Since Manchester City decided they could not care less about a Premier League title race and instead just chose to run away with it, the most important point of conversation at the top of the table has been the race for the top four.
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As Everton and Aston Villa still hold at least one match in hand over each side above them, the battle for Champions League qualification is much more open than you might think.
With this in mind, we have looked at each side in with a call to make the top four, analyze their remaining matches and predict their final score.
Sunshades’ side is well placed for a top-four finish | Jonathan Moscrop / Getty Images
Let’s be honest, Manchester United’s dream of a Premier League title slop would never take longer than about two weeks.
Still, the Red Devils still have a lot to play for this season – both at home and in Europe – and with an eight-point cushion between them and fifth-placed West Ham, they are well placed for a place in the Champions League next season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s men still have some tricky away days to come with trips to Tottenham and Leeds on the horizon, but they should have enough quality to see them across the line.
Remaining luminaires
Brighton (H) Tottenham (A) Burnley (H) Leeds (A) Liverpool (H) Aston Villa (A) Leicester (H) Fulham (H) Wolves (A)
Last point prediction: 75
James Maddison has been the key to Leicester’s good form Matthew Ashton – AMA / Getty Images
Leicester’s place in the Premier League’s top four looked pretty secure earlier in the campaign, but the memory of their late collapse last season suggests we should not be so sure.
The Foxes face Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham in their last three games of the campaign, and they will likely need a healthy pillow in the top four if they are to finish in the top four.
Remaining luminaires
Manchester City (H) West Ham (A) West Brom (H) Crystal Palace (H) Southampton (A) Newcastle (H) Manchester United (A) Chelsea (A) Tottenham (H)
Last point prediction: 70
David Moyes has transformed West Ham | Pool / Getty Images
Even the most avid West Ham fans would have laughed at the suggestion that their team would challenge for a place in the Champions League with less than two months of the season to play – but here we are.
David Moyes has turned the Hammers into a well-drilled outfit that can beat anyone in the league in his day, with some wise signings that contribute to an already talented squad.
West Ham’s run-in does not actually look that scary, and if they can stay in touch with the Champions League chase package in the coming weeks, they may well achieve what seemed impossible at the start of the season.
Remaining luminaires
Wolves (A) Leicester (H) Newcastle (A) Chelsea (H) Burnley (A) Everton (H) Brighton (A) West Brom (A) Southampton (H)
Last point prediction: 65
Thomas Tuchel’s arrival has breathed life into Chelsea’s campaign Michael Steele / Getty Images
It is fair to say that if it were not for the man in the picture above, we would not even feel the need to mention Chelsea in this list.
Thomas Tuchel’s arrival at Stamford Bridge has resumed the Blues season and they are now firmly in the competition for the top four, with six wins and four draws from their ten league trips under German management giving them a great chance to secure Champions League football.
The fate of the Blues remains in their own hands, with five of the last six matches coming against sides currently in the top half of the table, and their departures to Manchester City and Aston Villa towards the end of the promotion may prove to be the key. .
Remaining luminaires
West Brom (H) Crystal Palace (A) Brighton (H) West Ham (A) Fulham (H) Manchester City (A) Arsenal (H) Leicester (H) Aston Villa (A)
Last point prediction: 71
Liverpool’s usually reliable front line is battling Shaun Botterill / Getty Images this season
This year’s Premier League has been full of surprises, but Liverpool’s poor title defense probably tops a lot.
While Jurgen Klopp can complain about the defensive injuries that his squad has suffered, it is Red’s lack of goals that has the greatest impact on their regular campaign.
After six defeats at home, Liverpool have a serious challenge ahead of them if they are to qualify for the Champions League – you know, if they do not just go and win the case again.
Remaining luminaires
Arsenal (A) Aston Villa (H) Leeds (A) Newcastle (H) Manchester United (A) Southampton (H) West Brom (A) Burnley (A) Crystal Palace (H)
Last point prediction: 66
Carlo Ancelotti could lead Everton in the Champions League | Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images
Everton have had some quality wins against the highest opposition this season, although their record against the so-called weaker sides has prevented them from sitting in the Champions League places for most of the season.
In fairness, you can never accuse Toffees of being boring; in just over two months, they have lost at home to fight Newcastle and Fulham and pick up four points away at Manchester United and Liverpool.
Predicting Everton’s final points is completely pointless given their irregular form, but we did it anyway because you know, fun.
Remaining luminaires
Crystal Palace (H) Brighton (A) Tottenham (H) Arsenal (A) Aston Villa (H) West Ham (A) Sheffield United (H) Wolves (H) Manchester City (A) Aston Villa (A) – fixture not yet assigned a date
Last point prediction: 62
Jack Grealish has contributed to Villa’s solid campaign | Pool / Getty Images
Obviously he will not win it, but if Dean Smith’s name is not on the Premier League Manager of the Season list, it is a travesty.
It’s not really a Leicester-style turnaround, but taking Aston Villa from the brink to life back in the championship to challenging for a place in Europe is incredible.
Some smart transfer deals combined with the fine form of Jack Grealish have meant that relegation problems are a story for Villa, but their latest departure in form means that they are big outsiders for a place among the top four.
Remaining luminaires
Fulham (H) Liverpool (A) Manchester City (H) West Brom (H) Everton (A) Manchester United (H) Crystal Palace (A) Tottenham (A) Chelsea (H) Everton (H) – fixture not yet assigned a date
Last point prediction: 53
Jose Mourinho was still able to lead his side to the top four goals | Chloe Knott – Danehouse / Getty Images
Their exit from the Europa League may have been an absolute disaster, but with four wins from their last five league trips, Spurs are back with a shot from the top four.
With Harry Kane and Son Heung-min up and Gareth Bale showing glimpses of the player we know he can be, you would not bet against Jose Mourinho leading his side to the top four.
Who knows, their disastrous exit from the Europa League could end up being a blessed blessing without more long journeys in the middle of the week around Europe.
Remaining luminaires
Aston Villa (A) Newcastle (A) Manchester United (H) Everton (A) Sheffield United (H) Leeds (A) Wolves (H) Aston Villa (H) Leicester (A) Southampton (H) – fixture not yet assigned a date
Last point prediction: 67
1. Manchester City2. Manchester United3. Chelsea4. Leicester5. Tottenham6. Liverpool7. West Ham8. Everton9. Aston Villa
