New Delhi: As the Premier League season reaches its dramatic conclusion, the race for Europe heats up. The five teams are in a fierce battle for just three remaining Champions League spots. With Liverpool already crowned champions and Arsenal securing their place in Europe’s top competition after a narrow win over Newcastle, the stage is set for a thrilling final day showdown.
Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa all sit on 66 points while Manchester City and Nottingham Forest are just a point behind on 65. Thanks to the Premier League’s strong performance in European competitions this season, England will have five Champions League spots up for grabs instead of the usual four. But with so many teams still in the hunt, the final weekend of this season promises twists, tension, and likely a few tears.
Arsenal’s win over Newcastle secures Champions League football for the Gunners next season! 💪#ARSNEW pic.twitter.com/Wlttr0z6KV
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 18, 2025
The defending champions, Manchester City, are currently sixth in the Premier League standings. They recently lost the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace and will look to bounce back stronger. They are in the strongest position among the chasing pack, having a game in hand as they face Bournemouth at home on Tuesday. A win there would take them to 68 points and push them into a much more comfortable position heading into the final weekend. They will then travel to Fulham on the final day, knowing two wins would guarantee their spot in the Champions League next season.
Newcastle still in control
Eddie Howe’s side, Newcastle United, who have already secured at least a place in the Conference League after winning the Carabao Cup, will be disappointed with their recent loss to Arsenal. That result meant they missed a chance to virtually seal qualification. However, they still remain in the top five and know a win at home against Everton on Sunday will almost certainly see them through.
Speaking after the defeat to Arsenal, Howe acknowledged the fine margins, saying, “We weren’t in a great spot halfway through the season. The lads have worked hard to get here. It’s really close, and we have got to stay focused for one last game at home.”
Chelsea and Forest face off in a decider
Chelsea, who have shown strong form in the second half of the season, will travel to the City Ground to take on a revitalised Nottingham Forest. Forest’s 2-1 win over West Ham has kept their European hopes alive. They now need to beat Chelsea and hope that at least one of the teams above them drops points.
Only one point spilts third and seventh!
Three teams will join Liverpool and Arsenal in the top five and qualify for the Champions League. Who do you think it will be? 👀 pic.twitter.com/dsUgwmf1GK
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 18, 2025
With their Conference League final against Real Betis also looming, Chelsea could still have a huge influence on the European landscape, depending on where they finish in the league and whether they win in Wroclaw later this month.
Villa hope for a favour
Aston Villa have perhaps the toughest ask as they have to beat Manchester United at Old Trafford and hope results elsewhere fall in their favour. Despite the challenge, Unai Emery’s side have remained competitive throughout the season and will look to finish strongly.
European puzzle beyond the ‘Top Five’
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace’s FA Cup triumph has secured them a Europa League spot. Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win guarantees them at least a Conference League berth, unless they finish in the top six, in which case seventh place would qualify instead.
It gets even more complex if Chelsea finish seventh and win the Conference League final. In that case, they will go into the Europa League and allow the eighth-placed side to take the final Conference League place.
Currently, Brentford hold eighth, just ahead of Brighton on goal difference. Fulham and Bournemouth are still in with a shout, depending on their remaining fixtures and those all-important games in hand.
The fixtures that will decide it all
Newcastle host Everton,
Chelsea travel to Nottingham Forest,
Aston Villa face Manchester United away,
Manchester City have two matches left – Bournemouth (H) and Fulham (A),
Nottingham Forest will host Chelsea.
For the Conference League puzzle:
Brentford play Wolves away,
Brighton face Liverpool and Spurs,
Fulham take on Manchester City,
Bournemouth meet City and Leicester.
With so many possibilities still in play, the final day of the Premier League promises to be full of drama. All the fans will be glued to their screens as five clubs dream of Champions League tickets.
Five Premier League teams are battling for three Champions League spots on the final day as only one point splits third and seventh place team. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
