Where Man City, Aston Villa & Newcastle United will finish in final Premier League table after latest twists - according to Opta
Manchester City failed to make the most of their trip to already-relegated Southampton over the weekend
Manchester City were held to a shock draw at already-relegated Southampton on Saturday afternoon but their top-five hopes remain in their own hands.
The Saints moved themselves onto 12 points to avoid having the worst points record in Premier League history, with Derby County retaining the unwanted title following an 11-point season in the 2006-07 campaign.
City had been widely expected to collect an easy three points at St Mary’s but could not find a way past Aaron Ramsdale. Pep Guardiola’s side had 72 per cent possession and 26 shots, although just five of those hit the target. Southampton managed just two shots all game, neither of which hit the target.
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City were the first of the sides between third and seventh to play at the weekend. Aston Villa moved to within two points of Guardiola’s men with a narrow 1-0 win at Bournemouth on Saturday evening.
On Sunday, Newcastle United moved above City into third as they beat Chelsea 2-0 at St James’ Park. Nicolas Jackson was sent off for the Blues in that game and will miss the rest of the season, including Friday’s clash with Manchester United.
Nottingham Forest were also tormented by an already-relegated side as Leicester City drew 2-2 with the City Ground outfit. The Foxes scored in the 81st minute to leave Forest in seventh. City are fourth with two games remaining in the campaign, two points above Villa in sixth. They are also two points above fifth-placed Chelsea.
City have the FA Cup final with Crystal Palace to focus on this weekend before returning their attention back to the Premier League. They host Bournemouth in their final home game of the season before heading to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham on the final day.
Opta predicted final Premier League table for Man City, Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest
Opta has predicted that City will go on to finish in the top five with around 69 points, which would be one win and one draw from their final two games. Chelsea and Villa can only get a maximum of 69 points and City’s goal difference is much better.
Their chances of finishing in the top five are therefore rated at 92.91 per cent. Newcastle are tipped for third with City in fourth and Chelsea in fifth. Aston Villa and Forest are forecast for sixth and seventh, respectively.
Brentford, Brighton and Bournemouth complete the top 10. The title and relegation places are already decided. Meanwhile, Manchester United are tipped to just finish above Tottenham Hotspur and avoided being branded the worst of the sides who survived. The Red Devils lost 2-0 at home to West Ham United on Sunday.