Top 4 frenzy: Giants in final fight for glory

THE Premier League title race is settled, and the relegation battle has concluded — but the fight for Uefa Champions League qualification remains wide open heading into the final two rounds of the season.

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Champions Liverpool are the only side guaranteed a place in next season's UEFA Champions League, while second-placed Arsenal look almost certain to join them. However, just four points separate third-placed Newcastle from seventh-placed Nottingham Forest, leaving plenty to play for.

Here, we break down the key talking points ahead of a pivotal weekend in the English top flight.

Newcastle target second spot

Arsenal have been Liverpool's closest challengers for most of the season, and until recently appeared to have second place secured. However, Newcastle could leapfrog the Gunners with a win at the Emirates on Sunday, moving a point ahead of an Arsenal side that has won just once in their past six league matches.

The Magpies, by contrast, have been in buoyant form since winning the League Cup final against Liverpool in mid-March, suffering only one defeat in their past eight Premier League outings.

Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Chelsea — one of their key rivals for a top-five finish — was a significant step towards securing Champions League qualification for the second time in three seasons.