As we prepare for the penultimate round of fixtures in the Premier League, there’s still so much to be decided. The title and relegation battle remain up in the air, but the race for Europe is perhaps the one with the most potential for change.
The Premier League is guaranteed five places in next season’s Champions League, four through league placing, and an additional allocation from UEFA’s new European Performance Spots (EPS).
However, there’s a scenario where six English teams could compete among Europe’s elite next season. It all depends on Aston Villa, and here’s how.
Unai Emery’s team is currently fourth in the Premier League table and into the final of the Europa League. Both a fourth-placed finish and Europa League win earn a place in the Champions League, though the Premier League is not necessarily the beneficiary if both situations unfold.
If Villa finish fourth and win the Europa League, then the Champions League place reserved for the Europa League winners would pass to the team qualifying with the best UEFA coefficient. Currently, that would be Portugal’s Sporting Lisbon.
However, if Villa finish outside the top four and win the Europa League, then six Premier League teams could compete in the Champions League.
For Villa to drop to fifth, the Villans would need to lose at Manchester City on the final day, and Liverpool beat Brentford at Anfield. Should both of those results happen, and Villa win the Europa League, sixth spot will earn Champions League qualification.
Bournemouth currently holds that position, though Brighton, Brentford, and, less likely, Chelsea and Everton, can all mathematically finish sixth.
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