What Man Utd, Liverpool & Newcastle need for top-four finish, plus remaining fixtures

We take a look at the run-ins for all three Champions League-chasing sides.
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The penultimate round of Premier League fixtures could prove crucial in deciding whether Manchester United, Liverpool or Newcastle United can secure a top-four finish.

The Magpies took a step closer to making that dream a reality on Thursday as they recorded a superb 4-1 win over European-chasing Brighton & Hove Albion. It means Newcastle and Liverpool have played 36 matches this season, with United on 35 games.

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The Red Devils head to Bournemouth on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off, and Erik ten Hag will be hoping his side can put an end to their underwhelming away form. United have won just one of the last six on the road in the top flight and have a mixed record at the Vitality in the Premier League, with three wins and two defeats from five previous visits.

As for Liverpool, they host Aston Villa, who need three points for their aspirations of playing in Europe next season. But that will be a tough assignment given the Merseyside club are in terrific form and have won their last seven games in a row.

Newcastle finish off this weekend’s action when they host Leicester City on Monday night in a game that has huge implications at both ends of the table. In fact, the Foxes’ relegation could be confirmed before the clash at St James’ Park.

Ahead of the weekend games, we look at what all three top-four chasing sides need in the race for the Champions League.

What do Man Utd need?

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The Red Devils only have to win two of their remaining matches in order to secure a Champions League finish. Ten Hag’s men play Bournemouth on Saturday before hosting Chelsea in midweek and then Fulham next Sunday. Crucially for United, the final three matches come against mid-table sides who don’t have much riding on their last games of the campaign.

What do Newcastle need?

Just three more points are needed for Eddie Howe’s men to qualify for the Champions League, in what has been a remarkable season for the North-East club. After playing Leicester on Monday, Newcastle end the campaign with a trip to Chelsea next weekend.

What do Liverpool need?

The Reds need United and Newcastle to slip up in the final two matches and, most probably, win their games against Villa and already-relegated Southampton. That would leave Liverpool on 71 points, meaning Newcastle would need three more points and United would require another six points.

Remaining fixtures

United- Bournemouth (A), Chelsea (H), Fulham (H)

Newcastle- Leicester (H), Chelsea (A)

Liverpool- Villa (H), Southampton (A)