The battle for European football next season is reaching fever pitch as the Premier League campaign hurtles towards its dramatic conclusion.
With just four matches remaining, Liverpool have already been crowned champions, but behind them lies a fierce contest for the remaining European spots. The plot thickens as this season could see an unprecedented eight Premier League clubs qualify for European competitions – potentially even nine under extraordinary circumstances!
How Many Qualification Spots Are Available?
Thanks to English clubs’ stellar collective performance in European competitions this season, five Premier League teams will secure Champions League qualification. Newcastle’s EFL Cup triumph guarantees them at least Conference League football, while Manchester City reaching the FA Cup final (against Crystal Palace) could push European qualification further down the table.
If events unfold as expected, we could witness eight Premier League clubs competing across Europe next season – an English football feast for continental competition!
The Current Standings
The Champions League Chasers
1 – Liverpool (82 points)
Status: Champions League confirmed
The newly-crowned champions will lead England’s charge in next season’s Champions League.
2 – Arsenal (67 points)
Status: Champions League virtually secured
The Gunners look certain to return to Europe’s premier competition regardless of their current Champions League campaign’s outcome.
3 – Newcastle (62 points)
Status: European football confirmed, Champions League likely
The Magpies’ EFL Cup triumph already guarantees Conference League football at minimum. With blistering form (six wins from seven), they’re eyeing a bigger prize. However, their remaining fixtures present significant challenges:
- Brighton (Away)
- Chelsea (Home)
- Arsenal (Away)
- Everton (Home)
4 – Manchester City (61 points)
Status: Champions League probable
In what Guardiola will consider a disappointing campaign, City nevertheless look well-positioned for a Champions League return. With four wins from their last five and a favourable run-in, they should secure top-four despite playing one more game than some rivals:
- Wolves (Home)
- Southampton (Away)
- Bournemouth (Home)
- Fulham (Away)
The European Contenders
5 – Chelsea (60 points)
Status: Champions League in the balance
After early-season title aspirations evaporated, Maresca’s men face a nervy finish with an absolutely brutal run of fixtures:
- Liverpool (Home)
- Newcastle (Away)
- Manchester United (Home)
- Nottingham Forest (Away)
The Blues also have the Conference League wildcard – winning that competition would secure Europa League football should their league position fall short.
6 – Nottingham Forest (60 points)
Status: European return looking promising
After spending much of the season in Champions League contention, Forest’s midweek defeat to Brentford was a significant setback. Their final four matches offer opportunities to secure European football for the first time in generations:
- Crystal Palace (Away)
- Leicester (Home)
- West Ham (Away)
- Chelsea (Home)
That final-day showdown with Chelsea could prove monumental.
7 – Aston Villa (57 points)
Status: Europa League likely, Champions League possible
Villa need to make up ground quickly but remain within striking distance. Their challenging remaining fixtures include:
- Fulham (Home)
- Bournemouth (Away)
- Tottenham (Home)
- Manchester United (Away)
With Spurs and United potentially distracted by European campaigns, Villa might fancy their chances.
The European Dreamers
8 – Fulham (51 points)
9 – Brighton (51 points)
10 – Bournemouth (50 points)
11 – Brentford (49 points)
Status: Conference League still possible
This quartet remains in contention for what could be the final European spot. With City likely to claim an FA Cup/top-six double, eighth place could be enough for Conference League qualification.
Brentford’s crucial victory over Forest has catapulted them into serious contention, sitting just two points behind Fulham with a head-to-head clash still to come.
12 – Crystal Palace (45 points)
Status: FA Cup glory offers Europa League pathway
Glasner’s Palace have reached the FA Cup final against Manchester City. Victory at Wembley would secure Europa League football regardless of their league finish – a tantalising prospect for Eagles supporters.
The Continental Wildcards
Manchester United and Tottenham have endured disappointing domestic campaigns but could sensationally qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League. United’s commanding 3-0 first-leg victory over Athletic Club has them on the brink of the final, while Spurs hold an advantage over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.
What Makes This Race So Special?
This season’s European qualification battle perfectly encapsulates Premier League drama – the established elite facing genuine challenges from ambitious climbers. Newcastle’s resurgence, Forest’s renaissance, and the potential for clubs like Fulham, Brighton, Bournemouth or Brentford to experience European nights adds compelling narratives.
With domestic cup competitions and European tournaments intertwining with league position to determine qualification, every match now carries enormous significance. The final matchday could witness several head-to-head clashes with European places hanging in the balance.
Fasten your seatbelts – this European qualification race promises to deliver breathtaking drama right until the final whistle of the season!
