Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Marc Cucurella wipes away tears as Chelsea star and Wag Claudia Rodriguez reveal emotional strain of son Mateo’s autism

      by

      MARC CUCURELLA wiped away tears as he revealed the emotional strain of his son’s autism.Cucurella and partner Claudia Rodriguez opened up in series two of Amazon Prime’s Married To The Game.Marc Cucurella broke down in tears discussing his son’s autismCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportCucurella and partner Claudia Rodriguez spoke on Married To The GameCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportThe Chelsea left-back, 26, has three children with his long-term girlfriend – Mateo, Rio and Claudia. Mateo was diagnosed with autism soon after Cucurella completed his £65million transfer from Brighton to Stamford Bridge in 2022. Now the Spanish couple have bravely shared how their son’s neurodevelopmental condition impacts family life. Autism – especially in children – can make it difficult to process emotions and deal with changes, often prompting inconsolable tears.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe spectrum of symptoms also includes being over- or under-sensitive to senses, having repetitive behaviours or struggling socially. Rodriguez said: “We saw that some things were different from the other kids. “We didn’t find too much help from the school and we had our worst months.”Every day we went together to drop Mateo off – I was pregnant with Rio as well – and we went back home every day crying.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs she said that, Cucurella broke down in tears.Cucurella said: “Okay, your kid is autistic, but the parents are not ready with this so we need to learn a lot. ‘I played five minutes and it was my fault’ – Chelsea star opens up on horror season after big money transfer What is autism?Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an incurable, lifelong developmental condition that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others.It affects around one in 100 people in the UK and is three to four times more common in boys than in girls.Many people with ASD find it hard to understand other people’s feelings and emotions, and they may have difficulty holding conversations.When they are young, their language development may take longer and they can struggle to use facial expressions, using gestures to communicate instead.They may also find it hard to connect with other people and to hold eye contact with unfamiliar individuals.Many children with ASD like to follow a routine, and changes to this can cause distress.High functioning autism is an informal term some people use to describe those on the autism spectrum disorder.”When we speak about Mateo we always…” before choking up and added: “Ask Claudia now, I will come back soon.”Rodriguez encouraged her boyfriend as “really sensitive” about the whole situation. Speaking on holiday, Rodriguez explained: “It’s a lot of changes in the same week.”It’s difficult to be in other places, on another timetable, eating other food, on other plans with no school and no therapy. It’s hard for him.”You have to think about Mateo all the time. Sometimes you want to do some things but we can’t because it’s not good for Mateo.”Holidays is always difficult.”Key characteristics of autismThese are some features of autism that many people with it experience. Autism is a spectrum, so everyone shows symptoms differently.Sensitive to sensesAutistic people can be much more or less sensitive than non-autistic people to the five main senses (sight, sound, touch, taste and smell).This also extends to senses for balance, movement, spatial awareness and awareness of internal states, such as hunger and temperature.Social differencesPeople with autism may find social interactions harder because they have difficulty; interpratiting social cues; facial expressions; maintaining eye contact; recognising sarcasm.They may find tehy prefer to spend time alone because social interactions can be confusing. Autism can be verbal (someone who uses communication) or non-verbal (they use other means to communicate). People can flit between the two.Repetitive behaviours‘Restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests’ is often listed as a trait of autism, but the National Autistic Society says many people with the condition actually find these behaviours as positive and helpful.It is also sometimes referred to as stimming or self-regulatory behaviour.Examples include having a strong passion or interest in a hobby, repeated behaviours like hair twirling or rocking, and preference for routine or rules to be followed. Emotional dysregulationPeople with autism may struggle to manage feelings such as frustration, anxiety, or sadness, which could lead to a ‘meltdown’ (extreme or intense outburst of emotions) or ‘shutdown’ (withdrawal).Source: National Autistic SocietyThe emotional video ends with Rodriguez consoling and hugging Cururella as he continues to cry while holding her hand. The video – shared by Amazon Prime Video Sport – prompted a wave of classy replies from fans.One said: “This was so beautiful to watch, Cucurella and his partner Claudia are great parents.”Another wrote: “Cucu is a strong man!”A third added: “Mad respect man, love him even more now.”A fourth typed: “Respect. You’re a truly extraordinary father. You’ re doing great.”And a final user commented: “I hope football fans are more empathetic to footballers going forward when they have a bad form. They are human beings too and they could be going through personal challenges at home.”Read More on The SunCucurella has enjoyed a superb season under Enzo Maresca for Chelsea.After helping Spain win Euro 2024, he has proven himself to be a brilliant inverted full-back – chipping in with six goals and four assists. Mateo can struggle with changes which makes holidays trickyCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportThe couple have three children togetherCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportClaudia comforted Cucurella as the emotions poured outCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosport More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal should refuse to give Liverpool a ‘guard of honour’ – it’s a humiliating load of old b*****ks

