.jpeg?trim=33,0,34,0&width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800)
Aston Villa’s Europa League success could see six Premier League clubs qualify for the Champions League next season with Bournemouth and Brighton in the running for a spot.
Unai Emery steered his side to a first European trophy since 1982 with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Freiburg in Istanbul, sealing their spot in the top tier of continental competition next season.
Aston Villa won the Europa League (AP)
Villa currently occupy fourth place domestically, with the top five finishers assured of Champions League football come the close of the Premier League season on Sunday.
There is a scenario, though, in which a sixth English side makes it into Europe’s premier club tournament – with Bournemouth currently the favourites for that spot.
Here’s what needs to happen
Why six Premier League teams could qualify for the Champions League
As with every season, the top four clubs in the Premier League table are guaranteed a spot in the 2026/27 edition – but like last year, England have earned an additional place.
Having earned qualification with their Europa League win, if Villa finish fifth then the additional place in the Champions League awarded by will drop down to the team that finishes sixth in the Premier League.
Emery’s side currently occupy fourth in the table, three points ahead of Liverpool – though have an inferior goal difference to the fifth-placed side.
Bournemouth could qualify for next season’s Champions League (Reuters)
The battle for Champions League places
All of the final-round Premier League fixtures kick off simultaneously at 4pm on Sunday 24 May. Villa visit Manchester City, who have missed out on the title, and would appear to have little to play for. They would seal fourth spot if they avoid defeat.
Liverpool, meanwhile, host Brentford knowing they must win to have a hope of finishing fourth. That would require an Aston Villa defeat.
There is still a scenario in which Bournemouth finish fifth, though it would require a significant goal difference swing if they beat Nottingham Forest and Liverpool lose. Instead, it is likely that they will be hoping for favours: if Manchester City beat Villa and Liverpool take care of business against Brentford, even a point would be enough for Andoni Iraola’s side to secure sixth spot and a place in the Champions League.
Brighton are still in the running for a Champions League place (PA Wire)
Brighton are not out of the running, either. They will kick off against Manchester United three points behind Bournemouth though with a superior goal difference, meaning a win for the Seagulls and defeat for their fellow south-coast club would vault them a spot.
Here’s how the table looks
4th) Aston Villa | Pts: 62, GD: +6
5th) Liverpool | Pts: 59, GD +10
--------------------------------------------
6th) Bournemouth | Pts: 56, GD: +4
--------------------------------------------
7th) Brighton | Pts: 53, GD: +9
Final day fixtures (all 4pm BST)
Brighton vs Manchester United
Liverpool vs Brentford
Manchester City vs Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth
