On Monday morning, CAS overturned Manchester City’s two-year ban from European competition. It was good news for the Citizens, who are still in with a chance of winning this seasons Champions League.
However, it was bad news for the teams below Pep Guardiola’s team in Premier League table, who only had to finish fifth in the table to make the Champions League for next season if the European suspension for City stuck.
Now it is back to just the top-four qualifying for Europe’s elite competition. That means that Chelsea, Leicester and Manchester United look to be fighting it out for two spots next season. The likes of Wolves, Sheffield United and Tottenham will also still believe they can land a top-four spot. The latter looks a long shot to book a place in next season’s Champions League though.
Chelsea are currently third, but they are just a point clear of fourth-place Leicester and Manchester United in fifth. The Red Devils missed out on the chance to move up to third-place on Monday night when they drew 2-2 at home against Southampton. The Saints scored a 96th-minute equaliser through Irish striker Michael Obafemi.
The draw was excellent news for the Red Devils competitors, although on paper United will still be confident of landing a Champions League spot. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team also face Leicester on the final day of the campaign.
It may now be difficult for Brendan Rodgers team to hang on to that top-four spot, with their remaining games all against top-seven rivals. A home game against Sheffield United in their next outing could prove to be pivotal to both sides chances of landing a spot in the Champions League next season.
It is hard to predict which English teams will join Liverpool and Manchester City in Europe’s elite competition next season. However, the City situation has changed the complexion of the race completely.