Liverpool became Premier League champions for the first time last week, and while the battle for the title was over long before the Reds were officially crowned, there is still a lot to play in the final stages of the season.
With seven games – and 21 points – of the delayed campaign left, the race for the top four looks set to drop.
Realistically, there are five teams vying for two places. Eighth place Sheffield United and Arsenal, in ninth place, are still potentially in the running, but are excluded from this list due to the gap in points (10 and 11 respectively) and the number of teams they have to review.
Here, we look at clubs still firmly in the running for a spot in next season’s Champions League and consider their chances of getting a coveted top four slot.
Fifth place may be enough, although Manchester City is confident of reversing its ban, having submitted its case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Leicester City (3rd, 55 points)
Leicester seemed to be confident of third place, but a recent wobble combined with an improved form of the chase pack saw Brendan Rodgers’ side look over his shoulder.
The restart led to successive draws against two teams fighting for relegation (Watford and Brighton & Hove Albion), so missed opportunities should be considered.
Even before the coronavirus stopped, the Foxes staggered, with two wins in eight games before the arrest.
The Leicester run-in is far from simple and includes two games against the top four rivals. They need to find a recovery in form to avoid a delay in leaving the Champions League seats.
Remaining devices: Everton (A), Crystal Palace (H), Arsenal (A), Bournemouth (A), Sheffield United (H), Tottenham (A), Manchester United (H).
Leicester City has pulled out its first two games since rebooting. AFP
Chelsea (4th, 54 points)
The situation seems more optimistic for Chelsea, who started running again after the restart, with successive 2-1 wins over Aston Villa and the recently deposed Manchester City champions.
Four wins and a draw in the last five games have moved the Azzurri just one point behind Leicester and a series of upcoming games could cement a first place for Frank Lampard in his first season in charge.
Qualifying for the Champions League was the priority at the beginning of the season, but having lost Eden Hazard against Real Madrid and facing a transfer ban that did not result in new arrivals, Chelsea would have had to participate in a tough campaign.
There is still a lot of football to play, but they have put themselves in a strong position to reach their primary goal.
Remaining devices: West Ham (A), Watford (H), Crystal Palace (A), Sheffield United (A), Norwich (H), Liverpool (A), Wolves (H).
Chelsea have won both games since the restart. AFP
Wolves (5th, 52 points)
Only one defeat in the last 11 games and five wins in the last six, the Wolves have placed in the first four mixes.
The reboot started with three straight wins and draws against West Ham, Bournemouth and Aston Villa.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team played one game more than their opponents, but their good form and favorable run-in should give them every reason to believe they can win a place in the Champions League.
Remaining devices: Arsenal (H), Sheffield United (A), Everton (H), Burnley (A), Crystal Palace (H), Chelsea (A).
Three wins in three games since the restart led the Wolves to the first four contests. AFP
Manchester United (6th, 49 points)
Unbeaten in seven and with four wins in the last six games, Manchester United have risen in contention since the beginning of the year.
This good form can be attributed in part to the arrival in January of the Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who brought goals, creativity and class alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
United have arguably the best match of the five clubs in the first four pursuits and are hoping to get the berth before their trip to Leicester on the last day of the season.
Remaining devices: Brighton (A), Bournemouth (H), Aston Villa (A), Southampton (H), Crystal Palace (A), West Ham (H), Leicester (A).
Manchester United has probably the best match of the top four contenders. AFP
Tottenham Hotspur (7th, 45 points)
It would take a dramatic turn for events for Tottenham to sneak into the top four, but Jose Mourinho’s team is still in the running.
The Spurs will probably have to win all the remaining matches and, after winning four of the last 11, they will have to find a much better form.
The blockade allowed Harry Kane to get back in shape, which is a significant increase in their chances, but will the captain’s influence in England suffice? At this stage probably not, but the Spurs have a fair number of games.
However, they cannot afford any mistakes.
Remaining devices: Sheffield United (A), Everton (H), Bournemouth (A), Arsenal (H), Newcastle (A), Leicester (H), Crystal Palace (A).
Tottenham has been unable to call Harry Kane since the reboot. EPA
Updated: June 28, 2020 1:48 pm
