Premier League, Race for European spots – Scenarios explained; What should each team do on finals day?

While the 2025-2026 Premier League title has already been decided, the race for the European spots is very much alive ahead of the final matchweek on Sunday.

Arsenal lifted their first league trophy in 22 years and confirmed their place in next season’s Champions League, while Manchester City, Manchester United and Aston Villa have also confirmed their places.

With ten matches starting simultaneously on Sunday, as many as six teams will compete for four places in next season’s continental competitions.

Take a look at what each club needs to do in their final matches:

Astonvilla: Unai Emery’s men have already confirmed their place in the Champions League next season, thanks to the European performance spot that England secured by topping the UEFA coefficient rankings. However, the result against Manchester City will be of great significance.

If Aston Villa lose and Liverpool beat Brentford, Villa will drop to fifth place and the sixth-placed team will qualify for the Champions League.

• Opponent: Manchester City

• Ranking in the competition: 4

• Possible end positions: 4 or 5

Liverpool: Liverpool can confirm Champions League football next season if it manages to achieve at least a draw against Brentford.

• Opponent: Brentford

• Ranking in the competition: 5

• Possible end positions: 4, 5 or 6

Bournemouth: The Cherries will make their first Champions League appearance next season if they avoid defeat to Nottingham Forest and Man City beat Villa, Liverpool beat Brentford and Brighton fail to beat Manchester United.

• Opponent: Nottingham Forest

• Ranking in the competition: 6

• Possible end positions: 5, 6 or 7

Brighton & Hove Albion: Brighton also has the opportunity to make its Champions League debut next season if it beats Manchester United and Villa, Bournemouth and Brentford lose their respective matches.

Meanwhile, a win will ensure that Brighton will at least play in the Europa League next season.

• Opponent: Manchester United

• Ranking in the competition: 7

• Possible end positions: 6, 7, 8 or 9

Chelsea: If Chelsea beat Sunderland and Brighton don’t beat Manchester United, they are almost certain to finish seventh.

A draw at the Stadium of Light will also be enough if Brighton lose by two or more goals and Brentford fail to beat Liverpool.

• Opponent: Sunderland

• League position: 8

• Possible end positions: 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11

Brentford: Level with Chelsea, Brentford will need to improve on the Blues’ result to secure European football next season. If Chelsea and Brighton do not win their matches, Brentford will qualify for the Europa League with a win against Liverpool.

• Opponent: Liverpool

• Ranking in the competition: 9

• Possible end positions: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12

Sunderland: Sunderland can qualify for Europe if they beat Chelsea and Brentford fail to beat Liverpool.

• Opponent: Chelsea

• Ranking in the competition: 10

• Possible end positions: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12

Published on May 24, 2026