Manchester City are chasing a spot in next season’s Champions League
Manchester City were beaten by Liverpool at the Etihad on Sunday to fall 20 points behind the Premier League leaders.
City’s title challenge has long since faded and their goal between now and May is to ensure they earn a spot in next season’s Champions League following their midweek exit from Europe at the hands of Real Madrid. To do so, Pep Guardiola’s men must secure a top four spot in the Premier League although fifth will likely be enough to qualify with England well placed to secure one of the two extra spots in the expanded competition.
City are currently fourth, ahead of Newcastle United on goal difference and three points behind Nottingham Forest. Liverpool and Arsenal seem destined for the top two places but five points separate the next six clubs in a congested table. Here’s how City’s next six top flight fixtures compare to those others chasing a Champions League spot.
Manchester City
Wednesday, February 26: Tottenham (A)
Saturday, March 8: Nottingham Forest (A)
Saturday, March 15: Brighton (H)
Wednesday, April 2: Leicester (H)
Saturday, April 5: Manchester United (A)
Saturday, April 12: Crystal Palace (H)
Nottingham Forest
Wednesday, February 26: Arsenal (H)
Saturday, March 8: Man City (H)
Saturday, March 15: Ipswich (A)
Tuesday, April 1: Manchester United (H)
Saturday, April 5: Aston Villa (A)
Saturday, April 12: Everton (H)
Newcastle United
Wednesday, February 26: Liverpool (A)
Monday. March 10: West Ham (A)
Wednesday, April 2: Brentford (H)
Saturday, April 5: Leicester (A)
Saturday, April 12: Manchester United (H)
Wednesday, April 16: Crystal Palace (H)
Bournemouth
Tuesday, February 25: Brighton (A)
Sunday, March 9: Tottenham (A)
Saturday, March 15: Brentford (H)
Saturday, April 5: West Ham (A)
Saturday, April 12: Fulham (H)
Saturday, April 19: Crystal Palace (A)
Chelsea
Wednesday, February 26: Southampton (H)
Saturday, March 8: Leicester City (H)
Sunday, March 16: Arsenal (A)
Wednesday, April 2: Tottenham (H)
Saturday, April 5: Brentford (A)
Saturday, April 12: Ipswich (H)
Aston Villa
Tuesday, February 25: Crystal Palace (A)
Saturday, March 8: Brentford (A)
Tuesday, April 1: Brighton (A)
Saturday, April 5: Nottingham Forest (H)
Saturday, April 12: Southampton (A)
Saturday, April 19: Newcastle United (H)