admincrowned English Premier League champions, are assured one of the four spots on offer to English clubs while second-placed Manchester City are six points clear of a trio of chasing capital sides.
Chelsea, currently third, are a point in front of Arsenal, with Tottenham Hotspur three points adrift of the Blues. Both Chelsea and Spurs have played one match fewer than the Gunners.
Failure to qualify for the Champions League could have serious implications for any of the London trio, especially Arsenal who are bidding to play in the competition for a 16th straight season.
If they miss out, speculation linking long-serving manager Arsene Wenger to a move to Paris St Germain is sure to intensify but Walcott said defending would be decisive in the race for a Champions League place.
“What it comes down to is that if you keep clean sheets, you are going to win games,” Walcott said.
“In recent years we may have faded slightly at the end of games, with the pressure of being 1-0 up, but everyone here is very focused on doing their jobs correctly.
“If we all work hard for each other, then good things should follow.”
Arsenal will expect to keep a clean sheet when they travel to already-relegated London rivals Queens Park Rangers today.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will hand Lukas Podolski the chance to establish himself as his side’s central striker, dealing a painful blow to Walcott who is desperate to lay claim to the position.
Wenger has been forced to rethink his strike options after Olivier Giroud was handed a three-game ban as the Gunners’ top four challenge reaches a crucial stage.
And after asking Podolski to lead the line against Manchester United last weekend, the manager is set to keep faith with the Germany international for the trip to face relegated Queens Park Rangers.
Wenger’s side lie fourth, two points ahead of Tottenham and a point behind Chelsea but having played a game more than their London rivals.
That means they must win at Loftus Road if they are to increase the pressure on the other contenders for the remaining two Champions League places.
And Wenger believes Podolski —who normally starts on the left but has been in and out of the side in the second half of the season — is the best option when it comes to leading his side’s attack.
“He has the qualities (to play in the centre) because he is a good finisher,” the manager told Arsenal Player.
“He has a good technique and because we have a game based on very quick combinations I believe he can be a part of that. Overall I am convinced in the coming games he will show it.
“At the moment, yes (I will play Podolski in the middle). A definite decision has not been made but if there is an opportunity then there is a good chance I will do it.”
Walcott was employed in a central role earlier in the season but has since reverted to his regular right wing spot.
Fixtures (all 4pm unless stated)
Today: Fulham v Reading, Norwich v Aston Villa, Swansea v Manchester City, Tottenham v Southampton, West Brom v Wigan, West Ham v Newcastle, QPR v Arsenal (6:30pm)
Tomorrow: Liverpool v Everton (2:30pm), Manchester United v Chelsea (5pm)
Monday: Sunderland v Stoke (9pm)
English Premier League table
Note: Top four teams qualify for the Champions League and bottom three clubs are relegated
Online Reporter