Interim manager Ralf Rangnick said Manchester United know they can hardly afford to drop any more points if the Reds are to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League by finishing in the Premier League's top four.

Manchester City showed their quality in the second half of Sunday's derby and a 4-1 defeat for United means the race for the top four is now an uphill struggle.

Rangnick believes United still can beat rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to be in that leading quartet, but that the team will be taking it game-by-game.

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The German coach after the match said: "I didn't actually expect Arsenal to lose at Watford so for us, it's clear, if we still want to have a chance to finish fourth at the end of the season, we can almost not drop any more points, and we also know that in those 10 games that we have to play, there are a few other difficult ones so let's take it game by game."

"For us, it's important we keep developing the team, which we did in the last couple of months, and then make sure we can win the next two home games against Tottenham and against Atletico, two very important games for us to come," he added.

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The league leaders Manchester City are now on 69 points, six clear of second-placed Liverpool who have played a match fewer.

Having lost for the first time in nine league matches, United drop to fifth, a point adrift of Arsenal in fourth having played three matches more.

Interim manager Ralf Rangnick said Manchester United know they can hardly afford to drop any more points if the Reds are to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League by finishing in the Premier League's top four.

Interim manager Ralf Rangnick said Manchester United know they can hardly afford to drop any more points if the Reds are to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League by finishing in the Premier League's top four. Manchester City showed their quality in the second half of Sunday's derby and a 4-1 defeat for United means the race for the top four is now an uphill struggle. Rangnick believes United still can beat rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to be in that leading quartet, but that the team will be taking it game-by-game. ALSO READ: Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick rubbishes speculations over Cristiano Ronaldo's injury The German coach after the match said: "I didn't actually expect Arsenal to lose at Watford so for us, it's clear, if we still want to have a chance to finish fourth at the end of the season, we can almost not drop any more points, and we also know that in those 10 games that we have to play, there are a few other difficult ones so let's take it game by game." "For us, it's important we keep developing the team, which we did in the last couple of months, and then make sure we can win the next two home games against Tottenham and against Atletico, two very important games for us to come," he added. ALSO READ: Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez star as Manchester City crush Manchester United 4-1 The league leaders Manchester City are now on 69 points, six clear of second-placed Liverpool who have played a match fewer. Having lost for the first time in nine league matches, United drop to fifth, a point adrift of Arsenal in fourth having played three matches more.

Can't afford to drop any more points, says Man Utd's Ralf Rangnick as race for top 4 intensifies

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel thanked the return of fans to Stamford Bridge for helping the side avenge their FA Cup final defeat to Leicester with a 2-1 win over the Foxes to move into third in the Premier League on Tuesday.

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The 8,000 crowd saw the Blues keep a place in next season's Champions League in their own hands thanks to second-half goals from Antonio Rudiger and Jorginho.

Victory away to Aston Villa on Sunday will guarantee Chelsea a top-four finish.

"It was an outstanding performance but the job is not done," said Tuchel.&nbsp;

"The fans made a huge difference. The speed in our game, the hunger, the ambition. It was a very strong performance and I'm delighted the team can present itself like this in front of our fans."

Leicester will forever have the memories of winning the FA Cup for the first time at Wembley on Saturday but are now at risk of missing out on Champions League football on the final day of the campaign for the second consecutive season.

Brendan Rodgers's men still lead Liverpool by three points, but the Reds will go fourth on goal difference if they win at Burnley on Wednesday.

Leicester host Tottenham on the final day, while Jurgen Klopp's men welcome Crystal Palace to Anfield.

"We have to get the points on Sunday then see where we are. If we don't get in the Champions League it has still been a great season," said Rodgers.

"If we just fall short after 38 games as the team with the eighth biggest budget, it shows we fought really hard and just missed out. There are still points to play for and we'll be ready for that."

Chelsea's final league game under Frank Lampard was a 2-0 defeat away to Leicester in January that opened up a nine-point gap between the sides.

The 10-point swing since is illustrative of the impact Tuchel's arrival has had on the Londoners with their first major disappointment under the German coming at the weekend.

