Champions League Qualification: Key Players in the EPL's Race for Europe

The Premier League title race may be all but over but just below that we are witnessing one of the tightest battles for a place in the UEFA Champions League next season. 

Cheslea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Everton are all in the shakeup for the coveted third and fourth spots in the Premier League. 

Most teams have five games remaining in the league with Chelsea and Tottenham having a game in hand. Everton have 56 points in sixth, Tottenham have 58, Arsenal are on 60 and Chelsea have 61.

With teams looking to rely on their key players in order to finish in these positions, who will step up and who will fall away?

Let's have a look at some of the key players in the race for European qualification.

Tottenham Hotspur: Gareth Bale

Starting with the most obvious candidate, if Gareth Bale misses out on the PFA Player of the Season award then he must be considered unlucky. 

Bale has been one of the Premier League's top goalscorers with 17 goals and the leading wide player in the division, behind only Luis Suarez and Robin van Persie.

Bale's pace, first touch and blistering shot make him pivotal to Spurs in the hunt for Champions League football.

His return from the injury he suffered against FC Basel could be the catalyst for Tottenham growing in form and confidence.

Without Bale, Tottenham would probably be favorites to fall away, but with him, they could certainly finish third. 

Everton: Leighton Baines

From one of the most acknowledged wingers of the season to one of the most acknowledged full-backs, Leighton Baines has been key for Everton at the back this season.

Everton have conceded less goals than rivals Arsenal and Tottenham, with their defense being key to their challenge for the Champions League spots.

Everton have conceded only 37 goals in 33 games which is only bettered by Chelsea (33 goals conceded), Manchester City (27 goals conceded) and Manchester United (35 goals conceded). 

Baines has been almost ever-present in one of the most successful seasons for Everton in the Premier League era, appearing in all of their 33 league games. 

His tough tackling and reading of the game—plus his crossing ability and hard work—could be crucial for Everton's run-in, which includes a game against Chelsea. 

Chelsea: Juan Mata

Juan Mata is the creative hub of Chelsea and along with Hazard and Oscar has formed one of the most formidable attacking midfields in the history of the club.

Mata has eleven assists in the Premier League this season—the most of any player this season. He is also chipping in with 10 goals.

Chelsea is in a state of flux following the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo and interim appointment of the maligned (by Chelsea fans) Rafa Benitez.

They are, however, back in form and now look certain to finish at least fourth with the team gaining in both confidence and trust in Rafa. 

Arsenal: Jack Wilshere

Jack Wilshere has become a firm favorite with both Arsenal and England fans for his dynamic movement, passing ability and commitment to both club and country. 

The past two seasons however have seen injuries hamper the 21-year-old, causing him to miss large parts of the season.

When he has played and been fully fit, Wilshere has been outstanding—putting in a breath-taking performance against multiple-time World Cup winners Brazil.

Wilshere is slowly coming back from his latest injury, and that could be crucial in the European battle. 

Tottenham Hotspur: Jan Vertonghen

Jan Vertonghen has been a key player for Tottenham both offensively and defensively, offering last-minute tackles and world-class finishes. 

A defender who can attack and is versatile enough to play both at left-back and in the center gives manager Andre Villas-Boas options on the pitch.

The Belgian has been impressive on his debut season, scoring four goals in 28 Premier League games for Spurs and linking up well with offensive winger Gareth Bale. 

If he can continue to perform both in an attacking and defensive sense, he could be the key defender for both the rest of this season and the foreseeable future. 

Everton: Marouane Fellaini

Marouane Fellaini may have some disciplinary issues; being suspended for off-the-ball incidents against Stoke, but his dedication, prowess and presence are enough to trouble any defense. 

Fellaini is one of the most combative players in the Premier League, but he is also good in the offensive side of the game.

The Belgian is part of the growing number of talents from the country along with Eden Hazard, Mousa Dembele, Jan Vertonghen and many more. 

His dedication could make him a key player for Everton in their battle for Europe, but he will need to be disciplined if Everton are to succeed.  

Chelsea: Eden Hazard

Chelsea payed a reported £32 million fee for the star—one of the biggest in English football history, but Eden Hazard hasn't disappointed.

The midfielder has been one of Chelsea's best creative talents and along with Mata and Oscar has played some of the best football for any club this season.

Hazard has eight goals and nine assists in his 30 league appearances for the club this season and has settled down well.

Despite having an altercation with a ball boy in the Capital One Cup semifinal against Swansea, Hazard has been a major success so far in a turbulent season for the Blues. 

Arsenal: Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott was in scintillating form early on in the season while his contract situation at Arsenal was up in the air. 

The winger eventually signed a four-year deal with Arsenal and will be hoping this will go hand-in-hand with Champions League football.

With the new contract, Walcott's form has dipped and Arsene Wenger will be hopeful that his No. 14 can recapture his early success. 

Walcott has 11 Premier League goals and 11 assists in one of his best seasons ever. He will need to perform if Arsenal are to clinch third or fourth place. 

Other Key Players

Tottenham Hotspur: 

Mousa Dembele: He has taken over the Luka Modric well and has proven very successful for Tottenham. His goal against Lyon saw them progress in the Europa League earlier in the season, too.

Hugo Lloris: The French No. 1 has made some outstanding saves in the Spurs goal to help them in the battle for fourth.

Everton:

Steven Pienaar: The South African has linked up well with Leighton Baines on the left side of Everton's team, creating numerous opportunities and chipping in with a goal or two.

Phil Jagielka: England International Phil Jagielka has been a rock at the back for Everton, who have the fourth-best defensive record in the league. 

Leon Osman: Leon Osman has put himself in contention for England with his attacking displays for Everton and his hard work going the other way.

Chelsea:

Branislav Ivanovic: The Serbian defender has been a solid defender since he joined the club and this season has been consistently involved in the Premier League.

Fernando Torres: While Torres is criticized by many, his performances appear to be on the rise, and he could become a key man for Chelsea.

Arsenal:

Laurent Koscielny: The French defender has come into the team in place of club captain Thomas Vermaelen and has strengthened the ability of Arsenal defensively.

Santi Cazorla: The Spanish star has been one of the seasons best signings with good passing ability and movement, can control a game by himself.

Olivier Giroud: The hitman has scored 17 goals in his debut season (all competitions) which is a good return for a player new to the league. He is also good in the air for the Gunners.