Fierce battle for the Champions League
Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Chelsea are fighting for three places in Europe's top competition
With the Premier League virtually assured of an extra place thanks to the good performance of its teams in European competitions, four teams will be fighting for the last three places that give access to the next Champions League. Arsenal and Manchester City are already assured of their places, barring a catastrophe.
Manchester United and Aston Villa currently have 51 points to their name. Both are three points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool and six points ahead of Chelsea, who are sixth and the first of the teams that would miss out on Europe's top competition. Brentford, with 43 points, can still dream, while Everton and Fulham, with 40, would have to be near perfect in the remaining ten games.
Premier League standings after matchday 28
- Arsenal 64 points (one game in hand)
- Manchester City 59 points
- Manchester United 51 points
- Aston Villa 51 points
- Liverpool 48 points
- Chelsea 45 points
- Brentford 43 points
- Everton 40 points
- Fulham 40 points
Becoming European champions, another route to the Champions League
Therefore, barring a major surprise, one of Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Chelsea will miss out on the Champions League. At least in terms of the places allocated through the Premier League. It would be truly surprising if Brentford, Everton or Fulham were to secure a place in Europe's top competition.
In this regard, Manchester United is under the most pressure. On the one hand, because they have not played in European competition this season and did not play in the Champions League last year either. The Old Trafford side cannot afford another season without being among the best teams in Europe. Furthermore, their only chance is to qualify via the Premier League.
The other three clubs have another option: to become European champions. Liverpool and Chelsea are in the Champions League, so if they are crowned European champions, they will be guaranteed a place in next season's top continental competition. However, this is the most difficult route and they are not the favourites. Aston Villa are the most likely to win in Europe, as they are one of the favourites to win the Europa League.
