The 2024/25 Premier League title race looks to be a foregone conclusion, with Liverpool well ahead of their rivals in the battle to claim top spot.
However, who will join them in next season’s Champions League is less clear, with a plethora of teams still in contention to secure a place.
This creates numerous opportunities for sports bettors, and many of them will be using m88 free credit bonuses to wager on the final outcome.
With that in mind, read on as we identify six games which could have a massive bearing on the Champions League qualification race this term.
Manchester United vs Manchester City – April 6
Manchester City went into this season with ambitions of winning their fifth successive league title, but things have not gone according to script.
Pep Guardiola’s side have been hugely inconsistent and face a fight to secure one of the coveted Champions League qualification spots at the end of the campaign.
Their visit to Manchester United has the potential to be a banana skin, particularly if their local rivals are able to maintain their recent improvement.
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Aston Villa vs Newcastle United – April 19
The clash between Aston Villa and Newcastle United on April 19 could be pivotal to their respective hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
Villa achieved the feat last season by finishing fourth and have enjoyed another hugely productive season under manager Unai Emery.
Newcastle recently won the League Cup by defeating Liverpool, but it will be intriguing to see if they take their foot off the gas after lifting a major trophy.
Manchester City vs Aston Villa – April 28
This could be another crucial battle in the race for Champions League qualification, and Man City will be hoping home advantage gives them the edge.
While City have failed to live up to expectations this season, they are still a tough nut to crack at the Etihad Stadium.
Villa are generally stronger on their own patch and will need to be at their best if they are to take anything from this tough fixture.
Chelsea vs Liverpool – May 3
Chelsea’s hopes of securing Champions League qualification could be scuppered by a horrendous run of fixtures during May.
They kick off the month at home to Liverpool in a game which could be the decider in the Reds’ bid to be crowned Premier League champions for the second time.
The Blues will be desperate to avoid defeat, particularly as the things don’t get much easier over the final weeks of the season.
Newcastle United vs Chelsea – May 10
Chelsea’s visit to St James’ Park could be a blockbuster if both sides are still in contention to bag a place in next season’s Champions League.
The team finishing fifth could be handed a place this term, which adds a further layer of intrigue to a battle which looks set to go down to the wire.
With Enzo Maresca’s side welcoming to Manchester United to Stamford Bridge the following week, the size of their task is clear to see.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea – May 25
Nottingham Forest have been the surprise package in the Premier League this season and are well on course to secure a place in the Champions League.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactical system has worked wonders with Forest and it would be a travesty if they failed to haul themselves over the line.
Chelsea will be eager to still have something to play for when this game is staged, but they will be hoping it is not a ‘must-win’ scenario.
