EPL plans changed with new forces at play

Chelsea are fighting Manchester United for second place, worth an automatic slot in the lucrative Champions League, while Liverpool, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are jostling to join the loser of that fight in the qualifying rounds.

At the wrong end of the table, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City could be relegated on Saturday after only one season back in the top flight. The stakes are high for all these clubs, with relegation costing anything up to 20 million pounds 35.33 million and a good run in the Champions League being worth as much.

Chelsea can reach the final of Europe8217;s showcase competition if they overturn a 3-1 first leg deficit against Monaco on Wednesday and the fact is likely to be reflected in Claudio Ranieri8217;s team selection at home to Southampton.

Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini, defenders Glen Johnson and William Gallas along with midfielder Scott Parker are all at various stages of recovery from injury.

But Ranieri was dealt a major blow on Thursday, when Ireland winger Damien Duff dislocated his shoulder for a second time this season, probably ruling him out for the rest of the campaign. With Duff missing, Ranieri will not want to take any risks with his men ahead of such a crucial game.

United, who have 71 points to Chelsea8217;s 72, should have little difficulty beating Blackburn Rovers, despite Graeme Souness8217;s side having won their last three matches.

Outside the top three, a trio of clubs are chasing the fourth and final Champions League qualifying slot with Liverpool and Newcastle on 53 points and Villa on 52. Newcastle, who have four games to play to their rivals8217; three, are at Manchester City, Liverpool are at home to Middlesbrough while Villa host struggling Spurs.

A fifth place finish will mean a consolation berth in the UEFA Cup, alongside League Cup winners Middlesbrough and FA Cup finalists Millwall from the first division. Reuters