European football permutations explained as Man City and Crystal Palace prepare for FA Cup final clash

WATCH NOW: Paul Coyte discusses the latest sports news May 15 2025

Ben McCaffrey

By Ben McCaffrey


Published: 15/05/2025

- 13:04

Up to ten teams could qualify for Europe next year

With so many potential routes into Europe, and three different European competitions, the permutations for Premier League clubs to qualify is a little complicated.

Despite a largely anticlimactic end to the Premier League season, with both the title and relegation spots already decided, the race for European football has grabbed the eyes of spectators.


England has been very successful in Europe this year, with three sides gearing up for European finals, meaning that the top eight in the league could qualify for European football via the league.

The easiest route to Europe is through the top-flight. This year, the top five will qualify for the Champions League as a result of the coefficient - basically, the best two performing countries in European competitions will get an extra space.

The top five in the Premier League will automatically qualify for the Champions League

PA

This season, the spaces went to England (Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have all got to at least the semi-finals this year), with the other going to Spain (who had Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao and Real Betis).

This means sixth-place will now receive Europa League qualification, as will the winner of the FA Cup.

Seventh will qualify for the Conference League, along with the winners of the Carabao Cup, Newcastle.

JUST IN: FIFA chief insists United Kingdom must host World Cup - 'It is time'

Newcastle confirmed Conference League qualification in February with their Carabao Cup win

PA

However, with Manchester City in the final of the FA Cup and fourth in the league, similar to Newcastle who won the Carabao Cup, and both teams currently in the top five therefore qualifying for the Champions League instead, an extra spot would go to the league.

This means the team in eighth place has a real chance of European football. Brentford currently lead the chase on goal difference, with Brighton, Bournemouth and Fulham not far behind.

Overall, the league could have a total of 10 teams in Europe next season.

This would include the top six, Chelsea (as Conference League winners) in seventh meaning that eighth would get Conference League qualification, as well as Crystal Palace via the FA Cup and Manchester United or Spurs through the Europa League.

READ MORE: Sean Dyche, 53, reveals pitch for Man United job with pressure mounting on Ruben Amorim amid dire season

Granted, it is more unlikely that Crystal Palace will win the FA Cup, although based on their performance against Aston Villa in the semi-final they have every chance, meaning the most likely scenario would be nine Premier League teams in Europe.

With seventh and above already confirming European football as it is, one extra spot seems probable.

What is for certain: England will have six clubs competing in the Champions League next campaign.

For most, qualification for the Champions League via the league table is the only route, and just four points separate third-place Newcastle from Nottingham Forest in seventh. This is important for Chelsea, too, who will only qualify for the Europa League should they win the Conference League.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

Nottingham Forest confirmed seventh-place last weekend, but are looking to break into the top five

PA

For Manchester United and Spurs, their final represents a chance to save a largely disappointing season with the promise of Champions League football next campaign.

Newcastle look set to pass their Conference League qualification on by qualifying for the Champions League through the league. Manchester City have the opportunity to do similar with the FA Cup.

Chelsea will be looking to stay in the top five for Champions League football, but have the chance to secure Europa League football by finishing sixth or winning the Conference League.

Aston Villa are level with Chelsea, and will be looking to push into the top five for Champions League qualification, as will Nottingham Forest who are one point behind.

Brentford, Brighton, Bournemouth and Fulham are set to battle it out for eighth - which could provide Conference League football.

Finally, Crystal Palace will be hoping to win the FA Cup which would send them into the Europa League.

Pretty easy, no?