How Man City’s win over Bournemouth affects top five race on dramatic final day

Manchester City put themselves in control of the Champions League race on the final day as their win over Bournemouth sent them third with Newcastle, Chelsea and Aston Villa in close proximity

Manchester City’s latest win has put them in pole position to finish third and secure Champions League football on the final day. They saw off Bournemouth 3-1 on Tuesday night in what was their game in hand, with Omar Marmoush, Bernardo Silva and Nico Gonzalez all finding the net.

That leaves Pep Guardiola’s side in third as they look to ensure their season isn’t a total disaster by finishing in the top five. Currently the equation is five into three with Chelsea, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest all eyeing spots in the Champions League.

City’s win puts them on 68 points. Two clear of Newcastle, Chelsea and Villa. Forest are a point further back. It leaves it all to play for come this Sunday.

Who needs what?

City know that a win at Fulham guarantees them third. Their goal difference also means that a draw may even be enough to see them maintain their position. A loss might even be enough, but it would open the door for their rivals.

Newcastle sit fourth and will host Everton. Like City, they know a win keeps them in the Champions League spots and a draw could be enough, but it would allow those below them to take advantage.

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Chelsea currently occupy fifth spot but they face a difficult trip to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest, who have only lost four times at home this term. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side need to win, if so, they would leapfrog the Blues, but they’d still need Villa to slip up if they were to jump from seventh to fifth.

Villa head to Manchester United. Once a daunting trip, nowadays they go in as favourites. Unai Emery is looking to land Champions League football in successive years but is hoping for a favour elsewhere.

Villa sit level on points with Newcastle and Chelsea, so any slip from them opens the door. However their goal difference is so inferior that they cannot rely on a dominant win to haul them above either of the sides above them.

The riches on offer in the Champions League make it a must for several of the teams involved in Sunday’s showdown. Newcastle and Villa both have lofty ambitions and want to continue making forward strides. Chelsea meanwhile need to add their absence from Europe’s table.

City have been in the Champions League every year since 2010 and it would be an almighty fall from grace were they to miss out.

Premier League table 3rd to 7th

3. Man City – 68 pts (+26)

4. Newcastle – 66 pts (+22)

5. Chelsea – 66 points (+20)

6. Aston Villa – 66 pts (+9)

7. Nottingham Forest – 65 pts (+13)

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