Premier League Top Four Race: Standings and Next Five Games After Matchweek 31

Aston Villa picked up a crucial win this weekend over Nottingham Forest in the top four race. | IMAGO/Sportimage

For most teams, there's just seven games remaining in the Premier League campaign. The title looks to be returning to Anfield, but the race for the Champions League placings is heating up.

Nottingham Forest and Manchester City are favorites for Champions League qualification. Chasing them are Newcastle United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brighton. Fulham got a big win over Liverpool this week while Bournemouth might be falling out of the race. It certainly looks like the race will come down to the final days of the season given how tight the points are between fourth place Chelsea and Brighton down in ninth.

Here's a look at the next five fixtures for the teams battling for top four in England's top flight league after matchweek 31.

Premier League Standings

Here's the next five league games for the teams in the Premier League top four race.

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Nottingham Forest's Next Five Premier League Fixtures

Forest missed an opportunity this week to put some space between them and the trailing pack after losing to Aston Villa. They'll look to bounce back against an Everton side that played both Liverpool and Arsenal close recently.

Manchester City's Next Five Premier League Fixtures

A draw to Manchester United in the derby prevented Pep Guardiola's team from ending the week in the top four. They look to bounce back against Crystal Palace back at home next weekend.

Newcastle United's Next Five Premier League Fixtures

Newcastle United close out matchweek 31 on Monday against Leicester City. The Magpies are favored to defeat the Foxes.

Chelsea's Next Five Premier League Fixtures

Chelsea's draw to Brentford could prove costly in the Blues' push for a Champions League spot. Enzo Maresca must string together a result of wins even with difficult competition in their next five games.