It's an important week of fixtures as Albion look to stake a claim in the race for Europe, writes Stanley Challenor.

Entering the home straight of the season there are still numerous teams on the hunt for the final few European spots.

Here is a run-down of how those teams could fair in the week of important fixtures with many teams playing three games in seven days.

Spurs 4th GP 28 Pts 48: Everton (A), Brighton & Hove Albion (H) Fixture Difficulty 7

With Antonio Conte making his leave and the reigns of the side being entrusted over to Christian Stellini assisted by Ryan Mason for their last 10 games.

There is an element of the unknown when predicting how Spurs will fair under the new, most likely temporary regime.

They could exhibit the ‘new manager-bounce’ or descend deeper into darkness.

Their trip to Everton earlier on in the season may have been a more favourable tie but is now showing to be a much more difficult opponent under the management of Sean Dyche.

A big contributor that is too their disadvantage, is the fact they have played multiple games more than their compatriots.

With midweek games also which they are not participating in, could see multiple teams catch up to their points tally. By the time they face the Albion on the 8th.

One thing they do have in their favour, is that they will be facing a potentially tired Albion. With the Gulls playing their third game in the space of a week.

Newcastle United 5th GP 26 Pts 47: Manchester United (H), West Ham United (A), Brentford (A) Fixture Difficulty 7

In what is likely their most cruical fixture in the Magpie’s fight for top four at home against Manchester club.

They will be without some key players and some which are still doubtful. Miguel Almiron will miss all three fixtures due to a thigh injury he suffered before the international break.

Anthony Gordon is unlikely to return until they take on Brentford, while Allan Saint-Maximin could potentially return in the tie against Manchester United after a hamstring issue. Nick Pope and Sven Botman are also likely to feature after a brief time out.

With many attacking players doubtful and not available it will be a tasking challenge for Eddie Howe’s side to create some breathing room from the teams trailing them.

Liverpool 6th GP 26 Pts 42: Manchester City (A), Chelsea, (A) Arsenal (H) Fixture Difficulty 10

Having been knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid and no longer in contention for any domestic silverware. It may be to the advantage of the Merseyside club, handing them more of a reduced schedule than what they are usually accustomed to.

However, they undoubtably have the toughest fixtures of the coming week. Away at Manchester City where only Brentford have managed to win in the Premier League this season.

A trip to Stamford Bridge a place in which Jurgen Klopp’s side hasn’t won since September 2020. As well as the league leaders Arsenal, a team that will have just motivation in completing the league double over Liverpool. Something they haven’t achieved since 2010.

Albion 7th GP 25 Pts 42: Brentford (H), Bournemouth (A), Tottenham Hotspur (A) Fixture Difficulty 6

Having two games in hand over the three teams below them, it puts Brighton in the luxurious position of being able to stumble up over the coming weeks and still find themselves in a strong situation even if they were to drop points in this busy week of fixtures.

The Seagulls can open-up a three-point gap as well as maintain their two games in hand over Brentford, with a win against the Bees at the Amex on Saturday.

With the potential slips up that may occur with the teams above, it could give the Gulls the ripe opportunity to gain some ground on the teams in the Europa League spots ahead.

It is also a very possible that winning all three games will mean that the Albion could usurp Tottenham when they play each other on the 8th.

Brentford 8th GP 27 Pts 42: Brighton (A), Manchester United (A), Newcastle (H) Fixture Difficulty 9

The Bees have been one of the surprise packages of the season. Having picked up impressive wins against both Manchester City and Liverpool. It would not be a surprise to any if Thomas Frank’s outfit were to pick up points in all contests. Notwithstanding the difficulty of said fixtures.

They are facing sides all above them in the standings, so not wining any of the three games could put them in the precarious position of giving themselves too much ground to make up entering the home stretch of the campaign.

Fulham 9th GP 27 Pts 39: Bournemouth (A), West Ham United (H), Fixture Difficulty 5

Although they me be simply thankful to still be in the race for European football at this stage in the season Marco Silvas side. Despite their performances throughout the year being worthy of the league standings.

Playing sides all battling for relegation, they will be looking to accrue the maximum points total from all affairs. However, due to the red cards they received in the FA Cup loss to Manchester United. Fulham will be without some important players. Willian is set to miss the next three games leaving him out all the weeks fixtures.

While Aleksandar Mitrovic is still yet to have the length of his ban revealed after he was shown a straight red for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh. As it is likely that the Serbian receives a lengthier-than-normal ban. Ruling him out further fixtures not just the week ahead.

Losing those key players could cost them dearly over this important week.

Chelsea 10th GP 27 Pts 38: Aston Villa (H), Liverpool (H), Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) Fixture difficulty 8

It comes to a crucial standpoint in Chelsea’s campaign in the coming week. Ex- Albion coach Graham Potter has received an abundance of criticisms during his brief tenure with the London club.

But there is there is still a potential for them to sneak into one of the last European spots. They have two home games in four days which winning both will allow them to, first create separation from Aston Villa trailing them.

Secondly a victory over Liverpool can close the gap between the clubs. However, it is unlikely that Potter’s side will manage to gain the maximum points from all these fixtures. Being the fact they haven’t managed to win three on the bounce in the league all season.