Roared on by the biggest crowd at Stamford Bridge for 14 months, Chelsea exploded out the blocks with Leicester barely able to get out their own half in the first 45 minutes.

However, a combination of goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and controversial refereeing kept the hosts at bay until the break.

Timo Werner had two goals disallowed in the first half as the German international was firstly flagged offside before his second effort was ruled out by a VAR review for handball.

In between times, Werner was also dismayed that he was denied a penalty after being caught by Youri Tielemans inside the box.

With millions on the line for a place in the Champions League, that decision could have proved very costly for Chelsea.

But there was little doubt about the outcome once Rudiger bundled home a corner two minutes into the second half.

Werner finally got a VAR call to go his way to double Chelsea's lead 24 minutes from time.

Wesley Fofana's foul on Werner was initially given as a free-kick outside the box, but on review referee Mike Dean was told to point to the penalty spot.

Jorginho coolly sent Schmeichel the wrong way and for 10 minutes, Chelsea looked to be cruising.

However, Leicester set up a nervy finale when Wilfred Ndidi robbed Mateo Kovacic and teed up Iheanacho to slot home his 19th goal of the season.

The Nigerian also became the first player to score on all seven days of the week in a single Premier League season.

Leicester had a glorious chance to salvage a point and keep their top-four fate in their own hands in the final minute, but Ayoze Perez blasted over from Ricardo Pereira's cut-back.

Tempers flared in stoppage time with both sets of players, substitutes and coaches involved in an altercation after Rudiger took exception to a challenge from Pereira on Ben Chilwell.

Chelsea, though, kept their heads to see out the final few seconds and take a huge step towards another season of Champions League football.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel thanked the return of fans to Stamford Bridge for helping the side avenge their FA Cup final defeat to Leicester with a 2-1 win over the Foxes to move into third in the Premier League on Tuesday.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel thanked the return of fans to Stamford Bridge for helping the side avenge their FA Cup final defeat to Leicester with a 2-1 win over the Foxes to move into third in the Premier League on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Karim Benzema set to feature in France Euro 2020 squad - Reports The 8,000 crowd saw the Blues keep a place in next season's Champions League in their own hands thanks to second-half goals from Antonio Rudiger and Jorginho. Victory away to Aston Villa on Sunday will guarantee Chelsea a top-four finish. "It was an outstanding performance but the job is not done," said Tuchel. "The fans made a huge difference. The speed in our game, the hunger, the ambition. It was a very strong performance and I'm delighted the team can present itself like this in front of our fans." Leicester will forever have the memories of winning the FA Cup for the first time at Wembley on Saturday but are now at risk of missing out on Champions League football on the final day of the campaign for the second consecutive season. Brendan Rodgers's men still lead Liverpool by three points, but the Reds will go fourth on goal difference if they win at Burnley on Wednesday. Leicester host Tottenham on the final day, while Jurgen Klopp's men welcome Crystal Palace to Anfield. "We have to get the points on Sunday then see where we are. If we don't get in the Champions League it has still been a great season," said Rodgers. "If we just fall short after 38 games as the team with the eighth biggest budget, it shows we fought really hard and just missed out. There are still points to play for and we'll be ready for that." Chelsea's final league game under Frank Lampard was a 2-0 defeat away to Leicester in January that opened up a nine-point gap between the sides. The 10-point swing since is illustrative of the impact Tuchel's arrival has had on the Londoners with their first major disappointment under the German coming at the weekend. Roared on by the biggest crowd at Stamford Bridge for 14 months, Chelsea exploded out the blocks with Leicester barely able to get out their own half in the first 45 minutes. However, a combination of goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and controversial refereeing kept the hosts at bay until the break. Timo Werner had two goals disallowed in the first half as the German international was firstly flagged offside before his second effort was ruled out by a VAR review for handball. In between times, Werner was also dismayed that he was denied a penalty after being caught by Youri Tielemans inside the box. With millions on the line for a place in the Champions League, that decision could have proved very costly for Chelsea. But there was little doubt about the outcome once Rudiger bundled home a corner two minutes into the second half. Werner finally got a VAR call to go his way to double Chelsea's lead 24 minutes from time. Wesley Fofana's foul on Werner was initially given as a free-kick outside the box, but on review referee Mike Dean was told to point to the penalty spot. Jorginho coolly sent Schmeichel the wrong way and for 10 minutes, Chelsea looked to be cruising. However, Leicester set up a nervy finale when Wilfred Ndidi robbed Mateo Kovacic and teed up Iheanacho to slot home his 19th goal of the season. The Nigerian also became the first player to score on all seven days of the week in a single Premier League season. Leicester had a glorious chance to salvage a point and keep their top-four fate in their own hands in the final minute, but Ayoze Perez blasted over from Ricardo Pereira's cut-back. Tempers flared in stoppage time with both sets of players, substitutes and coaches involved in an altercation after Rudiger took exception to a challenge from Pereira on Ben Chilwell. Chelsea, though, kept their heads to see out the final few seconds and take a huge step towards another season of Champions League football.