      by

      CHELSEA will give Liverpool a ‘guard of honour’ before tomorrow’s Premier League match at Stamford Bridge.And next weekend, presumably, Arsenal will do the same.Chelsea give Manchester City a guard of honour in the 2022/23 seasonCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunLiverpool stars celebrate after winning the Premier League title following victory against TottenhamCredit: GettyBut like so many other things in modern football, it’s something I will never understand. Frankly, I think it’s a load of old b*****ks.It’s not so much a mark of respect as a humiliation for the team lining up to give the champions a little clap. It is as if Chelsea and Arsenal and everyone who plays the champs for the rest of the season, is saying, ‘Well done, we’re perfectly happy you beat us’.When my Watford team lost an FA Cup final to Manchester City, we had to stand and clap while they got their medals.But that’s after the match, that’s fair enough.I was never in a position where I was expected to be part of a ‘guard of honour’. During my top-flight days, Watford never played against a team who had already been confirmed as champions.But if I had been in that situation, I’d have refused point blank.That’s what Arsenal, Liverpool’s nearest challengers this season, should do next Sunday.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat would really set down a marker for next season. No more Mr Nice Guys.I’VE got quite a lot in common with Jamie Vardy.We both came up from non-league football, through the Football League and into the top flight.Inside raucous Liverpool dressing room as Trent Alexander-Arnold leads celebrations and Darwin Nunez smokes a cigarWe both wore ankle tags while playing football after criminal convictions in our youth.We both became long-serving club stalwarts, him at Leicester and me at Watford.I’m pretty proud of what I achieved in the game, but Vardy . . . he’s something else.This bloke is Roy of the Rovers. He is football’s greatest underdog story.Jamie Vardy kisses the Premier League trophy after Leicester’s incredible 2015/16 triumphCredit: APHe won the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Golden Boot, he’s played for England and — unlike me — he got to leave his club on his own terms after 13 years of sterling service.Vardy is 38, 18 months older than me and approximately 18st lighter!But after announcing that he’s leaving Leicester, he can still do a serious job for someone in the Premier League next term.Wolves are keen on him and I could see that happening. But, for me, Everton would be a great fit.David Moyes will be bringing in a dozen or more players this summer for the Merseyside club’s new era in their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.And I’m sure he would love to have the option of Vardy. With his pace, he will always be dangerous coming off the bench against a tiring defence and he could still start in some matches.Vardy is unconventional, a maverick. Right down to his fitness regime and diet – which has often included vodka, Skittles and the tobacco product, snus.What I like most about Vardy is that he hasn’t tried to change one bit as a player or a bloke.Some players might win the Premier League and try to reinvent themselves, thinking they’re a real all-round footballer. But Vardy sticks to what he has always done best.He doesn’t drop back and try to dictate games, he just continues to dart in behind defences and score goals. Even this season, he’s scored eight times in a Leicester team that couldn’t open a front door, let alone a defence.Scoring goals in a terrible team which creates very few chances is a seriously tough gig, but Vardy has managed it.I get the Wrexham link — the Hollywood club meets the Hollywood footballer.Ryan Reynolds and Co have brought in a lot of veteran players on their journey up from the National League to the Championship, so you can see why Vardy would fit in there.But he would be a great option for many Premier League clubs and he could break Teddy Sheringham’s record as the oldest outfield player in the competition.Teddy was playing for West Ham in the top flight not long before his 41st birthday.Jamie Vardy is leaving Leicester at the end of the seasonCredit: PALeicester play Southampton today as two of the worst teams the English top-flight has ever known.It’s sad what has happened to Leicester in recent years because what they achieved in winning the title in 2016 was probably the greatest story English football has ever known.That was our first season in the top flight after winning promotion with Watford and at the start of the campaign, we’d have considered them to be one of our rivals for relegation.But like everybody else, we couldn’t have been more wrong.What a team that was. The quality of Vardy and Riyad Mahrez in attack, the midfield duo of N’Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater was one of the best I ever played against.During that season, Vardy broke Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Premier League record by scoring in 11 consecutive games.Honestly, when you understand what an achievement it is to score in back-to-back Premier League games, your mind boggles at the idea of 11 in a row.And people often forget Vardy’s strike partner, Shinji Okazaki. What a work-rate he had. He would come off the pitch like a race horse, literally with steam coming off him!Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester played a 4-4-2 and their back four were old-fashioned defenders — head it, kick it, keep it out. And I mean that with the utmost respect.One of them, the captain Wes Morgan, I knew pretty well. And after Leicester beat us that season he told me ‘mate, we are seriously good, a really special group of players’.He said that they genuinely all got on brilliantly, they chose to socialise with each other all the time. And, believe me, that is really unusual, particularly at a Premier League club — or at any workplace, really.And when Leicester were confirmed as champions, as Spurs failed to beat Chelsea in a war of a game on a Monday night, who was hosting the players’ house party to celebrate? Vardy, of course.The last two home games of this miserable Leicester season will now be celebrations of Vardy’s career as they say farewell to a legend.And rightly so, because he is a player who should inspire EVERYONE in the non-league and lower leagues.Jamie Vardy is the miracle man. More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City 1 Wolves 0: Kevin De Bruyne follows in Lionel Messi’s footsteps with vital goal for City’s top-five race

