How will top five race finish?published at 10:36 22 May
10:36 22 May
The race for the three remaining Champions League qualification spots in the Premier League is going right down to the wire.
With one round of fixtures remaining, just three points separate Manchester City in third and Nottingham Forest in seventh.
With five teams vying for three positions, it leaves some clubs with their fate in their own hands, while others will be relying on favours to secure their place.
Newcastle United and Chelsea know that wins will guarantee them spots in Europe's elite competition in 2025-26.
And, with a two points and a 17-goal cushion, just a point but would all but guarantee City a place.
Nottingham Forest, who have spent much of the season occupying one of those top five spots, will need to beat Chelsea and hope for a slip up from teams above them, while Aston Villa will also be hoping for a bit of help from elsewhere.
It is set to be an anxious Sunday for those watching in the stadium and elsewhere.
But where do you think all five teams will finish?
Gossip: Chelsea determined to keep Fernandezpublished at 07:44 22 May
07:44 22 May
Chelsea are determined to hold on to Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, despite the 24-year-old being on Real Madrid's shortlist of possible targets this summer. (Guardian, external)
Pick your Chelsea player of the seasonpublished at 12:28 21 May
12:28 21 May
Will Faulks Fan writer
We asked our Chelsea fan contributor for their four candidates for player of the season and you can now select your top one.
Cole Palmer
Palmer started this season in the same incredible form that he finished last season, and even though it tailed off precipitously in the new year, he is a worthy mention on the basis of those thrilling first few months alone.
Enzo Fernandez
As Palmer faded, Fernandez stepped up. His form in 2025 has got better and better, and he has started delivering the goals and assists the team need from him. His status as a leader has been cemented by that increased impact, as has his connection with the fans.
Marc Cucurella
Very solid all season, thriving in a role that is pretty much built for him in Enzo Maresca's system. Chipped in with some crucial goals when the team's form was at a low ebb in the spring, and showed a consistency of performance that was a major improvement on previous years.
Moises Caicedo
He is the only player in the squad who has been truly excellent for the entire campaign, and he has cemented himself as one of the league's top midfielders.
Gossip: Chelsea could be an attractive move for Delappublished at 07:52 21 May
07:52 21 May
Manchester United lead the race to sign 22-year-old Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, but defeat in the Europa League final and consequential inability to offer him European football next season would hand Chelsea the advantage. (ESPN), external
Chelsea are understood to have opened talks with Ajax over a potential transfer for 19-year-old Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato, who is also a target for Liverpool and Arsenal. (Caughtoffside), external
Can Blues cope with 'immense pressure'?published at 16:46 20 May
16:46 20 May
Will Faulks Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
So, it has come down to this.
After a season of back and forth, during which Chelsea have been both in a title race and in relegation form, one game will decide whether the campaign was a success.
Manager Enzo Maresca might dispute that, and perhaps the club's owners and sporting directors would too. But there is no denying that after three years in charge, and the colossal sums of money spent on transfer fees in that time, finishing lower than fifth in the league could not be seen as anything other than a failure for Chelsea.
It is an exciting way to end an unpredictable season. In recent years, most of the Blues' campaigns have petered out in February or soon after. This year, the action continues right up to the final moment.
And it is not going to be easy. Nottingham Forest's astonishing form has faltered, but with everything on the line and a home crowd who have waited decades for a game of this magnitude, the pressure on Chelsea's players is going to be huge.
This group of players faltered in similar conditions at St James' Park a couple of weeks ago. Yes, it was Nicolas Jackson's red card in that game which really killed them, but the problems were there from the first minute.
Maresca's team went out looking miles off the levels of confidence and intensity they needed to get a result there, red card or not.
Chelsea fans will be hoping that the coach has changed something since then. Their team has the talent to win this game, but the question mark is over whether they have the mindset.
As much as anything tactical, this week on the training pitch will be spent trying to prepare the group mentally for the immense pressure of a game with so much riding on it.
Maresca on team news, facing Pellegrini, and goalkeeper choicepublished at 12:46 20 May
12:46 20 May
Karan Vinod BBC Sport Journalist
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been speaking to the media before next week's Europa Conference League game against Real Betis (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Maresca confirmed that Marc Guiu and Christopher Nkunku have started to take part in group training but are still not fully fit.
On the starting goalkeeper for the final: "Filip (Jorgensen) is going to play the final because he played all the competition. And it is unfair now that you are in the final, and he's not playing the final. So, for the Betis game, it will be Filip plus 10 players. I don't know which 10 they are but for sure, Filip is going to play because he deserves to play the final."
Maresca reiterated that the "focus will be on Nottingham" as he hasn't seen the players since the win against Manchester United and will be focused on the final only after the Forest game.
On the scheduling of fixtures leading up to the final: "I am not happy, 100%. You cannot allow a team 48 hours more than the other team to play in a European competition final."
Maresca also said that it is "important to win a European Cup for Chelsea", highlighting the importance for the club and the fans at this moment in time as it confirms that they are going in the "right direction."
More on establishing a winning mentality: "Very important to build a winner's mentality and you cannot win the Champions League or the Europa League if you are in the Conference League. When you are in that competition, you have to be focused to win that competition."
Maresca is looking forward to a "special" clash against Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini and labelled him as his "professional dad" as the Chelsea manager turns to him for advice. He also stated that he spoke to Pellegrini yesterday and learnt how to "manage players" and everything that comes with the job over the years.
On facing Isco after having played with him: "He is a top player, his career speaks for itself after many years with Real Madrid. We played together when Isco was very young, he joined from Valencia and we had a top team."
MOTD 2 pundits on Champions League battle published at 08:48 19 May
08:48 19 May
Match of the Day 2 pundits have been having their say on the race for the Champions League.
Danny Murphy expects Newcastle to be "fine", adding: "At home to Everton, I would say so with those fans behind them.
"Manchester City have got it all in their own hands with that extra game. Bournemouth and Fulham - not easy games but I'd tip them as well.
"If you look around the dressing room and you look at the manager, they're just the best in their class. If they don't have the resilience and fortitude to get through those games then there is a real question mark. They should beat Bournemouth and Fulham nine out of 10 times when they need to."
"That Chelsea-Forest game next week is the pick of the bunch. That's going to be one hell of an atmosphere down there."
Martin Keown said: "I think Forest have been magnificent this year - a breath of fresh air to see how they've performed. It's looking tough for them right now. They just had a little blip at the wrong time but they can't have any regrets to the way they've played this season.
"I think Man City will have enough to get there and so will Aston Villa as well."
Enzo Fernandez playing through bout of illnesspublished at 16:10 18 May
16:10 18 May
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has played through conjunctivitis for the last two Premier League matches.
The 24-year-old midfielder was seen playing with inflammation of his right eye in the 1-0 win over Manchester United which he said impacted his vision in Friday night's win at Stamford Bridge.
But Fernandez is understood to have started having symptoms a week earlier at Newcastle, although he specifically asked to play in both matches.
Fernandez highlighted the issue when posting photos on his Instagram account, and said: "(It was the) last match at home with this group that will give it all until the end, we have two finals left.
"Thank you to the fans for the support all the season. My first game playing with one eye."
Fernandez is regarded as one of the leaders in the dressing room by manager Enzo Maresca and is having his most productive season for Chelsea - registering six goals and seven assists in 35 Premier League matches.
Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd - the fans' verdictpublished at 11:37 17 May
11:37 17 May
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your thoughts after Friday's Premier League game between Chelsea and Manchester United.
Here are some of your comments:
Chelsea fans
Chris: Chelsea flatter to deceive again. This Man Utd team are the worst in living memory. In a home tie, a squad assembled at the cost of over £1bn should be putting United to the sword. But scraping a scrappy win shows how far there is to go for this young team and I fear Champions League next season will expose that. Can you imagine them meeting PSG or Barcelona?
