The race for the third spot heightens up with a top four clash between Manchester United and Arsenal. Both the sides have had their campaign's characterised by periods of dominance sprinkled with a fair bit of inconsistency. Regardless both the teams have managed to secure a Champions League spot for next season and will now be aiming for an automatic qualification to Europe's elite competition.
Arsenal who were poised to finish second blew up their chances after suffering a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Swansea. In a match the Gunners dominated, French striker Bafétimbi Gomis struck late in a game through a goal which was determined through the goal line technology to condemn Arsenal to a shocking defeat, keeping in mind their incredible recent run.
Wenger who has guided Arsenal to the top four in each of his season is hopeful his side can book an automatic place in the competition in order to avoid the stress early in the campaign next season.
"It's very important for your season preparations not to have that kind of stress over your head from the first day you start again. It's vital," said Wenger.
"We know what it means and we know it's always tricky because you can play against teams who are in the middle of their championship when you are in preparation.
"The consequences are always dramatic if you don't qualify. It is the pressure of not qualifying that is massive.
"What is even more important now is that the international competitions force you most of the time to start the new season without your players.
"You cannot give them a long enough rest when they have played international games. If we give Sanchez four weeks' holiday [after the Copa America] he won't be back till July 21 so he will not be available for a play-off."
Man United on the other hand have suffered from a dip in form having been at the receiving end of three straight defeats. They however did restore order last time out as they picked up a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. Juan Mata opened up the proceedings scoring from the spot but it was cancelled out by Puncheon's strike in the second half. Fellaini rescued his team once again and his goal later in the game ensured that the Red Devils not only picked up all three points but kept their hopes of a third place finish alive.
Man United have received a huge blow with captain Wayne Rooney uncertain to be available to play whereas Luke Shaw is also ruled out. Robin van Persie is poised to start against his former club having recovered from a virus, whereas Angel di Maria and Marcos Rojo are also fit to start.
Danny Welbeck who scored when the two sides met at the Old Trafford in the FA Cup is a doubt for the match, but Aaron Ramsey should recover from the knock he suffered in the match against Swansea. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mathieu Debuchy will remain on the sidelines.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