      by

      LET’S be honest, no-one ever seriously expected he would go quietly, did they?After all, when you’ve been a big noise at the Etihad for a decade, it’s not going to be a hush hush farewell come the final curtain call.Kevin De Bruyne scored as Man City beat Wolves 1-0Credit: ReutersErling Haaland was all smiles as City moved third in the tableCredit: RexBecause for all Kevin De Bruyne has never sparked headlines with off-field rants or blasts, he has made many on-field ones with flashes of genius for Man City.Like Friday night, for example, where he joined Lionel Messi as the only player to reach 250 goal involvements under Pep Guardiola.And so an evening which began with fans stunned by Pep’s admission he may quit when his contract is up here, ended with all eyes on a man who is definitely about to.Not by choice, admittedly. De Bruyne’s decade as an Etihad darling is coming to a close because his manager opted not to offer him a new deal when this one expires.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the sad fact increasingly dawning on the fans who idolise the Belgian so much he will surely be the next with a statue, is that the sands of time are trickling away.And De Bruyne, playing his penultimate match at the stadium he’s called home since 2015, is certainly living up to the old adage of going out leaving ‘em wanting more.A couple of weeks ago it was by scoring one and creating three others in a five-star, five-goal win over FA Cup final opponents Crystal Palace.Against Wolves it was with the deliberate, side footed – although admittedly slightly scuffed – opener that broke the stalemate in a turgid game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe headline act in a down-the-bill display from Guardiola’s fallen champions, who somehow got through another of the finals they must win to seal a top five finish.To be fair, there was precious little sign of them doing so until De Bruyne pounced, ten minutes before the break, as City huffed and puffed their way to, well nowhere really.Ruben Dias and Maya Jama’s romantic debut at Baller League matchThe fans who stayed away for the first six minutes, in protest at the number of years it has been since an increase in available season tickets, missed nothing.Not in terms of edge-of-the-seat raids from the champions of the last four years, yet now not even sure of a Champions League-placed finish.Indeed, the first serious one should have put Wolves ahead, when Jean-Ricner Bellegarde beat the offside trap a yard inside the City half.He could have shot but took the safer option of squaring for Marshall Munetsi to tap into an empty net.Well it should have been the safer option, at least. But Bellegarde over-hit the delivery, a stretching Munetsi wouldn’t have reached it with extendable legs and the chance was gone.De Bruyne showed his class with a strike 10 minutes before half-timeCredit: GettyThe Belgian is leaving this summer but showed he is still an important playerCredit: GettyA slap in the face which stung City into action? Well it was the spark for an even closer call…but once again created by those in old gold, not sky blue.Matheus Cunha may well be plying his trade in Manchester on a regular basis next term, if United push the boat out and make him the marquee summer striker they crave.But he gave a glimpse of what the can expected with an angled burst into the box that ended with the ball falling kindly for Rayan Ait-Nouri.The Algerian’s first effort came back off the foot of the post, but his second from the rebound was heading in until Josko Gvardiol hacked it away.Finally, finally, stumbling City kicked into top gear, Nico O’Reilly stinging Jose Sa’s fingertips with a rising drive.De Bruyne joined Lionel Messi as the only players to reach 250 goal involvements for Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyCity are now looking on course to play in Europe’s top flight next termCredit: ReutersAnd then, 35 minutes in, came the moment they all wanted…from the goalscorer they all prayed it would be.Jeremy Doku’s quickstep blast took him to the byline, before deliberately pulling it back for the ginger genius.De Bruyne has hit plenty of crisper strikes over his decade as an Etihad darling, but this one still found the net despite bouncing first. Almost a bump-ball goal, you could say.Still, they all count and after a first half that was hardly blow-your-socks off impressive, City were quite happy to take it.Not that it ever looked like opening floodgates, or anything remotely close. There were still too many close calls for that.Erling Haaland was back on the bench after his injury layoffCredit: RexWolves were left flat after missing several good chancesCredit: AlamyNone more than Cunha’s out-of-the-blue snapshot that rattled an uprightUltimately, though, City hung on as their fans showed Guardiola what they thought of him by belting out his name louder and longer than ever in the closing stages.Read More on The SunMind you, nothing like the ear-splitting ovation they gave to De Bruyne when he took his bow five minutes from the end.With good reason, too. They didn’t need telling who had got them out of the you-know-what yet again. More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘asked to buy back former left-back in order for Real Madrid to complete bizarre transfer’

