EPL: Five Remaining Matches That Will Decide Who Finishes in the Top Four

The English Premier League season is reaching its close and, as always, the remaining fixtures are crucial for all teams. While most sides have four-five matches left, it is still unclear which teams will be relegated and which clubs will make the top four. 

The EPL always provides a superb ending to the season. With so many great teams, it is always difficult to predict the standings at the end of the campaign. 

While every match is now very important for the majority of teams, there are some that are more vital than others. 

Here's a list of the five most important remaining matches that will determine which teams finish in the top four:

Queens Park Rangers vs. Tottenham

Date: April 21, 2012

Venue: Loftus Road

This weekend, fourth-placed Tottenham take on QPR at Loftus Road. Spurs are five points behind arch-rivals Arsenal, and are tied on points with Newcastle United.

With the Toon expected to win against Stoke City on the same day, this game is hugely important for Tottenham. Of course, this game will not be easy. Queens Park Rangers may be a side facing relegation, but they have still been able to beat Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal at home this season.

In addition, QPR are only two points away from the drop and will fight to at least obtain a point from this match. 

Arsenal vs. Chelsea

Date: April 21, 2012

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Five hours before the Tottenham-QPR clash, Arsenal host London rivals Chelsea. The Gunners have built up a lead for third place and are a huge seven points ahead of the Blues.

I think Chelsea fans will all remember the last meeting between these two sides, when Arsenal won 5-3 at Stamford Bridge. The home side's defense was simply cut apart by Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott and the Arsenal strike-force. 

The Gunners have been rampant in recent months with nine wins in 10 EPL games. Chelsea have been an improved side under Roberto Di Matteo, but have still dropped down to sixth place in the league.

With a loss at the Emirates Stadium, Chelsea's hopes of a top four finish will be drastically more difficult.

Stoke City vs. Arsenal

Date: April 28, 2012

Venue: Britannia Stadium

Arsenal are one of the many teams that generally have a hard time at the Britannia Stadium. Since their return to the top-flight in 2008, Stoke City have made it very difficult for teams, especially the top sides, to win at the Potters' home.

If Arsenal fail to win against Chelsea, both Tottenham and Newcastle can be within two points from the Gunners. And, with a loss or tie at Stoke City, Arsenal could find themselves out of the top four. 

Chelsea vs. Newcastle United

Date: May 2, 2012

Venue: Stamford Bridge

Chelsea and Newcastle have been considered the "outside teams" in the top four race for the past months. Many fans felt that it was almost guaranteed that Arsenal and Tottenham would share the last two spots of the top four. But it is now clear that anything can happen from now until the final day of the season.

On May 2, Chelsea will host Newcastle in possibly the most pivotal game of the top four race. The Blues will certainly be favorites coming into this game, but the Toon will have an advantage in fitness. 

Chelsea will come into this game having played Barcelona at the Camp Nou and Queens Park Rangers in the past seven days. In addition, the Pensioners have their FA Cup final against Liverpool on May 5.

Liverpool vs. Chelsea

Date: May 8, 2012

Venue: Anfield

This match was originally scheduled for May 6 but was pushed back a few days due to the FA Cup final between the two sides. Chelsea will play Liverpool twice in a period of four days and will know the dire need for wins in both matches.

Roberto Di Matteo needs some sort of silverware to be considered for the full-time Chelsea job and the FA Cup will be the perfect opportunity. However, Roman Abramovich will certainly not accept losing a spot in next season's Champions League, and this match at Anfield may decide whether they make the top four.

This match may not be as important for Liverpool fans, but they will certainly be happy to beat Chelsea and taunt their former player Fernando Torres.