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The race for Europe: which English clubs can qualify, how, and who needs what
TL;DR
Eight English clubs are set to qualify for European competitions next season, including four for the Champions League and two for the Europa League. The qualification process is influenced by league positions and cup performances.
Key points
- Eight English teams will play in European competitions next season
- Four Champions League spots are awarded by league position
- One Europa League spot is awarded by league position
- FA Cup winners may secure a Europa League spot
- Carabao Cup winners can qualify for the Conference League
Manchester CityArsenalManchester UnitedAston Villa
With the end of the season approaching, itâs time again to try to get your head around the ever more complex rules that determine whether your club may qualify for Europe. But there will definitely be eight English teams playing continental football next season, and maybe more. The bad news is that if you own a multi-club network youâre too late to place your shareholding in a blind trust. Sorry, but I donât make the rules, just attempt to interpret them.
How many European places are up for grabs for English clubs?
Right now, eight. Which breaks down as follows: four Champions League places awarded by league position, plus a fifth guaranteed as a result of English success in Europe this season (this is known as a European performance spot or EPS); two spaces in the Europa League, one awarded by league position, the other (in principle) to the winners of the FA Cup; and a final space in qualifying for the Conference League, awarded (in principle) to the winners of the Carabao Cup.
So if the Premier League finished today, who would qualify and where?
Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Liverpool would make the Champions League, by league position. Sixth place, currently Brighton, would earn a place in the Europa League and seventh, currently Bournemouth, would be in the Conference League. The final place, that second Europa League spot tied to the FA Cup, will be decided in due course, but if City win it the place would pass down the league meaning both sixth and seventh qualify for the Europa League and eighth would be in the Conference League, which currently means Chelsea, who would surely relish the chance to reclaim the trophy they won last season.
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Man City | 33 | 37 |
Q&A
How many Champions League spots are available for English clubs?
There are four Champions League spots available for English clubs based on league position, plus a fifth guaranteed through European performance.
Which teams would qualify for Europe if the Premier League ended today?
If the Premier League finished today, Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Liverpool would qualify for the Champions League.
What determines the Europa League qualification for English clubs?
One Europa League spot is awarded based on league position, while the other is typically awarded to the FA Cup winners.
How can a team qualify for the Conference League?
A team can qualify for the Conference League by winning the Carabao Cup, which awards the final qualifying spot.