      by

      REAL MADRID are trying to work out a bizarre arrangement with Manchester United in their bid to sign Benfica ace Alvaro Carreras this summer.Carreras, 22, moved to the Lisbon giants from United in 2024 as he and has attracted interest from Real during his counts a total of 63 appearances at Da Luz.Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Benfica ace Alvaro CarrerasReal are looking to work with Manchester United in their bid to sign CarrerasAccording to AS, Los Blancos are so keen they’re using his old club as a “bridge” in their bid to sign the £51millon-rated left-back.The Red Devils agreed to sell the Spain Under-21 international to the Portuguese outfit for a mere £5.1m.However, the Manchester giants included a buy-back clause worth £15.3m.Real are planning to work with United in a way that would see the Premier League giants activating Carreras’ relatively low asking price, which is exclusive to the Premier League giants.Read More on Man Utd Then the reigning Spanish and European champions would buy the Spaniard straight from Man Utd at a lower price than Benfica’s release clause.Madrid rate the full-back at around £27m – a sum that would also help Ruben Amorim’s side raise funds for a busy summer transfer market.Amorim is planning a major squad revamp in order to bring players in who can operate in his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation next season.If Carreras moves to the Santiago Bernabeu then that would signal a return to his old stomping ground from when he was a youth.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe defender spent three years at Real Castilla until his departure in 2020 at the age of 17 to Old Trafford.Carreras never broke into the first team and was instead loaned out to Preston North End, Granada and of course Benfica before they completed a permanent move. ‘Do you know the rules-‘ – Bruno Fernandes gives blunt Spanish interview after red card controversy in Man Utd clashHe has shone bright this season for Bruno Lage’s side with four goals and five assists in 47 appearances across all competitions. More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Antony ‘could make shock transfer to Champions League giants as Man Utd receive enquiry after stunning Real Betis loan’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED flop Antony is attracting interest from a major LaLiga club amid his stunning loan stint at Real Betis.The winger joined United in 2022 following a whopping £86million deal with Ajax but never lived up to expectations as he only managed a mere total of 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances.Manchester United flop Antony is being eyed by Atletico MadridAntony has turned his fortunes around while on loan at Real BetisMan Utd will demand a fee in the region of €40-50million (£34-43m) for AntonyThat led Man Utd shipping the struggling 25-year-old out on loan as he fell out of favour in November once manager Ruben Amorim replaced the man that brought him to Old Trafford Erik ten Hag.The Brazil international has turned into a man reborn since moving to Betis as he has already amassed six goals and four assists in 19 appearances across all competitions.Many even claim that Antony has regained his glittering prowess from his time at Ajax, which led to his big-money move to Manchester.And the Brazilian’s resurgence has turned a lot of heads among football’s elite.Read More on Man UtdAccording to El Chiringuito, Atletico Madrid are among those clubs keeping tabs on the forward ahead of the summer transfer window.Atletico are so keen that they have even made an enquiry for Antony, who would get a major second chance at top level as Diego Simeone’s side are set to play in next season’s Champions League.However, it won’t be easy to price the ex-Sao Paulo star away despite Amorim reportedly having very little interest in keeping him as he prepares a major squad revamp.That is because the same source claims the Red Devils will demand a fee in the region of €40-50million (£34-43m) for Antony.