Bournemouth Take Lead in Sixth-Place Race
Junior Kroupi scored Bournemouth's second goal in their 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday, helping the Cherries claim the advantage in the Premier League's battle for sixth place—potentially the most unusual Champions League qualification spot yet.
Bournemouth's win allowed them to overtake Brentford in the standings. Remarkably, some teams on the final day might need to lose to secure a Champions League place. At minimum, sixth place guarantees a Europa League spot, with some contenders having never qualified for European competition before.
examines the implications of this scenario.
How Could Sixth Place Qualify for the Champions League?
Two conditions must be met for sixth place to grant a Champions League berth, both of which appear plausible.
Aston Villa must finish exactly fifth, their current position, and win the Europa League. Villa trail Nottingham Forest 1-0 after the first leg of the semi-final but will host the second leg on Thursday.
This scenario only applies if Villa finish fifth—not in the top four or below fifth—due to UEFA regulations.
The Premier League has earned a fifth Champions League spot through English clubs' European performances, known as the European Performance Spot (EPS).
UEFA allocates European places primarily based on domestic league positions and European trophy winners before considering the EPS.
If Villa win the Europa League and finish fifth, the EPS spot passes to the sixth-placed team, qualifying them for the Champions League.
However, if Villa finish in the top four, their Europa League victory does not affect other English teams, and sixth place would only qualify for the Europa League.
Who Is Competing for Sixth Place?
With Aston Villa six points clear in fifth, sixth is the highest position attainable by other contenders.
Currently, Bournemouth have 52 points, one ahead of Brentford, who lead Brighton by one point. Neither Bournemouth nor Brentford have previously competed in European tournaments, while Brighton's sole UEFA campaign was the 2023-24 Europa League.
Chelsea trail Bournemouth by four points but have a game in hand against Nottingham Forest on Monday. Fulham share Chelsea's points total. Everton, with a game in hand against Manchester City, and Sunderland, both on 47 points, remain in contention.
Newcastle, Crystal Palace, and Leeds United still have mathematical chances to qualify for the Champions League, though these are unlikely.
What About Seventh Place?
The team finishing just outside sixth will at least secure a Conference League spot, currently awarded to seventh place.
The Villa/fifth-place scenario does not affect this because if England gains an extra Champions League spot, it loses a Europa League place.
However, eighth place could qualify for the Conference League if Manchester City win the FA Cup or Chelsea win it and finish in the top seven (Chelsea are currently ninth).
In such cases, seventh place would enter the Europa League, and eighth would enter the Conference League.
Why Might Teams Need to Lose on the Final Day?
Though unlikely, there is a possibility that the sixth-placed team might need to lose on the final day to secure a Champions League spot.
Brighton face third-placed Manchester United at home, while Brentford travel to Liverpool, who are fourth.
Liverpool are above Aston Villa only on goal difference, and Manchester United are six points ahead of both after Sunday's 3-2 win over Liverpool.
If Brighton or Brentford are confident of retaining sixth place despite a loss—relying on their opponents to win and keep Villa in fifth—they could qualify for the Champions League instead of the Europa League.
How Many English Teams Could Qualify for Europe?
Currently, eight English teams will qualify for European competition, but this number could rise to ten.
If Nottingham Forest win the Europa League and Crystal Palace win the Conference League (without finishing in the top seven or eight), half the Premier League could be competing in Europe next season.
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