English clubs' performance in Europe has once again seen the Premier League earn an additional spot to the UEFA Champions League league phase for the 2026/27 season.
But is there a way sixth place could still qualify for the UEFA Champions League?
Yes, and it's not that hard to envision. It would rely on Aston Villa finishing fifth in the Premier League this weekend, with the Villans having already secured the Europa League title. Emery's side secured a top five finish against Liverpool last Friday, though the Villans are now 1/2 to finish inside the top four.
It's good news for the two teams still chasing European football. Bournemouth moved into further into sixth place with their 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Tuesday night and are now in pole position for a shock UEFA Champions League place. The Cherries are now three points clear of seventh place Brighton, who are the only team mathematically able to catch them at this stage, though they do have a significantly worse goal difference.
Bournemouth travel to Nottingham Forest on the final day in the midst of an 18-match unbeaten run, needing just a point to guarantee that they will finish in sixth place.
Meanwhile, Brighton host on-the-beach Manchester United in their final match of the campaign, knowing that nothing but a win would keep them in the hunt for UEFA Champions League qualification and hoping for a favour from Vitor Pereira's Tricky Trees.
Premier League table
Pos. | Team | P | GD | Pts |
6 | Bournemouth | 37 | +4 | 56 |
7 | Brighton | 37 | +9 | 53 |
Should sixth place qualify for the UEFA Champions League, one Europa League place will go to the side finishing seventh, with the Conference League place going to the team finishing eighth.
Odds displayed were correct at time of publishing and are subject to change or withdrawal at anytime.