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis comes amid reports of Man Utd wanting to move on at least 10 players this summer as part of a huge rebuild.Firstly, the four all-but definite exits come in the form of Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof.United also want to permanently sell on-loan stars Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and of course Antony to reinvest in a new goalscorer.Casemiro will also be put up for sale as the Manchester giants look to raise funds for new signings.Meanwhile, SunSport exclusively reported that the club are looking to sell goalkeeper Andre Onana to the Saudi Pro League.And the future of Onana’s No2 Altay Bayindir is also up in the air as the Turkish stopper could seek more football in order to improve his chances of playing at the 2026 World Cup. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Liverpool star, 35, you may not know was still playing announces retirement hours before final match

      by

      FORMER Premier League star Joe Allen has announced his retirement from football.The 35-year-old midfielder will hang up his boots after Swansea’s final game of the season against Oxford tomorrow.Joe Allen has announced his retirement from footballCredit: GettyThe Welshman spent four seasons at LiverpoolCredit: PA:Press AssociationOn his decision to call it a day, Allen said: “This is incredibly difficult. This is not something I’ve taken lightly, I’ve spent a lot of time pondering it. “The timing’s right. I made the decision, got to 100 per cent about a month ago. “I wasn’t sure how the last few weeks would go, how I’d find things, but it’s actually been a good spell really. I’ve enjoyed it.”I’ve had a chance to reflect and take it all in. I’m really looking forward to what’s going to be my last game on Saturday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m very proud. I didn’t think I’d be sat here playing as many games as I have for clubs I have done at that level and for Wales as well.”I’ve been incredibly fortunate and as I’ve reflected over the last few weeks I’m very grateful and thankful to everyone who has has helped me on my way to have these amazing experiences.”Allen, who came through the academy at Swansea, has featured in 24 Championship games for them this season.In total, he will finish having played 221 games for the club.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAllen left Swansea for Liverpool in 2012 for £15million as he followed manager Brendan Rodgers to Anfield.He featured 132 times for the Reds across four seasons before leaving for Stoke in 2016.Inside raucous Liverpool dressing room as Trent Alexander-Arnold leads celebrations and Darwin Nunez smokes a cigarThe 77-time capped international was also a key member of the Wales squad that made the semi-final of Euro 2016.Allen made the team of the tournament and he is a former winner of the Welsh player of the year award.His decision to quit football is a major blow for Wales boss Craig Bellamy, who convinced him out of international retirement just last year after he initially said his time with the Dragons was after the 2022 World Cup.Yet it is one midfield maestro for another at Swansea as Real Madrid legend Luka Modric has purchased a minority stake in the club.Joe Allen says he is 100 per cent sure he has made the right decisionCredit: @SwansOfficial More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Crystal Palace ready to let Guehi AND Eze leave to fund £130m transfer rebuild as Man Utd, Chelsea and Newcastle circle