Nick: A gritty and professional performance from Chelsea in a game made very difficult by Man Utd's negative style, slow play and disruptive tactics. Chelsea ground out three points and controlled the game well after going in front, limiting United to only one shot on target over the 102 minutes. It wasn't an exciting game, but it was a job well done.
George: For a large part of the game, the two sides looked pretty even. Immediately after Cucurella's goal, I wanted Maresca to act and bring on a midfielder. He took 10 minutes to do that and that was too long for me. A lacklustre United fortunately didn't manage to take control in that time. When Lavia finally came on, Chelsea looked like they were just about going to hold on to their lead.
Roy: An ugly, but important win. Chelsea were very average but I couldn't quite believe how bad Manchester United were. To think that 10 years ago these two clubs were the real titans of the Premier League...
Man Utd fans
Andy: An utter disgrace. Hojlund is a total dead weight, he made not one positive contribution the whole game. Amorim doesn't understand the Premier League, he is totally out of his depth.
Michael: If you keep doing what you do, you keep getting what you get. Amorim's system clearly doesn't work in the Premier League. It's time for him to stop blaming everyone else and to change his thinking.
Rich: I would sack Amorim after this. There is nothing to show for the season and giving him the summer will result in United being in the same position this time next year.
Farid: Did anyone really believe that United would get a result at Chelsea? This is how we have become as Man Utd supporters, we don't believe this team can deliver in the Premier League. We are starting to accept mediocrity and defeat, and it is very sad to see how we have become! Even a Europa League title wouldn't make up for these terrible performances.
Did you know?
This was Manchester United's 18th league defeat of the season, their most in a season since losing 20 in 1973-74 in the last season in which they were relegated.
Manchester United have gone eight league games without a win (D2 L6) for the first time since an 11-game stretch between December 1989 and February 1990.
Cole Palmer has created 87 chances in the Premier League this season, the most by a Chelsea player in a campaign since Mason Mount in 2020-21 (87) and Eden Hazard in 2018-19 (98). His 125 shots are the most since Didier Drogba in 2010-11 (150).
'People like to write us off and call us inexperienced'published at 10:54 17 May
10:54 17 May
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea captain Reece James has been speaking to Sky Sports about the performance against Manchester United: "We have been working hard the whole season. The messages have been clear from the start, executing them has been hard but this is what we do - day in, day out.
"The first half was super tough. We stayed in the game and we knew that we had to come out and score."
On the importance of getting Champions League football: "I think that is where the club belongs - in the Champions League and competing in the best competitions.
"People like to write us off and call us inexperienced, but we played against a very experienced Manchester United team here. We were there and we won the game. We got what we needed to."
'People have to trust us - we are going in the right direction'published at 10:49 17 May
10:49 17 May
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been speaking to Sky Sports after taking all three points off Manchester United: "I was quite confident but then I know how difficult it is to play against Manchester United. We expected a very tough game and they played very well. Overall, I was completely confident.
"It was a game that we could have a good moment in and score a goal. I used to watch five, six, seven games when we played against a team but I've never watched Manchester United be so aggressive. They were man-to-man and it was very difficult.
"Off the ball, I think we played a fantastic game. The team was very aggressive until the end. We tried to press higher and I think we deserved to win the game. It's nice to work on some solutions and then you score from it."
On Marc Cucurella's goal: "He is a very good player. It is all about timing and being in the right position in the right moment. Cucurella is very intelligent and very clever."
On the media scrutiny Chelsea are receiving: "For me, personally, the problem is you, the press. You think this is the same Chelsea as years ago - it is not the same.
"I don't think, since I've been here, we are spending more money than other clubs. It is about building something important. People have to trust us - we are going in the right direction."
'We are creating something special'published at 10:34 17 May
10:34 17 May
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has been speaking to BBC Sport about the win over Manchester United: "We are very happy. We deserved a moment like this. We knew that we needed to stay in the game and we gave all that we had. We have three points now, that I think we deserve."