Chelsea gain revenge on Leicester to take control of top-four fate

Newcastle moved closer to Premier League survival after Joe Willock's late goal capped a thrilling 3-2 win against 10-man West Ham that dented the visitors' bid for a top four finish in the Premier League.

Steve Bruce's side had squandered a two-goal lead in the closing stages at St James' Park, but Willock came off the bench to snatch a priceless winner.

Newcastle are nine points clear of the relegation zone with just six games remaining in a turbulent season on Tyneside.

The Magpies had taken control in the first half thanks to Issa Diop's own goal and a blunder from West Ham keeper Lukasz Fabianski for Joelinton's strike.

West Ham defender Craig Dawson was sent off for two bookings in between those goals.

But the Hammers set up a tense finale when Diop got one back before Jesse Lingard equalised with a penalty 10 minutes from full-time.

On-loan Arsenal midfielder Willock settled a pulsating encounter with his thunderous header, putting Newcastle in position to avoid relegation.

Staying up would be an impressive achievement for Bruce, who has battled with dressing room rifts and distracting takeover talk.

"I'm not going to take anything for granted. I've always said it's the accumulation of points, and 35, in my opinion, is not enough, so you won't get me jumping and hollering at the moment," Bruce said.

"We've still got six games to play. Can we beat last year's points tally of 44? We'll try our utmost."

The defeat was a big blow for West Ham as they chase an unexpected place in next season's Champions League.

David Moyes' side remain fourth, but Chelsea are just one point behind with a game in hand, while fifth-placed Liverpool would go above the Hammers if they beat Leeds on Monday.

"I wouldn't say it was a chance lost, it was an opportunity for us to pick up three points," Moyes said.

"We like talking about the Champions League, we love the sound of that when everybody says it, but we're realistic."

Newcastle took the lead in the 36th minute when Dawson, in his attempts to recover from a heavy touch, felled Joelinton on halfway.

He could only look on as Allan Saint-Maximin sped away, twisted his way past the retreating Mark Noble and then saw his weak shot bundled over the line by Diop as referee Kevin Friend allowed play to continue.

Dawson's misery was compounded when, having already been booked for a 12th-minute foul on the Brazilian, he received a second yellow card.

Joelinton, who had previously scored only two Premier League goals this season, was gifted his third by Fabianski when he spilled Matt Ritchie's 41st-minute corner, leaving the Brazilian striker with a tap-in that he couldn't miss.

However, Diop headed the Hammers back into it with 17 minutes remaining.

West Ham draw level when, after a VAR check, Ciaran Clark was penalised for handball and on-loan Manchester United midfielder Lingard struck from the spot for his ninth goal in 10 games.

But there was a sting in the tale as Willock, who had only been on the pitch for seconds, thumped his header past Fabianski from Ritchie's cross in the 83rd minute.

Newcastle moved closer to Premier League survival after Joe Willock's late goal capped a thrilling 3-2 win against 10-man West Ham that dented the visitors' bid for a top four finish in the Premier League.