      by

      CRYSTAL PALACE boss Oliver Glasner has given his blessing to the sales of both Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze this summer to fund an overhaul of the squad.Guehi is certain to leave as he has just 12 months left on his contract with former club Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle ready to bid.Marc Guehi is set to leave Palace this summerCredit: AlamyEberechi Eze’s release clause can be activatedCredit: RexOliver Glasner wants to splash the cash on six new signingsCredit: GettyEze could also depart Selhurst Park as he has two years remaining on his contract.A £60million release clause can be activated by rival clubs at the end of the season.Glasner is understood to be relaxed about both potential sales as he is planning significant changes at the FA Cup finalists.The Austrian has asked the club for up to six new players this summer, as he wants to make Palace even more physically dominant, and is ready to sacrifice Eze if necessary.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Palace have delighted fans by reaching the FA Cup final against Man City at Wembley this month, Glasner has been disappointed at times by his side’s inconsistency.The 50-year-old wants players who are prepared to work harder off the ball, with Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham expected to be a target if the Championship club are not promoted.Newcastle bid £70m for Guehi last summer, but Palace were able to resist as they sold Joachim Andersen to Fulham for £30m instead.With no progress in contract talks however, Palace are resigned to selling the 24-year-old this summer with Newcastle planning to bid again.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTottenham failed with a late bid for Guehi during the January transfer window.But with Newcastle on course to qualify for the Champions League, St. James’ Park is likely to prove a more attractive destination.Diehard Crystal Palace fan with arm in sling goes viral after using his HEAD to clap FA Cup heroes at WembleySpurs have also been tracking Eze for some time but will face competition from Manchester United, with the 26-year-old’s release clause making him very attainable. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Race for Champions League takes new twist as supercomputer predicts who’ll land £16m pay-day with run-ins compared

      by

      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted who will qualify for the Champions League.Liverpool and Arsenal have already booked their spots in the next season’s competition but the other three places are up for grabs.Newcastle look set to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersManchester City have a 95 per cent chance of making itCredit: GettyNottingham Forest and Chelsea are set to battle for fifthCredit: GettyStrong performances in Europe from English sides this term have earned them a bonus place in the Champions League – with the top five going in instead of just four.We have just a few more weeks of the the season to go and a Sky Sports supercomputer has rated each club’s chances of qualifying.Newcastle lead the race on 62 points and have an 84 per cent chance of finishing in the top five.The Toon are in stunning form, having won seven of their last eight games in all competitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut they have a tricky run-in with Brighton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton to play.For that reason, Manchester City are more likely to get into the Champions League as the number crunchers rate their chance at 95 per cent chance.They sit just one point behind Newcastle, but Pep Guardiola’s side are the favourites to win all their remaining games against Wolves, Southampton, Bournemouth and Fulham.Chelsea and Nottingham Forest look set to battle it out for fifth place after the latter’s shock 2-0 defeat to Brentford last night.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAston Villa are in contention, but they have just 13 per cent hope.Enzo Maresca and Nuno Espirito Santo’s teams both have 60 points currently and it could all come down to a thrilling final day encounter as Forest head to Stamford Bridge.How the genius tactical play from Nottingham Forest is placing them firmly at the top of the leagueDespite Chelsea’s better goal difference, the supercomputer reckons Forest have the edge with 59 per cent chance compared to the Blues’ 49 per cent.Whoever misses out and finishes in sixth will have to settle for a spot in the Europa League.It is currently unclear if seventh will be a Europa or Conference League place as Crystal Palace have made the FA Cup final.If the Eagles beat City at Wembley, they will take one of the two Europa League spots from the Premier League table.And there could be six English clubs in next season’s Champions League as a Tottenham vs Manchester United Europa League final is likely after both secured leads in their semi-final first leg ties.Nottingham Forest are in danger of falling out the top fiveCredit: PA More