Liverpool mercilessly hunt down Newcastle and Manchester United as battle for top four comes down to three

The race for a place in the Premier League’s top four is well and truly on as we head into the final stages of the season.

We are now into the final weeks of a thrilling 2022/23 Premier League campaign, and three teams are battling for two spots in the Champions League.

Newcastle, Manchester United and Liverpool are the sides in question, with Tottenham now out of it and Brighton’s hopes very slim.

Here talkSPORT.com has a look at the top-four battle as we race towards the end of the season.

Newcastle – 3rd

Newcastle have been extremely difficult to beat all season and have the Premier League’s joint-best defensive record, having only conceded 31 goals from their 35 games.

The Magpies have bought well and Eddie Howe has transformed Joelinton, Miguel Almiron, Sean Longstaff and many others, and they have guaranteed a top-six finish this year, with Spurs unable to catch them.

In the race for the Champions League, the Toon are one point clear of Liverpool, with a game in hand and three matches to play.

However, defeat to Arsenal at St. James’ Park and a 2-2 draw with Leeds has put pressure on the Toon’s remaining fixtures.

But Howe’s side have been extremely consistent all year and need six more points to guarantee a spot in the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.

Predicted finish – 4th

Manchester United – 4th

After a difficult start to life under Erik ten Hag, Manchester United have climbed the table and are in a great position to get back into the Champions League.

However, given they are now only one point clear of Liverpool after a wobble, their spot in the top four is far from secure.

Back-to-back 1-0 defeats to Brighton and West Ham have let Liverpool back into the race and things will be getting nervy in the Red Devils camp.

But an unconvincing 2-0 win over Wolves has set United up for a good end to the season.

Six more points from the last three games would see the Red Devils hold off Liverpool and seal a place in the top four.

Predicted finish – 3rd

Liverpool – 5th

It has been a season to forget for Liverpool in many ways, as they have fallen well short of last year.

The Reds have been inconsistent throughout; however, they have been in superb form as the campaign comes to a close and have given themselves a brilliant chance at a top-four spot.

Liverpool are out of all cup competitions, which has allowed them to just focus on the league and it is clearly paying off as they have won seven games in a row during their charge.

This winning run would likely have to continue all the way until the end of the season if they want to finish in the top four, and it may well do with fixtures on their side.

But it could be too late for the Reds, who will need Man United or Newcastle to slip up to earn Champions League football again.

Predicted finish – 5th