Newcastle moved closer to Premier League survival after Joe Willock's late goal capped a thrilling 3-2 win against 10-man West Ham that dented the visitors' bid for a top four finish in the Premier League. Steve Bruce's side had squandered a two-goal lead in the closing stages at St James' Park, but Willock came off the bench to snatch a priceless winner. Newcastle are nine points clear of the relegation zone with just six games remaining in a turbulent season on Tyneside. The Magpies had taken control in the first half thanks to Issa Diop's own goal and a blunder from West Ham keeper Lukasz Fabianski for Joelinton's strike. West Ham defender Craig Dawson was sent off for two bookings in between those goals. But the Hammers set up a tense finale when Diop got one back before Jesse Lingard equalised with a penalty 10 minutes from full-time. On-loan Arsenal midfielder Willock settled a pulsating encounter with his thunderous header, putting Newcastle in position to avoid relegation. Staying up would be an impressive achievement for Bruce, who has battled with dressing room rifts and distracting takeover talk. "I'm not going to take anything for granted. I've always said it's the accumulation of points, and 35, in my opinion, is not enough, so you won't get me jumping and hollering at the moment," Bruce said. "We've still got six games to play. Can we beat last year's points tally of 44? We'll try our utmost." The defeat was a big blow for West Ham as they chase an unexpected place in next season's Champions League. David Moyes' side remain fourth, but Chelsea are just one point behind with a game in hand, while fifth-placed Liverpool would go above the Hammers if they beat Leeds on Monday. "I wouldn't say it was a chance lost, it was an opportunity for us to pick up three points," Moyes said. "We like talking about the Champions League, we love the sound of that when everybody says it, but we're realistic." Newcastle took the lead in the 36th minute when Dawson, in his attempts to recover from a heavy touch, felled Joelinton on halfway. He could only look on as Allan Saint-Maximin sped away, twisted his way past the retreating Mark Noble and then saw his weak shot bundled over the line by Diop as referee Kevin Friend allowed play to continue. Dawson's misery was compounded when, having already been booked for a 12th-minute foul on the Brazilian, he received a second yellow card. Joelinton, who had previously scored only two Premier League goals this season, was gifted his third by Fabianski when he spilled Matt Ritchie's 41st-minute corner, leaving the Brazilian striker with a tap-in that he couldn't miss. However, Diop headed the Hammers back into it with 17 minutes remaining. West Ham draw level when, after a VAR check, Ciaran Clark was penalised for handball and on-loan Manchester United midfielder Lingard struck from the spot for his ninth goal in 10 games. But there was a sting in the tale as Willock, who had only been on the pitch for seconds, thumped his header past Fabianski from Ritchie's cross in the 83rd minute.

Newcastle boost survival bid as Willock dents West Ham's top four hopes

Chelsea held on to their place in the Premier League's top four by bouncing back to beat Watford 3-0 on Saturday after Manchester United briefly powered past with a 5-2 rout of struggling Bournemouth.

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Third-placed Leicester also got back on track with Jamie Vardy reaching 100 top-flight goals in a comfortable 3-0 win against Crystal Palace, while Arsenal dealt a blow to Wolves' Champions League chase by winning 2-0 at Molineux on Saturday.

United's fearsome front four of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood, who netted twice, were all on the scoresheet as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men hit five goals in a home Premier League game for the first time since 2011.

"Confidence is sky high. You get energy and confidence by performances and results and we are getting that at the minute," said Solskjaer, who is feeling the benefits of a 16-match unbeaten run.

"I have enjoyed the last few games to be honest and it is healthy. You don't age as quickly!"

Bournemouth are moving fast in the other direction as they remain second bottom and the Cherries' defensive problems were quickly exposed after they took a shock 16th-minute lead through Junior Stanislas.

Greenwood got the comeback started as he smashed home from Fernandes's pass before Rashford, from the penalty spot and Martial, with a stunning shot into the top corner, scored their 20th goals of the season,

"Mason is one of the best if not the best finisher I have worked with and seen," added Solskjaer. "He is so calm. He knows where to finish if it is on the training ground, here or in his garden at home."

Bournemouth were given hope when Josh King scored from the spot after Eric Bailly handled inside his own box just four minutes after coming on as a half-time substitute.

But there was no stopping Solskjaer's men going forward and Greenwood restored their two-goal cushion with another powerful drive, this time on his weaker right foot, before Fernandes then capped another influential display with a fine free-kick.

