Manchester United will be aiming to move one step closer towards wrapping up a top-four finish when they travel to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
Following back-to-back away defeats by Brighton and West Ham, United got themselves back on track with a routine 2-0 win over Wolves at Old Trafford last weekend. That initially moved them four points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool, only for the Merseysiders to reduce the gap back down to one with a 3-0 win at Leicester City on Monday night.
United have a game in hand on the Anfield outfit, though, meaning they have three games left compared to Liverpool's two.
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Directly above United, Newcastle United took another giant stride towards securing Champions League qualification for next season with a thumping 4-1 win over Brighton on Thursday night. That means they are now three points clear of United in third with two games left to play and need just three more points to be guaranteed a top four berth.
With the finish line now within touching distance for everyone involved, MEN Sport has taken a close look at United's remaining fixtures in comparison to those of their immediate rivals.
Manchester United - 4th (66pts)
- Bournemouth (A) - May 20
- Chelsea (H) - May 25
- Fulham (H) - May 28
Verdict: Despite Liverpool's impressive form in recent weeks, United's destiny remains in their own hands. They know that they require just six more points to be guaranteed a top four spot and Champions League qualification.
Though their away form has come under constant scrutiny this season, their home form has been almost faultless, meaning back-to-back home games against Chelsea and Fulham represents a good opportunity to get themselves over the line. Nevertheless, they also know that a win at Bournemouth and a defeat for Liverpool at home to Aston Villa this weekend would seal the deal.
Newcastle United - 3rd (69pts)
- Leicester City (H) - May 22
- Chelsea (A) - May 28
Liverpool - 5th (65pts)
- Aston Villa (H) - May 20
- Southampton (A) - May 28
Brighton & Hove Albion - 6th (58pts)
- Southampton (H) - May 21
- Manchester City (H) - May 24
- Aston Villa (A) - May 28
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