Premier league 2015/16 top four race: Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United fight for Champions League spot

The 2015/16 Premier League season has been one of the most exciting and unpredictable ones in recent times, with a number of new teams emerging to upset the dominance of the top four. The rise of Leicester City has shocked a number of people, while the resurgence of teams like Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Stoke City has been refreshing to watch.

With only two spots up for grabs, three big teams in Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City are battling it among themselves for a spot in the lucrative Champions League next season. We at IBTimes UK take a look at the permutations and combinations.

Manchester City

Played: 35, Won: 19, Draw: 7, Lost: 9, Points: 64

Fixture List

Southampton vs Manchester City

Date: 1 May – 4.30pm BST

Venue: St Mary's Stadium

Manchester City vs Arsenal

Date: 8 May – 4pm BST

Venue: Etihad Stadium

Swansea City vs Manchester City

Date: 15 May – 3pm BST

Venue: Liberty Stadium

The team that was trailblazing past opponents just last winter now finds itself in a battle for a Champions League spot. Manuel Pellegrini's men can secure a place for themselves by winning the Champions League but it looks highly unlikely.

Permutations:

- If City win their three remaining games, they will finish with 73 points, which will ensure they finish in third place due to their superior goal difference.

- The Citizens play Arsenal, who also have 64 points in 35 games. A loss for them would put both Arsenal and Manchester United in pole position to seal the Champions League spot if they win all their games.

Arsenal

Played: 35, Won: 18, Draw: 10, Lost: 7, Points: 64

Fixture List

Arsenal vs Norwich City

Date: 30 April – 5.30pm BST

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Manchester City vs Arsenal

Date: 8 May – 4pm BST

Venue: Etihad Stadium

Aston Villa vs Arsenal

Date: 15 May – 3pm BST

Venue: Emirates Stadium

In a season that saw all the top teams falter, this was Arsenal's best chance to end their barren run and win their first Premier League title since 2004 but as usual Arsene Wenger's men were unable to take full advantage of the situation.

The Gunners will be hoping to qualify for the 12th straight time for the Champions League.

Permutations:

- Arsenal need to ensure that they win all their games, which will see them finish with 73 points and a confirmed spot in next year's Champions League.

- Arsenal play the Citizens, who also have 64 points in 35 games. A loss for them would put both Manchester City and Manchester United in pole position to seal the Champions League spot if they win all their games.

Manchester United

Played: 34, Won: 17, Draw: 8, Lost: 9, Points: 59

Fixture List

Manchester United vs Leicester City

Date: 1 May – 2.05pm BST

Venue: Old Trafford

Norwich City vs Manchester United

Date: 7 May – 12.45pm BST

Venue: Carrow Road

West Ham United vs Manchester United

Date: 10 May – 7.45pm BST

Venue: Upton Park

West Ham United vs Bournemouth

Date: 15 May – 3pm BST

Venue: Old Trafford

After not coming out of their group stage of the Champions League this year, failure to qualify for Europe's premier competition next year would be disastrous for the English giants.

Permutations:

- United need to ensure that they win all their games. Even if they win them all, they will finish with 71 points and will need either Arsenal or Manchester City to lose one or more of their games.

- On paper, the Red Devils have two tough fixtures against Leicester City and West Ham United. A loss against either will have big ramifications in their quest to qualify for the Champions League.