congested Premier League top four race, where the margin for error is now razor-thin. Despite this setback, they remain one of the most dangerous sides in the mix.
Among the teams battling for Champions League qualification, Aston Villa could still edge ahead thanks to their strong home form, and the experience instilled by Emery — qualities that may prove decisive as the Premier League top four race heads into its final, high-pressure stretch.
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Premier League Top Four Race: Why Chelsea And Liverpool May Fall Short In The Battle For UEFA Champions League Places
Chelsea
Simply put, they’re not good enough.
Even after a brief five-game winning streak following Rosenior’s arrival, it always felt like the momentum wouldn’t last — largely due to the lack of a clear playing identity and no definitive tactical pattern.
Now, those concerns have been fully exposed.
The Blues have lost their last four games in all competitions and have come under heavy criticism for their lack of penetration and cutting edge in the final third, with their attacking play looking predictable and blunt compared to other teams in the Premier League top four race.
Their struggles are further highlighted by a worrying attacking drought — failing to score in their last three games for the first time since 2023.
This has only intensified scrutiny on their head coach, with many questioning whether he is the right man to lead the club forward.
It increasingly feels like individual brilliance has been carrying Chelsea rather than a cohesive system delivering consistent results.
The Chelsea crisis is now in full swing, with tension at Stamford Bridge reaching a boiling point.
That said, the 41-year-old has shown glimpses of tactical quality and promise, suggesting there is a foundation to build upon. However, patience will be required if Chelsea are to turn things around.
As for the Premier League top four race, a late surge from Chelsea would be a remarkable turnaround given their current form, but realistically, based on what they’ve shown so far, few see them mounting a serious challenge for a Champions League qualification this season.
Liverpool
Liverpool’s performances this season have mirrored the inconsistency seen at Aston Villa.
After a blistering start that saw them win seven consecutive games, it briefly looked as though the Reds would mount a strong title defence, or at least secure a comfortable place in the top three come the end of the season.
However, that early momentum quickly unravelled.
A damaging run of nine defeats in 12 games across all competitions between September and November marked their worst defensive spell since the 1953–54 season, exposing serious structural issues within the team.
Their most recent loss to Brighton &Hove Albion brought their tally to 10 defeats this season, making them only the seventh reigning Premier League champion to hit double figures for losses in a single campaign — a clear indication of a sharp decline in form.
This downturn has been compounded by a disappointing transfer window, with new signings failing to make the desired impact and Mohamed Salah’s dip in form hindering Liverpool’s ability to stay competitive and finish higher up the table.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sportimage
Recording Date: 20.03.2026
