This weekend’s fixtures in the Premier League could leave Arsenal on the brink of winning the top-four battle over Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
Their chances of finishing above Chelsea in third could also be boosted.
Whilst the Gunners currently occupy the final Champions League qualification place and still have a two-point cushion over Spurs, the gap between them and Thomas Tuchel’s side has been reduced from six points to three – although the Blues have a superior goal difference – following their loss at Everton.
The good news for Arsenal is that they have already sealed a return to European competition for next season.
Last weekend’s 2-1 win over West Ham United coupled with Wolves losing at home to Brighton means Mikel Arteta’s side are guaranteed a Europa League place at the minimum.
The Spaniard has his sights set on Champions League qualification.
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After the Gunners welcome Leeds United to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, there’s the massive north London derby away at Spurs next Thursday night before wrapping up the season against Newcastle United and Everton.
Even though Arsenal are in control of their own destiny concerning the top-four race, they would benefit significantly from a favour or two from some of their Premier League rivals as Liverpool hosts Spurs, Wolves travel to Chelsea and Brighton welcome Man United to the Amex Stadium this weekend.
If results go the Gunners‘ way, a return to Europe’s top table may not be too far away.
So with the potential of another huge weekend on the cards in the Premier League, football.
London has taken a look at what would be the best and worst-case scenarios for Arsenal as there’s a chance for Arteta to celebrate signing a new contract by taking a huge step towards securing Champions League qualification.
With the visitors fighting for their survival, they’ll have to go for the win, and that could leave gaps for the Gunners to exploit in attack.
To add more intrigue to this fixture, the result of Spurs‘ trip to Anfield will be known ahead of kick-off.
If things go to plan, Arsenal will find themselves in a position to secure Champions League football with a win over their biggest rivals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next Thursday.
The Gunners would move level on points with Chelsea in third if Wolves can spring a surprise in West London – thus opening up a second chance to seal Champions League football.
It would be mathematically impossible for Arteta’s side to finish below Man United this season if they match the Red Devils‘ result against Brighton.
Chelsea vs Wolves – HOME WIN. Liverpool vs Tottenham – AWAY WIN. Arsenal vs Leeds United – AWAY WIN. If Spurs pull off a shock win at Anfield on Saturday night, it will ramp up the pressure on Arsenal.
Not just in terms of the Leeds game, but also the North London derby five days later as they would go into that clash behind their rivals in the table if they are beaten at home on Sunday.
This scenario, coupled with a win for Chelsea over Wolves, would all but end any talk of finishing third.
Whilst Man United would move to within two points of the Gunners should they beat Brighton, they will only have one game left of the season to play after this weekend.