How Many Premier League Teams Can Qualify For Europe? Explained In Detail

The race for European places in the Premier League is heating up as several teams can clinch a spot in the continental tournaments depending on several scenarios. While Liverpool are yet to guarantee a Champions League spot despite sitting fifth, 13th-placed Fulham also retain an interest in European competition. However, how many teams can qualify for Europe from the Premier League? Here’s a detailed look.

While there is no straight answer to the question, things are more complicated because of Aston Villa’s Premier League position and their bid to win the Europa League.

Case 1: If Villa finish fifth and win Europa League

Aston Villa, currently fourth in Premier League standings, could finish fifth if they lose to Man City and Liverpool beat Brentford on Sunday. However, if Villa win the Europa League while finishing fifth in the Premier League table, that will mean six English teams will qualify for the Champions League.

Case 2: If Villa finish fourth and win Europa League or lose Europa League final

If Aston Villa finish fourth and win the Europa League, then only the Premier League top five will qualify for the Champions League. Also, if Villa lose both the Europa League final and the Sunday fixture to Man City, they will qualify for the Champions League as part of the top five. In case two, only five English teams qualify for the Champions League.

Case 3: If Villa finish fourth and win Europa League or lose Europa League final

After Man City won both the FA Cup and the League Cup and Pep Guardiola’s side set to finish in the top two, the European spots reserved for cup winners were passed to the league positions. This means teams finishing sixth and seventh will be reserved for the Europa League (Case 2) and the team finishing eighth will qualify for the Conference League. In case Crystal Palace win their Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano, they will join the Premier League top eight, taking England’s overall tally to nine teams in Europe next season.

Case 4: If Villa finish fifth and win Europa League

If European spots reserved for cup winners are added to the league positions and Case 1 is considered, then a total of 10 teams can qualify for Europe from England. Assuming Villa win the Europa League and finish fifth, the Premier League’s top six will qualify for the Champions League. Adding two Europa League spots and the Conference League spots while assuming Crystal Palace win the Conference League, England could have 10 teams playing in Europe next season.