Bournemouth strengthened their push for a historic first European campaign by beating Fulham 1-0 away on Saturday. Brighton also kept their hopes alive of returning to continental competition.
The Cherries, who sat 21st in League Two in 2008-09, now hold sixth place with two matches left. That position would secure a Champions League spot if Aston Villa finish fifth and win the Europa League final against Freiburg on 20 May. As a result, the Vitality Stadium – with a capacity of roughly 11,200 – could host sides like Paris St-Germain and Real Madrid next season.
Brighton are seventh on 53 points, two behind Bournemouth and five adrift of Villa, after a comfortable 3-0 home win over relegated Wolves. The Seagulls reached the Europa League last 16 in 2023-24, beating Ajax home and away as well as Marseille.
Three Premier League clubs have reached European finals this season: Arsenal in the Champions League, Aston Villa in the Europa League, and Crystal Palace in the Conference League.
What will be enough for Europe?
Up to nine Premier League clubs could feature in Europe next season – six in the Champions League, two in the Europa League, and one in the Conference League. The top five are guaranteed a spot in Europe’s elite competition. Sixth will also secure a Champions League place if Aston Villa finish fifth and win the Europa League. If Manchester City beat Chelsea in next Saturday’s FA Cup final, the Europa League spot would pass to seventh, with the eighth-placed team entering the Conference League.
Who can qualify?
Leaders Arsenal, second-placed Manchester City, and third-placed Manchester United are already assured of Champions League football next season. Liverpool are four points clear of Bournemouth in sixth with six points left to play for, putting them on the verge of a top-five finish. Aston Villa sit a point further back in fifth but will back themselves to secure Champions League qualification.
With Brentford losing to Manchester City on Saturday, Bournemouth are in prime position to claim sixth – and either Champions League or Europa League football. Brighton, two points behind, remain in the fight.
Remaining fixtures
Aston Villa and Liverpool – both chasing Champions League qualification – meet at Villa Park next Friday, 15 May (20:00 BST). Arne Slot’s side would seal their place with a win. Before that, Villa, one point behind Liverpool on 58 points, travel to already-relegated Burnley on Sunday (14:00).
Bournemouth host title-chasing Manchester City on 19 May (19:30), then finish the season at Nottingham Forest, who are battling to stay up. Brighton face Leeds United (also fighting for survival) on 17 May, then host Manchester United on the final day. Brentford, four points behind Bournemouth, host Crystal Palace on 17 May before visiting Liverpool.
