Manchester United, Chelsea, Leicester and Co will have been cursing the decision to let Man City play in the Champions League… so, with fifth OFF the table, here's how the race for Europe's promised land is hotting up

The race for the top four took an interesting turn on Monday morning, after the news was confirmed that Manchester City have won a historic Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling and will play in next season’s Champions League.

Pep Guardiola‘s side will incur no ban from European competition, but will instead pay a £10million fine for misconduct regarding Financial Fair Play.

A cloud of uncertainty had shrouded the upper tier of the Premier League, with teams at the top of the pile knowing that of Champions League football could perhaps present itself for finishing in fifth place.

That scenario is no longer possible, meaning only a conventional top four finish will now be good enough to enter football’s elite competition next season.

With title-winners Liverpool having already rubber stamped their passport for the Champions League and City now well set in second place, Sportsmail takes a look at the chasing pack as the race for the top four becomes the big focus