Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says finishing third is now crucial after victory over Stoke City.
Their quest would be aided if they were able to make it straight through to the Champions League rather than find themselves facing a hazardous qualifier in August.
"There is a big difference between going straight into the group and having to play a qualifier," said Mancini.
"It was important to get fourth position when we started the season.
"But at the moment we are third, with one game to go.
"We have one difficult game, at Bolton. But it will be difficult for Arsenal against Fulham and we want to finish third."