Premier League permutations: What Chelsea, Man City and Newcastle need to qualify for Champions League
The Premier League final day sees Manchester City, Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest battle it out to qualify for the Champions League.
Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham - by virtue of their Europa League win - are guaranteed a place at Europe's top table next season, but there are still three places up for grabs.
Usually, it would just be the top four that qualifies, but due to the performance of the Premier League club's in Europe this season, an additional place is the reward which will provide drama on the final day.
What is interesting is the aforementioned quintet of teams will be playing in Europe next season, but they are still unsure as to whether they will be playing on Tuesday/Wednesday or Thursday nights in 2025-26.
So it is all to play for and here we run you through the permutations for those sides.
Current position: 3rd
Final day fixture: Fulham (a)
A 3-1 win over Bournemouth in midweek was crucial for Pep Guardiola's side as it means they are in control of their own destiny.
Victory away at Fulham will confirm third place, whilst a point should also be enough for a top-five finish by virtue of a superior goal difference to Aston Villa.
But if City lose and the three teams directly below them in the table all win, they will finish sixth to play in the Europa League next season.
Current position: 4th
Final day fixture: Everton (h)
By beating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final in March, Newcastle are assured of a Conference League place for next season.
However, a win over Everton will be enough to secure Champions League football regardless of what happens elsewhere.
Failure to beat the Toffees would leave Eddie Howe's side at risk of dropping out of the top five. A draw means they would need Aston Villa to not win at Manchester United or Chelsea to draw with Nottingham Forest.
A loss leaves Newcastle needing Man Utd to beat Villa as this scenario would see them definitely fall behind either Chelsea or Forest regardless of the score in that match.
Current position: 5th
Final day fixture: Nottingham Forest (a)
It's a shootout for Champions League football at the City Ground on the final day.
Chelsea's task is straightforward; win and a top-five place is confirmed. That is unless Villa overturn run up a cricket score at Old Trafford for a 12-goal swing.
A draw for the Blues will also be enough as long as Villa don't beat Man Utd or Everton beat Newcastle.
Defeat to Forest almost certainly ends the Champions League dream as they would require the Magpies losing by three more goals than them to earn a reprieve.
Current position: 6th
Final day fixture: Manchester United (a)
Villa are the form team heading into the final day, but they're the one of two sides not in control of their destiny.
Facing the beaten Europa League finalists at the best possible time should give Unai Emery's side hope, but even victory over Man United may not be enough for Champions League football.
A win, however, will be enough for Villa if either Newcastle or Chelsea drop points, or if Man City lose.
If Villa draw, there is no scenario in which they can finish above both Forest and Chelsea so they would need Newcastle to lose at home to Everton.
Defeat at Old Trafford coupled with a Forest win pushes Villa down to seventh unless the Blues lose by a record scoreline.
Current position: 7th
Final day fixture: Chelsea (h)
At one point it seemed Forest were nailed on for Champions League qualification, but a dip in form at the worst possible stage of the season sees them start the day outside of the top-five.
Just like Villa, they have to win and hope for a favour - or two - from elsewhere. Beating Chelsea at home would only be half of the job as they would need one of Newcastle or Villa to not win their respective fixtures.
A draw would only be enough for a top-five finish if Villa lose and Newcastle also lose to Everton by at least 10 goals.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
29 minutes ago
- Newsweek
How to Watch North Macedonia vs Belgium: Live Stream FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, TV Channel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues this weekend with a number of UEFA games, including this one on Friday between Belgium and North Macedonia. North Macedonia currently leads Group J, putting it in position to qualify directly to the World Cup, though there's a lot of time still left to go. Belgium has yet to play a Group J match. Stole Dimitrievski of Macedonia looks on during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group C match between England and North Macedonia at Old Trafford on June 19, 2023 in Manchester, England. Stole Dimitrievski of Macedonia looks on during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group C match between England and North Macedonia at Old Trafford on June 19, 2023 in Manchester, England. Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images How to Watch North Macedonia vs Belgium Date: Friday, June 6, 2025 Time: 2:45 PM EDT Channel: Fubo Sports Stream: Fubo (Try for free) In the first set of matches in this group, North Macedonia picked up a 3-0 win over Liechtenstein, then followed that up with a 1-1 draw against Wales. That match was scoreless all the way into stoppage time before North Macedonia's Bojan Miovski, a forward for Girona in La Liga. However, Wales would quickly answer to force the draw. Belgium has yet to play a qualifying match because the team was playing in the Nations League during the first window. North Macedonia has gotten off to a strong start, but a World Cup berth would still be a surprise considering the team has never played in the tournament before. However, the team has been on a hot streak lately, winning six of its past seven games. Belgium has played in the past three World Cups and finished third back in 2018. However, the team is on a bit of a slide. It won its last match in March against Ukraine, but entered that game with five losses and a draw in the team's previous six contests. Live stream FIFA World Cup qualifiers with Fubo: Start your free trial now! Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Defiant Postecoglou proud of Spurs reign despite sacking
