With just three rounds remaining in the Premier League, the race for European spots is red-hot and even features unusual scenarios. At this stage, six teams could secure direct access to the Champions League, with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United already qualified. Liverpool (4th) and Aston Villa (5th) are being chased by Bournemouth, Brentford, and Brighton.
If Aston Villa finish fifth and win the Europa League, then the sixth-placed team would advance to the Champions League. However, if Villa break into the top four, winning the Europa League would make no difference, meaning the sixth-placed team would go to the Europa League instead.
Currently, Liverpool and Aston Villa both have 58 points, but the Reds hold a better goal difference. Bournemouth (6th) sits six points behind this duo, leading Brentford by one point and Brighton by two. Also in the race for sixth place are Chelsea, Everton, and Fulham—all with 48 points—along with Sunderland (12th) on 47 points and Newcastle on 45.
**Losing to Reach the Champions League?**
It’s a remote but real possibility. On the final matchday, Brighton hosts Manchester United, while Brentford visits Liverpool. If those clubs believe they will finish sixth, they might deliberately lose to prevent Aston Villa from climbing into the top four.
**Premier League Could Have 10 Teams in Europe**
If Manchester City win the FA Cup, or if Chelsea (9th) finish in the top seven, then seventh place would earn a Europa League spot and eighth place would secure a place in the Conference League.
Furthermore, the number of English clubs in UEFA competitions could reach ten if Nottingham Forest (16th) win the Europa League and Crystal Palace (15th) lift the Conference League.