REALISTIC' is the word Mark Hughes used when summing up Blackburn Rovers' targets this week.

But that has taken on a whole new meaning for the manager when assessing the current Premiership table.

Rovers, following Wednesday's 2-0 win over Sunderland, are in seventh, a point and a place off the automatic European qualification spots.

And Hughes could be forgiven for thinking that Champions League isn't out of the question as his side sits five points off of that coveted fourth place.

But there is one major obstacle - other teams. Assuming that the top three of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are out of sight, there are eight sides set for a frantic race for Europe in the remainder of the campaign.

Here we assess their chances:

ARSENAL
They still have to be fancied to take the fourth despite already losing surprising nine Premiership games this season.

But although Arsenal have Liverpool and Manchester United still to play, they will see all their other games as more than winnable.

This is mostly down to the fact that Thierry Henry is still in hot form, despite the increasingly bizarre collection of bodies Arsene Wenger keeps surrounding him with.

Prediction: 4th

TOTTENHAM
They're in the driving seat in fourth, but any team that can't beat Sunderland surely isn't fit to lick the Champion's League's boots.

A constant inability to beat the big teams could cost them dearly as they still have to face Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.

However, if the returning Mido keeps his cool (ie. if Martin Jol doesn't substitute him) Spurs should have enough firepower to secure a UEFA Cup place.

Prediction: 5th

BLACKBURN
Rovers need to re-establish the consistency they showed over Christmas to maintain their push.

But if Craig Bellamy can stay fit until the end of the season, there's enough games in the run-in that Blackburn can pinpoint as potential three-pointers.

Three of the remaining away games are against the bottom three, while games with Arsenal, Spurs, Wigan and Man City could be Euro six-pointers.

Prediction: 6th

EVERTON
The may be back in 11th but you can't rule Everton out after five wins in their last six Premiership games.

With trips to Stamford Bridge and Anfield on the horizon, they've surely left it too late to repeat last year's Champion's League adventure, but the top six is well within range.

The key for the Toffees in the run-in will be how they start games.

They've only failed to win three games when they've taken the lead - but every time they've conceded first they've lost!

Prediction: 7th

BOLTON
Bolton's progress in the FA Cup and in Europe could be central to Rovers' chances of making it into the European spots.

Although their neighbours have games in hand, a fixture pile-up combined with lethargy could take its toll in the Premeirhsip run-in, which could allow Mark Hughes's men to pip them.

A hat-trick of games against the top three in April won't do much for Big Sam's confidence either!

Prediction: 8th

WEST HAM
Whatever happens, Alan Pardew has done a great job so getting into Europe would be beyond anyone's expectations.

Their chances of pulling it off could rest on forthcoming games with fellow contenders Everton and Bolton, and only being four points off a Champion's League place means their final day encounter with Spurs could be their biggest London derby of the season.

However, this game is more likely to be a fight for a UEFA place than anything else.

Prediction: 9th

MAN CITY
City are way too inconsistent to even think about a Champion's League place, especially now Andy Cole's crocked.

But, being the 17th richest club in the world and all that, they would be disappointed not to penetrate that top six.

The final day showdown at Ewood could be crucial - and the good news for City is that, unlike last year, Robbie Fowler won't be around to miss the decisive penalty.

Prediction: 10th

WIGAN
After Henri Camara's disappearing act and a run of only one league win since the turn of the year, the wheels seem to have come off for WIgan.

They will still label this season a success but it's unlikely that finishing in the top six will come under that heading.

And if they can find a route into Europe by pulling off a shock Carling Cup win next week, they won't be too bothered about where they finish anyway.

Prediction: 11th