Premier League’s Champions League race going into Super Sunday
By Adam Bakr
With just one game to play, the race for the Champions League is still undecided.
The successful appeal of Manchester City’s Champions League ban means that only two of Manchester United, Chelsea and Leicester City can qualify.
The games on Super Sunday makes the race even more interesting. United and Leicester meet at the King Power Stadium for what is practically a final. Chelsea’s game is not any easier, as they play Wolves at home.
How United can qualify
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United are currently tied on points with Chelsea but sit in third place due to goal difference. With them sitting one point ahead of Leicester, Ole’s side only needs a point to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Considering they are unbeaten in their last 13 Premier League games, it seems well within United’s reach.
The Red Devils have been somewhat shaky of late, however, home draws against Southampton and West Ham United prevented them from already clinching a Champions League spot. A 3-1 loss to Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final ended their undefeated streak in all competitions and quest for domestic silverware.
As good as the lineup has looked recently, the lack of rotation in the side may be taking a physical toll on the team. Still, though, qualification is in their hands. Even if they were to lose to Leicester, if Wolves beat Chelsea, United would still finish above the Blues on goal difference.
Leicester City
It was a huge turn around in the season for Leicester City. Going into the New Year, Brenden Rodgers’ side was second in the table. A very tough 2020 has derailed the Foxes campaign, and with only two wins since the restart, they are fortunate to still be in reach of the top four.
The two wins have come in their last two home games, which is promising. They are a much better side at home, only losing three games at the King Power Stadium this season. A win on Sunday would see them jump United in the table to secure Champions League and avenge their 1-0 loss to United at Old Trafford back in September.
A draw would put their qualification out of their own hands. They would need a Chelsea loss to jump them into the top four on goal difference.
Chelsea
Its been a rollercoaster of a season since Chelsea has returned. Five wins and three losses leave the Blues in a good spot, but as mentioned with the other teams, a loss can see them drop out of the top four.
Chelsea has played well at home since the restart, winning all three of their games their since the restart. They have also played well against the better sides for the most part.
They have beaten both Manchester sides and played out a thriller against Liverpool that they would lose 5-3. They did, however, fall to Sheffield Untied 3-0 earlier this month in a game they heavily struggled in.
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Both Chelsea and Wolves are somewhat unpredictable, with each losing two of their last five games. Its hardly an ideal matchup for the Blues, with Wolves needing a win to prevent Spurs from overtaking them into sixth.
A win or draw would qualify Chelsea automatically. If they lost they would need United to beat Leicester to still finish fourth.