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How the Champions League battle is shaping up with two games left

Chelsea are in pole position, while Leicester and Manchester United are set for a final day shootout.

The race for the Champions League is set to go down to the wire after wins for both Leicester and Manchester United on Thursday.

Here, the PA news agency takes a closer look at the battle for the top four with two games left.

Chelsea

Chelsea are in pole position to cap what would be a fine achievement in Frank Lampard's first season as a Premier League manager. They are currently in third on 63 points, a point better off than Leicester and Manchester United. Their problem is that they face Liverpool and Wolves in their final two games and, with an inferior goal difference, they will want to win at least one of those games to make sure they get back in the Champions League next season.

Leicester

After a difficult time following the restart, Leicester posted a massively important win against Sheffield United on Thursday to boost their hopes. Sitting in fourth, on goal difference, they know their Champions League fate is in their own hands, but they also know that whatever happens, it will go down to a final-day shootout with Manchester United. They can gain the upper hand this weekend as United and Chelsea are in FA Cup action so can move ahead, but face a tough visit to rejuvenated Tottenham, who have European aspirations of their own. However, if they beat Spurs it should mean that a point against United on the final day would be enough.

Manchester United

Marcus Rashford helped Manchester United secure a vital three points at Crystal Palace
Marcus Rashford helped Manchester United secure a vital three points at Crystal Palace (Justin Steerfield/NMC Pool/PA)

Given the fact Manchester United have not lost in the Premier League since mid-January, it seems implausible that they have not yet booked their place in the top four. However, they know exactly what is required of them. If they win their two remaining games then they will qualify for the Champions League. It will all come down to the final day against Leicester, but they will want to travel to the King Power Stadium at least level on points. That seems likely as they play West Ham at home in midweek.

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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pictured on June 24, 2020
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


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