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A few weeks ago, it seemed that the fight for the Premier League Champions League spots was done and dusted. However, the past few results for Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea have revived the race for the top-four. That race will intensify on Wednesday night when Tottenham and Chelsea play their games-in-hand on Liverpool. Here is what is happening with the respective teams in midweek:
Chelsea face relegation-threatened Huddersfield
Chelsea fresh from four league wins in the row host relegation-threatened Huddersfield at Stamford Bridge in a big game for both teams.
Chelsea now trails Tottenham by just two points and Liverpool by a further one in the race to secure qualification for Europe’s elite competition next season.
Antonio Conte’s side may have hit form slightly too late to break back into the top-four after an inconsistent season for the former champions. The Blues will be confident of keeping their fight alive until the last day of the season.
The team from south west London have won their last three competitive games against the visitors while scoring two or more goals in all three wins.
Huddersfield are just three points clear of the drop zone after a run of just one victory in their last eight league matches.
The Terriers poor position has been caused by a lack of goals, as the Terriers have scored just 27 league goals this season, with no team scoring fewer goals in the top-flight this season.
David Wagner’s team have also struggled for wins on their travels this season, recording just three away league wins. Town have also scored just seven goals on their travels in the Premier League, failing to score in 13 of those 17 away games. That poor record in front of goal could continue in this clash, as the Blues have kept clean sheets in their last two outings.
Chelsea look to be massive favourites to win this game. However, as Huddersfield shown in a goalless draw with Manchester City last time out, they can be a tough team to beat.
Tottenham desperate to get back to winning ways
Tottenham’s season has taken a turn for the worst in recent weeks. The team from north London have won just one of their last four matches in the league, suffering a shock 1-0 defeat at struggling West Brom last time out.
Spurs cannot afford another slip-up at home against Newcastle at Wembley, with their spot in the Champions League in major danger. Mauricio Pochettino’s team have been in good form at Wembley in the league, winning eight of their last ten matches in the top-flight. They have also managed to keep clean sheets in five of their last six home outings.
Newcastle’s main aim is now a top-half finish after securing their Premier League status. The Magpies form has taken a slight downturn since reaching safety, as they have suffered three consecutive defeats in the league. The side from the north east already look like they are on their summer holidays.
A Tottenham win should be enough for the side from north London to secure their top-four spot, although the race would still go down to the last day of the season.
Which two teams will join Manchester City and Manchester United in the Champions League next season?
