LONDON, May 17 (Xinhua) -- The race to qualify for next season's Champions League tightened on Friday night as Aston Villa beat Tottenham and Chelsea claimed a 1-0 win at home over Manchester United, both victories increasing the pressure on Arsenal, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Manchester City.

With Saturday dedicated to the FA Cup final, Arsenal hosts Newcastle in the biggest league game on Sunday. Mikel Arteta's side sits second in the table with 68 points, while Newcastle is third, two points behind and now level on points with Chelsea and Villa.

Arsenal's superior goal difference means a draw at the Emirates Stadium would be enough to assure a top-five finish. The good news for Arteta is that striker Kai Havertz is fit again after tearing a hamstring in February.

Newcastle poses a major attacking threat through Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, and with a home match against Everton to close the season, a draw wouldn't be a bad result for the Magpies.

Nottingham Forest visits West Ham with its Champions League hopes fading after a poor run continued with a draw at home to already relegated Leicester City last Sunday.

Forest is struggling without injured central defender Murillo, and it remains to be seen how the squad will be affected by the injury to Taiwo Awoniyi, who was placed in an induced coma after rupturing an intestine when colliding with a post against Leicester.

Liverpool travels to face Brighton, and all eyes are on coach Arne Slot's decision regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold following boos he received after announcing he will not sign a new contract.

With Real Madrid reportedly interested in signing the defender ahead of the Club World Cup, Alexander-Arnold's absence could hint at an early departure.

Brentford's hopes of European qualification hinge on a home win against Fulham, while Everton says an emotional farewell to Goodison Park against bottom-placed Southampton. A draw against Manchester City last weekend ensured Southampton avoided relegation with what would have been the worst record in Premier League history.

Jamie Vardy also bids farewell this weekend as Leicester City plays Ipswich in a clash between two relegated sides. Vardy will make his 500th appearance for Leicester and is aiming for his 200th goal.

Manchester City visits Bournemouth on Tuesday, and only a win will likely suffice for Pep Guardiola's side in an increasingly tight race for Champions League qualification. ■