Chelsea shrugged off a shock 3-2 defeat at West Ham in midweek with a routine win at Stamford Bridge.

Olivier Giroud was recalled up front and repaid Frank Lampard with a smart finish to break the deadlock before Willian's penalty made it 2-0 before half-time.

Ross Barkley added the third in stoppage time to move Chelsea back two points ahead of fifth-placed United.

"We needed a result after the last game," said Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic. "I think there was an extra bit of energy because of that loss, we wanted to prove a point."

A third defeat in four games since the restart leaves Watford still just one point above Bournemouth and Aston Villa in the battle to beat the drop.

Arsenal kept their hopes of European football next season alive moved by ending Wolves' eight-game unbeaten run in impressive fashion to move up to seventh.

Bukayo Saka celebrated signing a new long-term deal this week by hooking in the opener just before half-time and Alexandre Lacazette came off the bench to seal all three points for Mikel Arteta's men four minutes from time.

"Every game you have no margin for error, we know that we try to win every game," said Arteta of Arsenal's top-four chances.

Defeat leaves Wolves five points behind Chelsea.

Arsenal face Leicester next on Tuesday, but the Foxes go into that game with a much-needed confidence boost after a first win in five games.

Leicester have struggled to score goals of late, but were helped back to winning ways by some calamitous Palace defending for Kelechi Iheanacho to open the scoring and Vardy to tap into an empty net for his Premier League century.

Vardy struck again in characteristic fashion in stoppage time, sprinting in behind before dinking the ball over the advancing Vicente Guaita.

"To get the two goals and the three points is all you can ask for," said Vardy. "We know it's down to us. We are in this position on merit and we have to keep going. If we play like that between now and the end of the season, we will pick up a quite a few points."

Norwich manager Daniel Farke conceded his side are heading for relegation after a 1-0 home defeat to Brighton left the Canaries still seven points.

"It was more or less our last chance to get back in the mix," said Farke.

"After a few losses, we don't have the right to make any fighting messages or to make any unrealistic claims."

Chelsea held on to their place in the Premier League's top four by bouncing back to beat Watford 3-0 on Saturday after Manchester United briefly powered past with a 5-2 rout of struggling Bournemouth.

Chelsea held on to their place in the Premier League's top four by bouncing back to beat Watford 3-0 on Saturday after Manchester United briefly powered past with a 5-2 rout of struggling Bournemouth. Also read: Serie A: Ronaldo and Dybala star as Juventus beat Torina 4-1; Buffon hits another milestone Third-placed Leicester also got back on track with Jamie Vardy reaching 100 top-flight goals in a comfortable 3-0 win against Crystal Palace, while Arsenal dealt a blow to Wolves' Champions League chase by winning 2-0 at Molineux on Saturday. United's fearsome front four of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood, who netted twice, were all on the scoresheet as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men hit five goals in a home Premier League game for the first time since 2011. "Confidence is sky high. You get energy and confidence by performances and results and we are getting that at the minute," said Solskjaer, who is feeling the benefits of a 16-match unbeaten run. "I have enjoyed the last few games to be honest and it is healthy. You don't age as quickly!" Bournemouth are moving fast in the other direction as they remain second bottom and the Cherries' defensive problems were quickly exposed after they took a shock 16th-minute lead through Junior Stanislas. Greenwood got the comeback started as he smashed home from Fernandes's pass before Rashford, from the penalty spot and Martial, with a stunning shot into the top corner, scored their 20th goals of the season, "Mason is one of the best if not the best finisher I have worked with and seen," added Solskjaer. "He is so calm. He knows where to finish if it is on the training ground, here or in his garden at home." Bournemouth were given hope when Josh King scored from the spot after Eric Bailly handled inside his own box just four minutes after coming on as a half-time substitute. But there was no stopping Solskjaer's men going forward and Greenwood restored their two-goal cushion with another powerful drive, this time on his weaker right foot, before Fernandes then capped another influential display with a fine free-kick. Chelsea shrugged off a shock 3-2 defeat at West Ham in midweek with a routine win at Stamford Bridge. Olivier Giroud was recalled up front and repaid Frank Lampard with a smart finish to break the deadlock before Willian's penalty made it 2-0 before half-time. Ross Barkley added the third in stoppage time to move Chelsea back two points ahead of fifth-placed United. "We needed a result after the last game," said Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic. "I think there was an extra bit of energy because of that loss, we wanted to prove a point." A third defeat in four games since the restart leaves Watford still just one point above Bournemouth and Aston Villa in the battle to beat the drop. Arsenal kept their hopes of European football next season alive moved by ending Wolves' eight-game unbeaten run in impressive fashion to move up to seventh. Bukayo Saka celebrated signing a new long-term deal this week by hooking in the opener just before half-time and Alexandre Lacazette came off the bench to seal all three points for Mikel Arteta's men four minutes from time. "Every game you have no margin for error, we know that we try to win every game," said Arteta of Arsenal's top-four chances. Defeat leaves Wolves five points behind Chelsea. Arsenal face Leicester next on Tuesday, but the Foxes go into that game with a much-needed confidence boost after a first win in five games. Leicester have struggled to score goals of late, but were helped back to winning ways by some calamitous Palace defending for Kelechi Iheanacho to open the scoring and Vardy to tap into an empty net for his Premier League century. Vardy struck again in characteristic fashion in stoppage time, sprinting in behind before dinking the ball over the advancing Vicente Guaita. "To get the two goals and the three points is all you can ask for," said Vardy. "We know it's down to us. We are in this position on merit and we have to keep going. If we play like that between now and the end of the season, we will pick up a quite a few points." Norwich manager Daniel Farke conceded his side are heading for relegation after a 1-0 home defeat to Brighton left the Canaries still seven points. "It was more or less our last chance to get back in the mix," said Farke. "After a few losses, we don't have the right to make any fighting messages or to make any unrealistic claims."

