For many fans and pundits, qualifying for the Champions League is bigger than winning the FA Cup or Carabao Cup - such is the competition's prestige.
Yet there are only four qualification spots up for grabs in the Premier League. As two of those spots are all but guaranteed to be secured by title candidates Arsenal and Manchester City, that leaves Manchester United, Tottenham, Newcastle, Liverpool and Brighton battling it out for a place in UEFA's primary club competition.
Right now, it's unclear which two clubs will win the race. Here, Mirror Football takes a look at their remaining games to assess the intriguing situation...
Manchester United
- Current position: 3rd
- Points tally: 50
- Games remaining: 12
Unless something dramatic happens, Erik ten Hag's side will qualify for the Champions League and remain in third. The Carabao Cup winners are three points ahead of a resurgent Newcastle in fifth and have two games in hand on Tottenham in fourth.
Man Utd's run-in isn't too daunting. Although they still have to travel to Newcastle, Tottenham and Brighton, they have already played Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool twice.
Perhaps the biggest worry for Man Utd fans is their commitment to other competitions. They have reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League - with a two-legged tie against Sevilla on the horizon - and the last four of the FA Cup, where they face Brighton.
Man Utd's remaining Premier League fixtures in order: Newcastle (A), Brentford (H), Everton (H), Nottingham Forest (A), Tottenham (A), Aston Villa (H), West Ham (A), Wolves (H), Bournemouth (A), Fulham (H), Chelsea (H, date TBC), Brighton (A, date TBC).
Tottenham
- Current position: 4th
- Points tally: 49
- Games remaining: 10
Although Tottenham are in fourth, their top-four bid has deteriorated in recent weeks. Manager Antonio Conte, who is out of contract at the end of the season, seems certain to leave the club after saying Spurs are "used" to failure in a spectacular rant on Saturday. Mirror Football understands a decision on his future will be made imminently.
All of Tottenham's top-four rivals have at least two games in hand on them, although their run-in isn't too bad. Spurs have games against Newcastle, Man Utd, Liverpool and Brighton on the horizon. They are still in the box seat, but the uncertainty over their managerial situation remains a worry.
Tottenham's remaining Premier League fixtures in order: Everton (A), Brighton (H), Bournemouth (H), Newcastle (A), Man Utd (H), Liverpool (A), Crystal Palace (H), Aston Villa (A), Brentford (H), Leeds (A).
Newcastle
- Current position: 5th
- Points tally: 47
- Games remaining: 12
Back-to-back wins for Eddie Howe's side have pushed them back into contention after a tricky spell, which coincided with their Carabao Cup final loss. Next season will mark the 20th anniversary of Newcastle's most recent Champions League fixture under Sir Bobby Robson - and they would love to mark that occasion by returning to the competition.
Newcastle's fixture list is more challenging than Man Utd's and Tottenham's, with a crucial home game against Arsenal pencilled in for May 6. Their Champions League credentials will be put to the test when they welcome Man Utd to St James' Park on April 2.
Newcastle's remaining Premier League fixtures in order: Man Utd (H), West Ham (A), Brentford (A), Aston Villa (A), Tottenham (H), Everton (A), Southampton (H), Arsenal (H), Leeds (A), Leicester (H), Chelsea (A).
Liverpool
- Current position: 6th
- Points tally: 42
- Games remaining: 12
Jurgen Klopp's side will need to be at their relentless best if they are to make a late push for a top-four spot. They've done it in the past - most notably during the 2020/21 campaign - but can they do it again? All will be revealed during the coming weeks.
The bad news for Liverpool is they must face Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal in their next three games. Those fixtures could define their season and the top-four race, as Liverpool's run-in after that is kind to them on paper. If they can pick up seven or nine points from their next three outings, Klopp's men will be confident of going all the way.
Liverpool's remaining Premier League fixtures in order: Man City (A), Chelsea (A), Arsenal (H), Leeds (A), Nottingham Forest (H), West Ham (A), Tottenham (H), Brentford (H), Leicester (A), Aston Villa (H), Southampton (A), Fulham (H, date TBC).
Brighton
- Current position: 7th
- Points tally: 42
- Games remaining: 12
They couldn't, could they? Stranger things have happened during the Premier League's 31-year history and only a fool would write off Roberto De Zerbi's fabulous side. The Seagulls are flying right now, proven by their 5-0 FA Cup win against Grimsby on Sunday.
The bad news for Brighton is they must play Arsenal and Man City before the season ends. Trips to Tottenham and Chelsea will also be challenging. It might be a step too far.
Brighton's remaining Premier League fixtures in order: Brentford (H), Bournemouth (A), Tottenham (A), Chelsea (A), Nottingham Forest (A), Wolves (H), Everton (H), Arsenal (A), Southampton (H), Aston Villa (A), Man City (H, date TBC).
