Premier League top four run-in: Remaining fixtures, key clashes and predicted finishes for contenders including Newcastle, Manchester United and Liverpool

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 May, meaning the conclusion of the 2022/23 campaign will soon be upon us.

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With Arsenal and Manchester City running away at the top of the table, there are a handful of teams in contention for the last two spots in the top four.

Newcastle, Manchester United and Liverpool are the main contenders but Brighton and Tottenham still have a chance with twists and turns expected in the final few games.

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

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Newcastle - 3rd

Newcastle have been extremely difficult to beat all season and have the Premier League's best defensive record, having only conceded 29 goals from their 34 games.

The Magpies have bought well and Eddie Howe has transformed Joelinton, Miguel Almiron, Sean Longstaff and many others, so they will feel confident about securing European football next year.

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

However, defeat to Arsenal at St. James' Park last time out has added some worry to their chances of securing a top four spot.

But Howe's side are expected to bounce back and if they win three of their final matches of the season, the Magpies will guarantee themselves a Champions League place.

Predicted finish - 3rd

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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 they do have a game in hand, with a win in that game against Chelsea later this month potentially securing their top-four place.

It would take wins against Wolves and Bournemouth before that clash though, and despite their recent poor results, you would back ten Hag's side to come out on top in both.

Predicted finish - 4th

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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 season 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 six 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 prove to be too late for the Reds who will need Man United to fail to bounce back from their recent defeats if they are to secure a place in the Champions League.

Predicted finish - 5th

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Tottenham - 6th

Tottenham headed into this season as potential title challengers under Antonio Conte and were unbeaten in their first seven league games.

But following a shocking run of results, Spurs parted ways with Conte after he tore into the players during a huge outburst.

Cristian Stellini was handed the reigns until the end of the year, but he was dismissed after an embarrassing 6-1 thrashing by Newcastle.

Ryan Mason has replaced the Italian and has collected one win, one draw and one defeat so far.

Hopes of a top four finish are now very slim with a six point gap to Man United with only three games left to play.

They have also played two more games than Brighton who are only two points behind and they are likely to drop out of the top six if Seagulls take advantage.

Predicted finish - 7th

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Brighton - 7th

Whatever happens from this point, it's been an incredible season for Brighton as they close in on a European place for the first time.

Roberto De Zerbi has the Seagulls playing some gorgeous football and they have been the stars of the campaign.

The Champions League dream has slipped away, but a European finish is definitely still on with two games in hand on Tottenham and Liverpool.

Although in the run-in, Brighton travel to Newcastle and Arsenal, while Man City head to the Amex which is a tough set of fixtures.

And after a heavy home defeat to Everton, doubts have risen over whether they can see their positive season out.

But after a fairytale campaign so far, De Zerbi's side can't be written off and their games in hand put them in a superb position to overtake Spurs, claiming a top six finish.

Predicted finish - 6th

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