Boiling point in race for Champions League spots

WITH the Premier League title race and relegation places long decided, it is the race for the Champions League spots that incites interest in the closing weeks of the season.

- by ALEX HANKIN

Now that it is clear the English clubs will occupy five spots from the league placings in next year’s competition, the battle has intensified. And, assuming Arsenal will claim one of those places, the other five clubs in the hunt are separated by just four points, with six to play for.

Nottingham Forest's fine season has derailed at the worst possible time. They have secured European football next season, but they would love it to be Champions League. Yet a return of just five points from their last 15 isn’t the form of Champions League elects.

They face a West Ham side who ended their long winless run at Old Trafford last Sunday in a game where three points are a must for the Tricky Trees.

Forest are just edging favouritism for their first win at the Hammers since New Years Day in 1997. They are 6-4, with West Ham 7-4 and the draw at 5-2.

The Emirates hosts a cracker at 4.30pm tomorrow as Arsenal welcome Newcastle with three points for either team enough to confirm their place at Europe’s top table next season.