Jamie Carragher reveals who he believes will qualify for the Champions League – and his SHOCK prediction for where Arsenal will finish amid their ongoing European campaign

Jamie Carragher believes that Nottingham Forest will miss out on Champions League qualification following their crushing defeat by Brentford in midweek.

The former Liverpool defender believes the final spot will be fought over by Aston Villa and Chelsea, while Manchester City and Newcastle will advance with ease. 

Indeed, Carragher has backed City and the Magpies to finish ahead of second-place Arsenal, who remain in the competition and travel to Paris in the semi-final second leg next week. 

‘I still think Newcastle and Manchester City can actually catch Arsenal,’ he said on Sky Sports. 

‘Just with the situation Arsenal have in the Champions League, Bournemouth at home won’t be easy, then they go to Anfield, they’ve also got to play Newcastle as well. It’s a brilliant race.

‘Aston Villa have to win in the next couple of games to give themselves a fighting chance.’

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side suffered a crushing 2-0 home defeat by Brentford on Thursday

Carragher believes Chelsea will find it tough to qualify because their challenging fixture list 

City moved into third place after a 1-0 win over Wolves on Friday night, establishing a 10 point gap to Aston Villa, who have a game in hand. 

Aston Villa are coming off a miserable week after suffering a devastating last-ditch defeat at the Etihad before crashing out of the FA Cup.

Unai Emery’s men have arguably the toughest remaining fixtures but the progress of Tottenham and Manchester United – their final two opponents – in the Europa League may work in their favour. 

‘Playing Spurs and Manchester United in their last two games might actually fall into their lap in terms of the Europa League final as well,’ Carragher added. 

‘I think this is going to go right to the wire. I don’t think Nottingham Forest are going to make it now, Villa might make a late push. 

‘I still think Chelsea will find it difficult looking at their fixtures.’

The Blues’ fixture includes a showdown with newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool on Sunday.

Enzo Marseca’s side also face Man United and fellow Champions League chasers Newcastle.

Aston Villa will bid to bounce back from their FA Cup exit to secure a Champions League spot

Chelsea will wrap up their season with a potentially decisive meeting with Nottingham Forest on the final day of the campaign. 

Last month, Opta’s supercomputer predicted that City, Newcastle and Forest would join Liverpool and Arsenal in the top five. 

Villa are the next hopeful to play, as they welcome Fulham to Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.