Race for Champions League spots heating up down final straight

THE race for Champions League qualification is gathering pace as the Premier League season approaches its final furlong.

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Top two Liverpool and Arsenal look odds-on to finish where they currently sit, and three more places are almost certain to be up for grabs with England currently in line to secure one of UEFA's two European performance spots.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the other clubs vying for a seat at the top table next season.

Nottingham Forest

Current position: 3rd P 31 W 17 D 6 L 8 Pts 57 GD +14 Remaining fixtures: Everton (h), Tottenham, (a), Brentford (h), Crystal Palace (a), Leicester (h), West Ham (a), Chelsea (h)

Recent defeats by Fulham, Newcastle United and on Saturday, Aston Villa have eaten into Forest's cushion despite wins over Manchester duo City and United, and the chasing pack has closed on the season's surprise package. Nuno Espirito Santo's men do not have the most taxing remaining schedule but Chelsea's final-day visit to the City Ground could prove pivotal if points continue to slip away.

Chelsea