On scoring his goal: "I'm very happy because I have helped the team. Once Reece [James] had the ball, I knew I need to attack there."
On teammate Reece James' performance: "It has been a tough season for him, with a lot of injuries, but he is one of the best players that we have in the squad.
"We are very happy to have him in the team and he helps us a lot."
On ensuring they have a good end to the season: "It is very important [to get Champions League football]. Step by step, we are creating something special and now we only have two games left to achieve that something special.
"The most important thing is it depends on us, so we have to play the game on Sunday and then we are thinking about the [Conference League] final.
"This win is a moment to enjoy because we have worked all season for these moments, so now we have ambitions to achieve these things."
Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd - James shinespublished at 23:37 16 May
23:37 16 May
Gary Rose BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Just when Chelsea needed him to step up, Reece James produced.
The Blues knew they had to beat Manchester United on Friday to ensure securing Champions League football was in their own hands.
Their cause was not helped with a striker crisis brought on by injuries and suspension and instead it was their full-back who produced the most threat.
James struck the post in the first half with a swirling effort but the technique he produced for the cross for Marc Cucurella to score the winner was particularly special.
He turned on the edge of the box to work some space and, without seemingly looking, swung in the perfect ball for Cucurella to head in.
James has endured a difficult season with fitness but this could be a pivotal contribution as Chelsea look to secure top tier European football next term.
They head to Nottingham Forest on the final day knowing victory will secure a place in the Champions League.
Which teams can secure Champions League this weekend?published at 09:32 16 May
09:32 16 May
Image source, Getty Images
The race for Champions League football is heating up with only four spots up for grabs. Only confirmed team in Europe's premier competition for next season are the champions Liverpool.
Arsenal have been chasing the champions all season long but a deep run in Europe has seen them take their eye of the ball domestically. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Newcastle United closed the gap on the North London club and are within striking distance.
Clubs like Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest all very much still in the race but one team will miss out. Let's have a look at which clubs can decide their faith this weekend -
Arsenal will clinch a Champions League spot if they beat Newcastle on Sunday.
A draw will also be enough unless Chelsea and Aston Villa both win on Friday, and Manchester City avoid defeat on Tuesday. But because the Gunners' goal difference is significantly better than the sides below them, a draw will realistically ensure a top-five spot, regardless of results elsewhere.
If they lose, Arsenal will qualify for Europe's elite competition should Villa fail to win or if both Chelsea and Nottingham Forest fail to win. This takes into account that Forest host Chelsea on the final day and both sides cannot catch the Gunners.
Because of Arsenal's goal difference, the only scenario in which they could retain a realistic chance of missing out on Champions League qualification would be if they lose and both Chelsea and Villa win.
A win will guarantee Newcastle a Champions League place UNLESS Chelsea and Aston Villa both win and Manchester City avoid defeat. But because of their goal difference advantage over Villa, a win will realistically ensure a top-five spot for Eddie Howe's side, regardless of results elsewhere.
A draw will be good enough if:
- Aston Villa lose (as Forest play Chelsea on the final day and both sides wouldn't be able to overtake the Magpies)
- Chelsea lose and Nottingham Forest fail to win
Should Newcastle and Villa both draw, Eddie Howe's side would be realistically assured of Champions League qualification because of their goal difference. The same applies if the Magpies lose, Villa also lose and either Forest or Chelsea fail to win.
Manchester City will qualify for the Champions League if they defeat Bournemouth and Villa fail to win, OR City claim victory and both Chelsea and Nottingham Forest fail to win.
Because of City's goal difference, a point against the Cherries will realistically be enough if Chelsea or Forest fail to win and Aston Villa lose.
Chelsea can't mathematically clinch a top-five spot before the final day – but if they win and both Villa and Forest lose, their superior goal difference would make it all but certain. Should Chelsea win, Villa lose and Forest draw, the Londoners would have to lose their last game (against Forest) by at least four goals to be caught.
