Eight Premier League teams fight for three Champions League places

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Liverpool & Arsenal safe 

©TM/IMAGO

It’s been another thrilling English Premier League season, even if the main prize and relegation spots have been decided. Liverpool are champions-elect and they will match Manchester United with 20 English top-flight titles with Arne Slot enjoying a remarkable first season in charge at Anfield. At the opposite end of the table, Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich Town seem destined to drop to the Championship after their promotion last season. 

The most exciting aspect across the final eight games of the season will be the race for the European places and the Premier League could earn as many as ten next season, depending on several permutations. The biggest prize remains Champions League qualification, which can be worth in excess of €100m to clubs. England will receive five Champions League places as they will gain an extra spot based on European performance this season. Based on Liverpool and Arsenal being essentially guaranteed a Champions League place, we’ve analysed the eight clubs vying for three places. 

Remaining fixtures: Aston Villa (A), Everton (H), Tottenham (H), Brentford (H), Crystal Palace (A), Leicester (H), West Ham (A), Chelsea (H)

Forest have been the surprise package of the season and they are huge favourites to secure a Champions League place next season. Nuno Espirito Santo has worked wonders and several players have flourished this season and it could be a truly special season as they have an FA Cup semi-final on the horizon.

Remaining fixtures: Brentford (A), Ipswich (H), Fulham (A), Everton (H), Liverpool (A), Newcastle (A), Man United (H), Nottingham Forest (A)

At the turn of the year, Enzo Maresca had to field questions about Chelsea being in a title race but they are now firmly in a battle to finish in the top five. The Blues have dropped off in 2025 but they secured an important win over rivals Tottenham on Thursday night. One concern for Chelsea is they face a really tough fixture list in their last four games.

Remaining fixtures: Man United (A), Crystal Palace (H), Everton (A), Aston Villa (H), Wolves (A), Southampton (A), Bournemouth (H), Fulham (A)

After winning four consecutive Premier League titles, Manchester City have endured a massive drop off this season. Pep Guardiola’s men could still win silverware with the FA Cup and they will still expect to secure Champions League qualification. Their quest to ensure that starts with a trip across the city to Old Trafford on Sunday.

Remaining fixtures: Leicester City (A), Man United (H), Crystal Palace (H), Aston Villa (A), Ipswich Town (H), Brighton (A), Chelsea (H), Arsenal (A), Everton (A)

Newcastle’s season will already go down in the history books after winning their first major silverware in over 50 years to spark incredible celebrations in the city. But qualifying for Champions League will be so important to Eddie Howe as it will allow him to spend more freely in the transfer market, which has been a problem in recent years. They have a game in hand on their rivals, against Crystal Palace next Wednesday. 

Remaining fixtures: Nottingham Forest (H), Southampton (A), Newcastle (H), Man City (A), Fulham (H), Bournemouth (A), Tottenham (H)

Villa are enjoying another excellent season under Unai Emery. They face a mouthwatering Champions League quarter-final clash against PSG and they will travel to Wembley for their FA Cup semi-final. But qualifying for the Champions League remains a massive target but there’s little room for error now.

Remaining fixtures: Crystal Palace (A), Leicester (H), Brentford (A), West Ham (H), Newcastle (H), Wolves (A), Liverpool (H), Tottenham (A)

Brighton have been in exceptional form in 2025 but two defeats on the bounce against Forest to exit the FA Cup and Villa in the league have been costly. The Seagulls remain outsiders to secure a Champions League place but they do have a favourable fixture list.

Remaining fixtures: Liverpool (H), Bournemouth (A), Chelsea (H), Southampton (A), Aston Villa (A), Everton (H), Brentford (A), Man City (H) 

Fulham’s success this season has slipped under the radar, compared to Brighton and Bournemouth. But Marco Silva has done a fantastic job at Craven Cottage and will be dreaming of European football next season. The Champions League, however, remains unlikely.

Remaining fixtures: West Ham (A), Fulham (H), Crystal Palace (A), Man United (H), Arsenal (A), Aston Villa (H), Man City (A), Leicester City (H)

Bournemouth have punched massively above their weight this season and they were in serious contention for a Champions League place. But they are winless in five Premier League games and it would require a minor miracle for them to finish in the top five.