Manchester United hold a one-point lead over Chelsea in the race for fourth place in the Premier League after draws in Gameweek 26. Both teams drew their matches, with Chelsea held 2-2 by Leeds United and United equalizing late against West Ham. Their next five fixtures could decide the battle for Champions League qualification.
Manchester United sit fourth with 45 points, one ahead of Chelsea in fifth with 44 points, following underwhelming results in Gameweek 26.
Chelsea started strongly at Stamford Bridge against Leeds United, taking a 2-0 lead through goals from João Pedro and Cole Palmer, but ended in a 2-2 draw. Manchester United, meanwhile, appeared headed for a 1-0 loss at West Ham's London Stadium until substitute Benjamin Šeško scored an equalizer in the 96th minute.
These outcomes kept the gap tight in the contest for a Champions League spot next season. Over the next five weeks, their schedules differ significantly.
For Manchester United, the run begins with an away trip to Everton on February 23, seeking their first win there since December 2024. Crystal Palace then visit Old Trafford, followed three days later by an away game at Newcastle, against teams United has beaten this season. The biggest test is a home match against third-place Aston Villa on March 15, shortly after Villa face Chelsea. The slate ends with Bournemouth away on March 20, a side improved since their December draw.
Chelsea's path looks tougher. They host relegation-threatened Burnley on February 21, then face consecutive away games against leaders Arsenal and third-place Aston Villa, with the Villa trip on March 4 coming just three days after the Emirates visit. A home game against Newcastle follows on March 14, a team that drew 2-2 with Chelsea in December despite recent form struggles. It concludes with Everton away on March 21, where Chelsea are unbeaten in their last four meetings.
The March 1 clash sees United travel to Chelsea, adding intensity to the rivalry.
