Five talking points ahead of the Premier League’s midweek action, featuring the race for Europe, Ineos’ need for a scalpel at Manchester United, and a Merseyside Derby with high stakes.
European race heating up
The title race might be the overriding narrative of the run-in but the chase for continental competition is becoming equally as tight. The top five are all but confirmed, though behind that is a fascinatingly close pack. Newcastle currently sit sixth, ahead of facing Crystal Palace this week, a position that at present will secure Europa Conference League football.
However, should Manchester City beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final, sixth spot will be promoted to a place in the Europa League’s group stage. Manchester United are behind Newcastle on goal difference, with the dual chance of Europa League football through FA Cup success or a sixth-place finish. West Ham’s humbling at Crystal Palace has dented the Hammers’ hopes, though Chelsea have crept back into contention. Three points behind Newcastle and Manchester United, with a game in hand, an eight-game unbeaten run could help the Blues salvage their season with European football.

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