Note - Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest currently occupy sixth and seventh in the Premier League table and will need results to go their way even if they win the remainder of their matches.
Sutton's predictions: Chelsea v Man Utdpublished at 08:58 16 May
08:58 16 May
Chelsea could not have picked a better time to play Manchester United. This is a great opportunity for them in their bid for a top-five finish.
Chelsea are without suspended striker Nicolas Jackson after his red card against Newcastle, which ended their hopes of getting anything at St James' Park.
I am not sure who will play up front on Friday instead of Jackson, or who will get their goals, but I still fully expect Enzo Maresca's side to win.
Manchester United have still been fielding strong teams despite all the changes they have been making around their Europa League ties, but you would not think it from their performances or results.
It is not as if Ruben Amorim has been putting out his Under-18s in recent weeks but their Premier League form is dismal and I can't see any reason why that will change here.
Maresca wants number nine and Champions League for star menpublished at 07:38 16 May
07:38 16 May
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says the likes of Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Levi Colwill have the "status" to play Champions League football.
The Italian is attempting to get Chelsea a place back at Europe's top table after two years of exile and qualify for the competition for the first time in the Todd Boehly-Clearlake era.
However, a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle on Sunday cast that in renewed doubt and the Blues will have to win both a match against Manchester United on Friday night and the final match away at direct competitors Nottingham Forest the following Sunday to guarantee qualification.
When asked whether players like Palmer should be playing Champions League football, Maresca said: "Absolutely yes, I don't think Cole is the only player who deserves, I think Moi also, Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill deserves Champions League.
"This is why we have been there and we'll try to be there. We have many players in terms of status deserve to play in the Champions League."
Maresca's counterpart for the upcoming match at Stamford Bridge is Ruben Amorim who said he believes United are not ready for the Champions League stage despite still having a chance to qualify by beating Tottenham in the Europa League final next week.
However, Maresca believes Chelsea are in a better position, adding: "We are ready to finish in the top five because we have been consistent enough, not to compete for the title but enough to qualify for the Champions League because we have been there all season."
Maresca will be without a striker on Friday night after Nicolas Jackson's red card at St James's Park ruled him out of the remaining two league matches of the season.
After playing down his anger towards the Senegal international, he added that Chelsea could do with signing another number nine to help him.
"He has improved a lot in my personal opinion. For sure, if another nine was here it is probably better for him."
Do Chelsea need 'more emotional control'?published at 16:59 15 May
16:59 15 May
Image source, Getty Images
With Chelsea currently having the most yellow cards in the Premier League, it could suggest a discipline issue that they need to look at. You do not want that hanging over you where you get a perception of the squad that they are ill-disciplined – particularly around the media and with officiating.
They are a young squad, but I do also think some of the refereeing has been really inconsistent this season. Some yellow cards and some red cards throughout this campaign, in one game it is a yellow card but in another game it is not. In one cup game it is a red but then in other games it is a yellow.
Refereeing, at the end of the day, it is an opinion, it is not all based on facts. We see there are some referees that would allow small stuff to go, and then there are some referees that like to nip it in the bud straight away and get their card out, which sets the tone right from the beginning.
It is difficult because at the end of the season, to have it on record as the worst discipline in terms of yellow cards is not something the club will want. It could be an issue with them being such a young squad, but it is not like Chelsea are always up there for yellow cards. After this season, it might be something they have to look at with these players, bringing that little bit more emotional control at times with these bookings.
Looking at Nicolas Jackson's red card in particular against Newcastle, it could prove to be costly with two games remaining when you are fighting for that Champions League spot. Newcastle now creep away from them that little bit more with the points on board.
While I don't think it was reckless and I felt the referee got it right at the time, it was a naughty challenge. It comes down to those inconsistencies in decisions and it was hugely costly for Chelsea.
Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson
