An enticing Premier League season is about to conclude on Sunday at 16:00 GMT, where all 20 teams will play their final games of the season.
While there are some fascinating storylines already brewing heading into Sunday, several clubs are still fighting for the significant positions in the league. Six teams are among the mix for Europe, whether to confirm their spot or even qualify, while two more are looking to avoid the ignominy of relegation.
As we approach Sunday’s dramatic final day of Premier League play, Football Lowdown previews the teams who are still fighting for something of note, and who needs what.
Battle for Champions League: Liverpool (59 points), Bournemouth (56), Brighton (53)
There is a very intriguing situation playing out in the Premier League for the remaining Champions League spot(s). Liverpool and Bournemouth have already guaranteed themselves at least Europa League football, but one (or both) could still enter the UCL instead.
As things stand, the outgoing champions are in the most ideal situation. They hold a three-point gap, meaning that if they avoid defeat at home to Brentford, and/or Bournemouth does not beat Nottingham Forest away, they will lock down a top five spot and qualify for the UCL. Even if Liverpool does lose and Bournemouth wins, the Cherries would have to overcome a six-goal swing in goal difference. With that said, a playoff could ensue between the teams if they finish level on points and have an identical GD, albeit highly unlikely.
Things get even more interesting when considering that sixth spot could even lead to Champions League football. Aston Villa, who won the Europa League on Wednesday, currently sits fourth. If they lose to Manchester City and Liverpool wins, then the Villans would end up in fifth spot. Due to England winning a European Performance Spot, which is passed down to the highest ranked team in the league not already qualified for the UCL (Villa earned that spot as UEL winners), then sixth would end up being enough to play in Europe’s premier club competition.
If Villa does not end up in fifth, then sixth will be a UEL berth. This means that should Liverpool end up sixth, they would definitely qualify for the UEL, since they are the only team who can pass Villa.
It is important to note that should sixth be a UCL spot, the UEL place originally attached would not be passed down to the seventh place team, and would be vacated entirely.
Bournemouth can only be passed for sixth place by Brighton, who takes on Manchester United. The Seagulls would have to win, while the Cherries would need to lose in order for there to be a chance in position.
Battle for Europe: Brighton (43), Chelsea (42), Brentford (42), Sunderland (41)
Four teams are left competing for the Premier League’s last two European places, as seventh spot will lead to a UEL place, while eighth enters the Conference League. While Crystal Palace cannot qualify for Europe via the Prem, they could make it nine places for English teams if they win the UECL final next week.
Brighton may still have hopes of UCL football, but they have yet to lock down a place in Europe at all. That will chance if they beat United, and/or if Brentford loses at Anfield. Seventh will surely be the Seagulls’ with a win, or if their game ends level, and those below them all drop points. They have the best goal difference of the lot, which could come in handy for them in this race.
Eighth will be theirs should they draw, Brentford does not win, and there is a winner between Chelsea and Sunderland, who face each other. They can still finish in eighth with a defeat, but would either need Brentford to lose, or Chelsea to draw. In the latter scenario, Brighton must lose by one goal.
Chelsea has a four-goal advantage over Brentford, meaning a win for the Blues will surely lock up a top eight place. They will pass Brighton for seventh if the Seagulls do not win, or if they lose, Chelsea draws, and Brentford does not win. Here, the FA Cup finalists would need Brighton to lose by multiple goals to jump ahead of them.
For Brentford to qualify for Europe for the first time, they need to beat Liverpool. Any other result will not be enough, unless they draw and Brighton loses by at least six goals. That would see them end up in eighth. Otherwise, a win from the Bees, coupled by a Sunderland win or draw and a Brighton draw or loss will send them to the UEL. If only one of those scenarios occur, then it will be UECL football for them.
In a similar vein, Sunderland will not only need to win, but also get some help if they are to sneak into a European place at the last. Having already enjoyed a wonderful return to the Premier League, it could even get better for The Black Cats. A win at home to Chelsea, coupled with a Brentford draw or loss and a Brighton defeat would send them to the UEL, However, if only one of those pans out, then it will be enough for them to make it to the UECL.
Relegation Battle: Tottenham (38), West Ham (36)
We conclude with the battle to avoid the drop, which is down to just two clubs. Tottenham and West Ham are in a situation neither would want to be in at this point. It is a matter of trying to avoid relegation to the Championship, where Burnley and Wolves are already heading for 2026/27.
Two points separate the London sides, though Spurs have the edge here. Their situation is not complex at all: take a point at home to Everton, and they will be safe. Given they have a vastly superior goal difference to West Ham, the two finishing level on points would still be enough for Tottenham to remain in the division. There is no playoff situation here, unlike the Serie A.
West Ham, who has been in the league since 2012/13, will need to pull off the great escape. Not only do the Irons require a victory at home to Leeds United, but they also need a favour from Everton to defeat Tottenham. If this happens, they will be a Premier League team in 2026/27. Any other scenario, however, and their 14-year stay in the league is over.
