As the Premier League season hurtles toward its dramatic conclusion, the battle for a coveted Champions League spot is heating up—and stats experts Opta have made a bold prediction that will have fans on the edge of their seats. With only one game remaining, just a single point separates five teams vying for a top-five finish: Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Nottingham Forest.
The stage is set for a thrilling final day. Newcastle United will host Everton at St James’ Park, with everything on the line. Eddie Howe’s side, currently projected by Opta to finish fourth, suffered a narrow defeat to Arsenal over the weekend. Declan Rice’s decisive goal secured the Gunners’ Champions League berth and dealt a blow to Newcastle’s momentum.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, and Chelsea all claimed crucial victories, keeping their own European dreams alive. With Liverpool and Arsenal already guaranteed spots in next season’s Champions League, the remaining places are tightly contested.
Manchester City, predicted to finish third, can inch closer to securing their place when they face Bournemouth at home on Tuesday. But all eyes will turn to Sunday when the final whistle of the season blows—and with it, the hopes and heartbreaks of these top contenders.
According to Opta’s data-driven forecast, Liverpool are set to win the league with 87 points, followed by Arsenal (73) and Manchester City (69). Newcastle United (68) edge into fourth just above Aston Villa (68) due to goal difference. Chelsea (67) and Nottingham Forest (66) narrowly miss out despite strong late-season pushes.
Following the loss at Arsenal, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe acknowledged the emotional toll. “My mood is the same after we lose: I’m disappointed, frustrated, takes time to get out of that way of thinking,” he said. “Halfway through the season we weren’t in a great position. We worked hard to get here. It’s an incredibly tight race. We have one more game to execute what we need.”
Howe remains confident in the team’s ability to rise to the occasion. “We love playing at home. It’s a really great atmosphere… we know what we have to do. Our home form has been strong… there will be none bigger than this.”
With the margins so razor-thin, anything can happen when the Premier League curtain falls this Sunday.
