Chelsea remain in pole position to claim fourth spot in the Premier League and a return to the riches and prestige of the Champions League next season.
However, a slump in form from Frank Lampard's men has left the door open for Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal to secure a much-needed return to Europe's top competition, while Wolves and Sheffield United are also aiming to reach the promised land for the first time.
AFP Sport looks at all six sides' ambitions heading into the final 15 league games of the season.
Chelsea - 39 points
The Blues still have a five-point cushion, but should already be out of sight for the chasing pack.
Chelsea have won just four of their last 11 league games, a poor run that includes defeats to Bournemouth, West Ham, Southampton, Newcastle and Everton. Arsenal at home on Tuesday is followed by Leicester, Tottenham and Manchester United, giving them the chance to finally pull clear, but it could also hand those behind them another lifeline.
Man Utd - 34 points
Chelsea’s slump in form has kept the race for fourth in the Premier League alive.
United's challenge for the top four will depend largely on what business they do before the end of the January transfer window.
Top scorer Marcus Rashford will be out for at least six weeks due to a stress fracture in his back, while long-term injuries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay have already left the Red Devils light in midfield.
United have what looks like the most appealing fixture run-in for the final seven games after the March international break.
However, they have to ensure they are still in the running by then with Wolves, Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham and Sheffield United all to come before Rashford returns.
Tottenham - 31 points
Spurs are almost back to where they started under Jose Mourinho as early optimism and an upturn in results has fallen away in recent weeks. The loss of Harry Kane for potentially the rest of the season is being felt in a lack of goals, with Mourinho's men taking just two points from their last four matches.
A return of 31 points from 23 games is 20 less than at the same stage last season.
Arsenal have been over-reliant on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for goals.
Spurs have grown used to Champions League football over the past four seasons, but there has been little evidence from Mourinho's first two months in charge that they will put together the sustained run needed to overhaul his old club Chelsea.
Arsenal - 29 points
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted Tuesday's trip to Stamford Bridge is a must-win to maintain any hope of a top-four finish.
The Gunners' performances have improved since the Spaniard took charge last month, but they have won just one of five league games under Arteta.
1-1 draws with Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Sheffield United have been symbolic of what has held Arsenal back this season.
Other than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a lack of clinical finishing at one end has been compounded by consistent errors from an unsettled defence.
