1 May 2025
PL2425-RACE-FOR-EUROPE
As the Premier League season barrels toward a dramatic conclusion, the race to secure European football for the 2025/26 campaign is heating up. With only four rounds remaining, every point matters — and so does every result in the cups.
We break down the current situation, the key permutations, and what lies ahead for clubs with their sights set on UEFA Champions League, Europa League, or Conference League football next season.
What’s at Stake?
Thanks to England’s strong UEFA coefficient this season, five Premier League clubs will automatically qualify for the Champions League. That opens up intriguing possibilities: as many as 10 English clubs could play in Europe next season, depending on domestic and European results.
Here’s what’s currently on the line:
- Top 5 – Guaranteed Champions League qualification
- 6th place – Likely Europa League qualification
- 7th place – Could be enough for Conference League, depending on cup outcomes
- FA Cup and Conference League winners – Can shuffle the European deck
The Current Premier League Table (after Matchweek 34)
| Position | Club | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liverpool | 34 | +48 | 82 |
| 2 | Arsenal | 34 | +34 | 67 |
| 3 | Newcastle | 34 | +21 | 62 |
| 4 | Man City | 34 | +23 | 61 |
| 5 | Chelsea | 34 | +19 | 60 |
| 6 | Nott’m Forest | 34 | +12 | 60 |
| 7 | Aston Villa | 34 | +5 | 57 |
| 8 | Fulham | 34 | +4 | 51 |
| 9 | Brighton | 34 | +1 | 51 |
| 10 | Bournemouth | 34 | +12 | 50 |
| 11 | Brentford | 34 | +8 | 49 |
What’s Already Decided?
- Liverpool have clinched the title and secured their Champions League spot.
- Newcastle have locked in at least a UEFA Conference League place via their EFL Cup triumph, but are well-placed for an upgrade to Champions League or Europa League qualification through league position.
How Qualification Works
Champions League
- Top 5 finishers qualify directly.
- Europa League winners also qualify (if English).
- Up to 6 English clubs could play in the Champions League next season.
Europa League
- FA Cup winners take one spot.
- 6th place gets the second (or 7th, if FA Cup/EFL Cup winners qualify via the league).
Conference League
- EFL Cup winners (Newcastle) get the spot — unless they qualify for a higher competition, in which case it drops to the next eligible team.
Why the FA Cup Still Matters
The final between Man City and Crystal Palace could have massive implications.
- If Man City win the FA Cup and also finish top five, the Europa League spot for cup winners will drop to the next-highest league finisher not already qualified.
- If Crystal Palace win, they will automatically qualify for the Europa League, regardless of league position.
How Could 10 English Clubs Reach Europe?
A lot needs to align, but here’s one realistic path:
- Top 5 (Liverpool, Arsenal, Forest, Newcastle, Man City) – Champions League
- 6th (Aston Villa) – Europa League
- 7th (Bournemouth) – Conference League via EFL Cup pass-down
- 8th (Chelsea) – Europa League by winning the current Conference League
- 9th or 10th (Crystal Palace) – Europa League by winning the FA Cup
- 11th (Man Utd or Spurs) – Champions League by winning this season’s Europa League
It’s improbable, but the dream of 10 English sides in Europe is alive and kicking.
Upcoming Fixtures: Who Has the Edge?
Arsenal: BOU (H), LIV (A), NEW (H), SOU (A)
Newcastle: BHA (A), CHE (H), ARS (A), EVE (H)
Nottingham Forest: CRY (A), LEI (H), WHU (A), CHE (H)
Man City: WOL (H), SOU (A), BOU (H), FUL (A)
Chelsea: LIV (H), NEW (A), MUN (H), NFO (A)
Aston Villa: FUL (H), BOU (A), TOT (H), MUN (A)
Bournemouth: ARS (A), AVL (H), MCI (A), LEI (H)
Fulham: AVL (A), EVE (H), BRE (A), MCI (H)
Brighton: NEW (H), WOL (A), LIV (H), TOT (A)
Brentford: MUN (H), IPS (A), FUL (H), WOL (A)
Crystal Palace: NFO (H), TOT (A), WOL (H), LIV (A)
Final Thoughts
With the table so tightly packed, and so many variables at play — including European and domestic cup results — the race for Europe is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. From Brentford to Brighton, Chelsea to Forest, and United to Villa, the dreams of a continental adventure next season are still very much alive.
Buckle up: The Run In is here, and every kick counts.
