UEFA Champions League: the struggle in England
The English Premier League produces four of the 32 teams that play in the UEFA Champions League every season. For the next one, the places of Manchester City and Arsenal are guaranteed. They have qualified for the first two slots.
But the competition among Newcastle United, Manchester United and Liverpool has given more intrigues to the league which is in its 36th week. One of the three will not make it to the next UEFA Champions League as a matter of fact.
Both Newcastle United and Man United are on the same 66 points with goal difference. Liverpool sits on number 5 with its expected game against relegating side, Leicester City on Monday.
The Red Devils were knocked out this season by the king of the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid in the round of 16. The hope of getting an automatic ticket was dashed at that time. So, the last shred of hope is to make the top 4. Since then, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have be become resurgent.
They swiftly moved from the 8th position past Brighton and inconsistent Tottenham Hotspur. Both Newcastle United and Man United have been trailing each other at least for up to four months now. They have swapped places.
Newcastle United still have some tough games at hand. Likewise, Manchester United play against middle table occupant, Chelsea, which isn’t going to play in the continent next season. The match can determine Manchester United’s chances of playing the UEFA Champions League.
Newcastle United under a new ownership have become a serious threat to the traditional big teams (Man United and City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham). The magpies are determined to participate in the UEFA Champions League next season. That will be their biggest ‘trophy’ this season.
The new owners reinforced the squad with Isiak from Real Sociedad, Joelington, Gordon from Everton. Coach Smith Howe doesn’t have any excuse.
Manchester United under coach Eric Ten Hag have won the Carabao Cup and are in the final of the English FA Cup. The two aren’t enough. They can’t settle for the UEFA Europa league with all what they have done this season. Ten Hag needs to return the team to the elite continental competition.
Jurgen Klopp has had more new legs in his squad. He brought in Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo among others this season. The least he can do for the club is to lead them to the UEFA Champions League next season.
It will be a serious battle as the season is drawing nearer the end.
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