Gary Neville has offered his verdict on the battle to secure Champions League qualification via the Premier League, with the former Man United defender pinpointing the team he believes are vulnerable in the race.
The Premier League look poised to secure a fifth berth in the Champions League next season, owing to the performances of English clubs in Europe during this campaign.
Two of those places look set to go to Arsenal and Man City, as they go head-to-head for the Premier League title.
The remaining three places look up for grabs, with just six points separating Man United in third and Chelsea in sixth.
Man United moved up to third on Sunday after continuing their resurgence since Michael Carrick took interim charge in January.
The Red Devils are level on points with Aston Villa, who suffered a shock 2-0 defeat by rock bottom Wolves on Friday, with Unai Emery‘s side having dropped out of the title race and are now battling to secure Champions League qualification.
Gary Neville believes Man United will go on to finish third and secure a Champions League spot
Liverpool are three points behind after their 5-2 home win over West Ham, while a 2-1 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates leaves Chelsea in sixth place, a further three points back.
Speaking on his Gary Neville podcast, the former Man United defender and Sky Sports pundit expressed confidence his former side will secure a return to Europe’s elite club competition.
Neville, however, expressed concerns for Aston Villa due to their form dipping in recent weeks with Emery’s side hit by injuries in midfield.
‘I think United will definitely finish third and I can’t believe I am saying that from where we were six weeks ago,’ Neville said.
‘They have got no distractions, they have got something good going, the momentum is with them, all the teams have got difficult games, they have all got a challenge in front of them.
‘I think Liverpool finish fourth and I think Chelsea will finish fifth.
‘I hope Villa finish in the top five, I really do. I have said before their manager is an experienced, wise guy.
‘Their midfield players being injured has cost them a bit in the last few weeks.
Neville believes Aston Villa are looking vulnerable and will battle with Chelsea to finish fifth
‘The only doubt will be Chelsea and Villa, Chelsea or Villa for fifth in my view. United, Liverpool, Chelsea or Villa.
‘Getting injuries like they [Villa] have had in midfield has killed them a little bit. Unai Emery has lost players.
‘Injuries will be a big factor, the other competitions will be a big factor, but at the moment they are in danger, they are vulnerable in terms of the Champions League places.’
Aston Villa have recently been hit by injuries to midfielders Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn and Youri Tielemans.
They also face the challenge of juggling the Premier League and Europa League, with Emery’s side currently favourites to win the latter.
Winning the Europa League would also see Aston Villa earn a Champions League spot, even if they miss out through the league.
Aston Villa’s upcoming fixtures could be crucial in the race for the Champions League.
They host Chelsea on Wednesday in a crunch clash, before the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie against Lille.
Aston Villa then travel to face Man United at Old Trafford on March 15.
