With just a handful of games left in the Premier League season, the race for Champions League qualification is going down to the wire.

Arne Slot‘s Liverpool sealed their 20th top-flight title at a gallop, while the three relegation spots have already been confirmed, leaving the race for the top five to provide plenty of drama going into the final weekend.

The English sides' strong performances in Europe have earned them an extra place in next season's Champions League, while Manchester United or Tottenham will be a sixth participant after the Premier League pair set up a Europa League final.

But which teams are best placed to finish in the top five at the end of May? Let's take a look...

Newcastle United

Points: 66 (played 36)

Newcastle's win over Chelsea was huge in the race for the top five and they could even be eyeing a top two finish if they can beat Arsenal for the fourth time this season when they travel to the Emirates next week.

Another win could be enough for Newcastle to secure a top-five finish. Arsenal are a tough outfit, and Newcastle’s record at the Emirates is woeful, but Newcastle then finish the season at home to Everton, so they could be in for some good news at St James' Park.

Remaining fixtures

18 May: Arsenal (A)

25 May: Everton (H)

Manchester City

Points: 65 (played 36)

Pep Guardiola has already highlighted the potential importance of qualifying for Europe's premier competition after a difficult season for the defending champions.

Guardiola's side now face potentially tricky games against Bournemouth and Fulham, both of whom are challenging for a top-half finish.

Although Manchester City have not lost since 7 March, last weekend's goalless draw at relegated Southampton is a cause for concern. With an FA Cup final to play before the next Premier League fixture, such a busy schedule could take its toll on Guardiola's side.

Remaining fixtures

18 May: Bournemouth (H)

25 May: Fulham (A)

Chelsea

Points: 63 (played 36)

Striker Nicolas Jackson's first-half red card against Newcastle for elbowing Sven Botman could end Chelsea's entire Premier League season.

Their remaining Premier League opponents are Manchester United and Nottingham Forest. Although Manchester United have not performed well in the Premier League, they will not be easy to beat, not to mention the fact that they have to play away to Nottingham Forest, who are also in the running for Champions League qualification, in the final round.

They could also be distracted by the Conference League final and Maresca's first season in charge could end in chaos.

Chelsea’s remaining fixtures are as follows:

16 May: Manchester United (H)

25 May: Nottingham Forest (A)

Aston Villa

Points: 63 (played 36)

A gutsy win at Bournemouth was vital for Aston Villa as Ollie Watkins once again proved his worth. It's a pleasant end to the season for Unai Emery's side, too, with their final two matches against Europa League finalists Tottenham and Manchester United - whose focus may well be elsewhere.

Villa will be looking to build on this season's successful Champions League campaign next term.

Villa’s remaining fixtures are as follows:

18 May: Tottenham (H)

25 May: Manchester United (A)

Nottingham Forest

Points: 62 (played 36)

A 2-2 draw against already relegated Leicester was a real blow, especially as Forest could have leapfrogged Chelsea with a win. They need to beat West Ham and then Chelsea on the final day to have any chance of finishing in the top five.

Their problems may not be confined to the pitch, however, with the Forest owner storming onto the pitch at full-time to complain to Nuno Espírito Santo. And while Santo has played down owner Evangelos Marinakis' post-match intervention, his defence of Marinakis is unlikely to quell criticism. It was the last thing Forest needed at a critical time.

Forest's remaining fixtures are as follow:

18 May: West Ham (A)

25 May: Chelsea (H)