Chelsea win holds off rampant Manchester United in race for Premier League top four

Premier League champions Liverpool are the only club certain of their place in next season's Champions League as the teams below them jostle for position and Manchester City await a court ruling.

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Pep Guardiola's City, who humbled Liverpool 4-0 on Thursday, should still comfortably finish in the top four, with a 14-point lead over fifth place and just six games to play.&nbsp;

But the outcome of their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, set to be announced in mid-July, will decide whether a two-season ban from European competitions is upheld.

Should City's appeal fail, fifth place would be good enough for the riches of Champions League football next season, and results since the Premier League's restart have tightened the race for a top-five finish.

AFP Sport looks at the contrasting fortunes of four of the contenders.

<h2>Leicester - 55 points</h2>

Leicester have spent most of the campaign in third and were even Liverpool's closest challengers for two months earlier in the season as they strung together an eight-game winning run between October and December.

However, that good work has come undone during a run of two wins in 11 league games, including just two points from a possible nine since the restart against Watford, Brighton and Everton.

Goals have dried up for Brendan Rodgers's men, with Jamie Vardy finding the net just twice in 2020.

Leicester face a tough end to the campaign, with Arsenal, Tottenham and a final-day clash with Manchester United to come.

They also have uncertainty hanging over their heads, with a local lockdown in place in Leicester due to a coronavirus spike.

Saturday's visit of Crystal Palace is still due to go ahead as scheduled but shifting matches away from the King Power Stadium would be a headache.

<h2>Chelsea - 54 points</h2>

Frank Lampard's men were brought back down to earth with a bang in a 3-2 defeat at West Ham on Wednesday after fine form following the restart had them eyeing third rather than looking over their shoulders.

Failure to qualify for the Champions League would be a huge blow to the Blues' ambitious plans for next season after the signings of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, who will add an extra dimension to the Chelsea attack.

However, conceding three times to goal-shy West Ham exposed the defensive problems that Lampard has to solve before turning to the transfer market.

Upcoming games against Watford, Palace, Sheffield United and Norwich give Chelsea the chance to get back on track and they will be hoping to have a top-four finish wrapped up before a trip to Liverpool and a home game against Wolves in the final week of the season.

<h2>Manchester United - 52 points</h2>

United are a team reborn since the January signing of Bruno Fernandes transformed a laboured midfield.

The Portuguese international has since been joined in the middle of the park by a fit-again Paul Pogba to add an extra dose of creativity as the Red Devils have taken seven points from a possible nine since the Premier League's return.