Ange Postecoglou insisted he was proud of his turbulent Tottenham reign despite being sacked on Friday as the Australian claimed he had defied the odds by ending the club's trophy drought. Postecoglou led Tottenham to their first silverware for 17 years just 16 days ago when they beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final in Bilbao. Advertisement But securing a lucrative place in next season's Champions League by winning Tottenham's first European prize since 1984 wasn't enough to save Postecoglou. The Australian paid the price for presiding over Tottenham's 17th place finish in the Premier League, which ranked as their worst top-flight season since they were relegated in 1976-77. Despite the numerous problems that rocked Tottenham during his two-season spell, including injuries to a host of key players, Postecoglou was adamant he had relished the battle to finally deliver a trophy in difficult circumstances. "There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible," the 59-year-old said in a statement after his sacking. Advertisement "When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride. "The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. "Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. "That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream." - 'We are forever connected' - Postecoglou, hired from Celtic exactly two years ago, endured months of speculation over his future as Tottenham spluttered through their dismal domestic campaign. Advertisement He had hoped Tottenham's first silverware since the 2008 League Cup would spare him from the axe. But Postecoglou returned from a family holiday in Greece to discover chairman Daniel Levy had made his ruthless move amid reports of the club's interest in Brentford boss Thomas Frank, Fulham manager Marco Silva and Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner. As his team slumped towards a woeful 22 defeats from 38 league games this term, Postecoglou clashed with Tottenham fans, who criticised his overly-attacking tactics. The Europa League triumph softened the relationship and he was serenaded on multiple occasions at the trophy parade, with players backing him to stay after a 4-1 home defeat against Brighton in what proved to be his last match. Advertisement Postecoglou, who delivered on his bold boast that he always wins a trophy in his second year, had jokingly told fans at the parade that the third season is always better than the second in television programmes, a reference to his desire to stay in charge. He won't get that opportunity, but he believes his successor will benefit from his work in north London. "We have laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them," he said. "I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. I know there were some difficult times but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on. Advertisement "I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. We are forever connected." smg/mw
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Luis Diaz Admits he is ‘Talking to Other Clubs' with Liverpool Future Uncertain
Luis Diaz Sends Message to Liverpool After Barcelona Bid Rejected Luis Diaz has broken his silence following Liverpool's rejection of an approach from Barcelona, raising fresh questions over his long-term future at Anfield. With two years left on his current contract and no breakthrough in renewal talks, the Colombian international has left the door ajar for potential movement this summer. Advertisement Earlier this week, The Athletic's David Ornstein reported that Barcelona had submitted a bid for Diaz, which was swiftly dismissed by Liverpool. The club's top brass, led by Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, are believed to have taken a firm 'not for sale' stance on the 28-year-old, consistent with Paul Joyce's claim that there's no active plan to offload him. However, what's more intriguing than the failed offer is the player's reaction. Photo: IMAGO Diaz Speaks Out: 'We are talking with other clubs' On international duty with Colombia, Diaz was quizzed about the speculation during a press conference and his answer was anything but evasive. Advertisement 'We are talking with other clubs. It's normal in the transfer window and we're looking at the best for us. If they offer us a good renewal or I stay there for the two years [of his current contract], I'll be happy. Now it's up to them,' he told FCF Media, as relayed by Pipe Sierra. These comments are as much a statement of intent as they are a negotiation strategy. By highlighting that conversations with other clubs are ongoing, Diaz has effectively nudged Liverpool's hierarchy, indicating a willingness to stay but not at any cost. Liverpool's Next Move Under Slot Diaz's words will surely be noticed. This is no longer a club in limbo. Under Arne Slot, Liverpool reclaimed the Premier League title in his debut campaign, injecting a sense of clarity and ambition around the club. Retaining key players like Diaz must now be seen as crucial to sustaining this momentum. Advertisement Slot will want stability in his attacking options, and Diaz, known for his direct play and tactical discipline, fits the profile. But football economics are ever present. Barcelona's interest, while ultimately unsuccessful, hints that there are suitors who view Diaz as a viable marquee signing. Contract Dilemma Reflects Wider Strategic Shift Liverpool have seen this script before. Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk used public platforms to pressure the club during their respective contract stand-offs, before eventually extending their stays. It appears Diaz may be employing a similar tactic. The message from the Colombian winger is clear: he's not forcing a move, but he's certainly listening. His statement, 'It's up to them,' places the responsibility squarely on the club. The implication? If Liverpool truly value him, it's time to show it — with a contract that reflects his status in the squad. In the modern game, loyalty often walks hand in hand with leverage. Whether this ends with a new deal or increased tension will depend on how swiftly the club acts. One thing is certain — Luis Diaz has made his position known, and Barcelona will be watching closely.
