Gary Neville has urged Manchester United to put all their eggs into the FA Cup basket as Chelsea ensured that the race for the top six will be contested by three teams heading into the final weeks of the season. With Newcastle currently occupying the last Europa League spot, it's all to play for.
Eddie Howe's side made it four wins from their last five games after a scintillating first half against Burnley on Saturday, moving themselves to just four points behind Tottenham. Erik ten Hag has the chance to respond on Monday against Crystal Palace as United seek to leapfrog Chelsea and Newcastle back into sixth.
It could leave just two points between the sides with a fortnight left to go of the season.For Chelsea and Newcastle, who have both disappointed for much of the campaign, it is a chance to qualify for Europe that they may not have expected at the turn of the year.
For United, it is a serious worry. Ten Hag has had his team sitting outside the top five all year despite underwhelming performances and results, but have dropped off from being an outside contender for the Champions League, and now face a battle to even get into the Europa League.
After England failed to secure an extra spot for the Champions League it means that eighth will not be enough to get into Europe. Seventh will be a Europa League place, but only if United don't win the FA Cup and finish outside the top six.
Newcastle and Manchester United also face each other next week.Chelsea travel to Nottingham Forest and Brighton before finishing with the visit of Bournemouth to SW6.
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