At the back, United have kept 11 clean sheets during a 15-match unbeaten run in all competitions and there is cause for optimism up front too, with 18-year-old Mason Greenwood forming a thrilling front three alongside Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

United also have the softest run-in to go with their momentum, with Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Southampton, Crystal Palace and West Ham to come before they face Leicester.&nbsp;

<h2>Wolves - 52 points</h2>

Nuno Espirito Santo's men could be the biggest winners after a three-month break in the season.

Wolves had played 48 games in the first eight months of the campaign due to their early start in the Europa League qualifiers but have come back refreshed.

Victories over West Ham, Bournemouth and Villa have been achieved with the minimum of fuss and without conceding a single goal.

Tougher tests lie ahead but there are few sides better prepared for a high volume of games in a short period without making many changes.

Premier League champions Liverpool are the only club certain of their place in next season's Champions League as the teams below them jostle for position and Manchester City await a court ruling.

Premier League champions Liverpool are the only club certain of their place in next season's Champions League as the teams below them jostle for position and Manchester City await a court ruling. Also read: Bayern Munich confirm Leroy Sane signing from Manchester City Pep Guardiola's City, who humbled Liverpool 4-0 on Thursday, should still comfortably finish in the top four, with a 14-point lead over fifth place and just six games to play. But the outcome of their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, set to be announced in mid-July, will decide whether a two-season ban from European competitions is upheld. Should City's appeal fail, fifth place would be good enough for the riches of Champions League football next season, and results since the Premier League's restart have tightened the race for a top-five finish. AFP Sport looks at the contrasting fortunes of four of the contenders. Leicester - 55 points Leicester have spent most of the campaign in third and were even Liverpool's closest challengers for two months earlier in the season as they strung together an eight-game winning run between October and December. However, that good work has come undone during a run of two wins in 11 league games, including just two points from a possible nine since the restart against Watford, Brighton and Everton. Goals have dried up for Brendan Rodgers's men, with Jamie Vardy finding the net just twice in 2020. Leicester face a tough end to the campaign, with Arsenal, Tottenham and a final-day clash with Manchester United to come. They also have uncertainty hanging over their heads, with a local lockdown in place in Leicester due to a coronavirus spike. Saturday's visit of Crystal Palace is still due to go ahead as scheduled but shifting matches away from the King Power Stadium would be a headache. Chelsea - 54 points Frank Lampard's men were brought back down to earth with a bang in a 3-2 defeat at West Ham on Wednesday after fine form following the restart had them eyeing third rather than looking over their shoulders. Failure to qualify for the Champions League would be a huge blow to the Blues' ambitious plans for next season after the signings of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, who will add an extra dimension to the Chelsea attack. However, conceding three times to goal-shy West Ham exposed the defensive problems that Lampard has to solve before turning to the transfer market. Upcoming games against Watford, Palace, Sheffield United and Norwich give Chelsea the chance to get back on track and they will be hoping to have a top-four finish wrapped up before a trip to Liverpool and a home game against Wolves in the final week of the season. Manchester United - 52 points United are a team reborn since the January signing of Bruno Fernandes transformed a laboured midfield. The Portuguese international has since been joined in the middle of the park by a fit-again Paul Pogba to add an extra dose of creativity as the Red Devils have taken seven points from a possible nine since the Premier League's return. At the back, United have kept 11 clean sheets during a 15-match unbeaten run in all competitions and there is cause for optimism up front too, with 18-year-old Mason Greenwood forming a thrilling front three alongside Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. United also have the softest run-in to go with their momentum, with Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Southampton, Crystal Palace and West Ham to come before they face Leicester. Wolves - 52 points Nuno Espirito Santo's men could be the biggest winners after a three-month break in the season. Wolves had played 48 games in the first eight months of the campaign due to their early start in the Europa League qualifiers but have come back refreshed. Victories over West Ham, Bournemouth and Villa have been achieved with the minimum of fuss and without conceding a single goal. Tougher tests lie ahead but there are few sides better prepared for a high volume of games in a short period without making many changes.

Premier League battle for Champions League places heats up

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