The race for Champions League football is heating up with six Premier League teams still in contention for a top-five finish – and Friday’s results have set the stage for a dramatic final week.
Chelsea, thanks to Marc Cucurella’s clutch 71st-minute header, edged Manchester United 1-0 to leap into fifth place. That crucial goal means the Blues now control their Champions League destiny — a win at Nottingham Forest on the final day secures their place.
Just hours earlier, Aston Villa beat Tottenham 2-0 to temporarily jump into fifth. Had Cucurella not scored, Villa’s fate would be in their own hands. Now, they’ll likely need to beat Manchester United at Old Trafford and hope rivals drop points.
🗣️ “Step by step we’re creating something special. It all depends on us now,” said Cucurella, reflecting Chelsea’s growing belief.
Villa boss Unai Emery remains hopeful:
🗣️ “We’re in a good moment. We’re still dreaming of Champions League football.”
How Many Champions League Spots Does England Get?
Thanks to strong performances by English teams in Europe this season, England now has five Champions League places. That includes the traditional top four plus an extra slot awarded via UEFA coefficients.
Also, the Europa League winner (either Manchester United or Tottenham) will join them, meaning up to six English teams could feature in next season’s UCL.
Opta’s Qualification Odds
- Arsenal: 99.8%
- Newcastle: 92.5%
- Manchester City: 87.2%
- Chelsea: 60%
- Aston Villa: 49.2%
- Nottingham Forest: 11.3%
Who Has What Fixtures Left?
- Arsenal: vs Newcastle (H), Southampton (A)
- Newcastle: vs Arsenal (A), Everton (H)
- Chelsea: vs Nottingham Forest (A)
- Aston Villa: vs Manchester United (A)
- Man City: vs Bournemouth (H), Fulham (A)
- Forest: vs West Ham (A), Chelsea (H)
What’s at Stake?
- Champions League qualification is worth up to £100 million, with £16 million just for qualifying.
- Each UCL point earns £600k, and progressing to knockout rounds brings millions more.
Europa & Conference League Updates
- 6th place guarantees a Europa League spot — more slots could open depending on domestic cup outcomes.
- FA Cup Final (Man City vs Crystal Palace): If City win and qualify through the league, 7th place gets a Europa League spot.
- Newcastle are assured at least a Conference League place after their Carabao Cup win.
- If Chelsea win the Conference League but finish outside the top five, they enter the Europa League — and England would lose a Conference League team.
What About The Chasing Pack?
- Brentford currently hold 8th, likely to become a European place.
- Brighton, Bournemouth, and Fulham remain in contention.
Remaining Fixtures:
- Brentford: vs Fulham (H), Wolves (A)
- Brighton: vs Liverpool (H), Tottenham (A)
- Bournemouth: vs Man City (H), Leicester (A)
- Fulham: vs Brentford (A), Man City (H)
Pundit Reactions
- Jamie Redknapp (Sky Sports): “It’s beautiful – pressure is on Man City. Arsenal must stay sharp.”
- Roy Keane: “Wouldn’t it be amazing if Newcastle win at Arsenal? The race is alive.”
