Aston Villa could have a major impact on the Premier League’s European qualification places if they win the Europa League and finish fifth in the table.
The Europa League winners automatically qualify for the following season’s Champions League. However, England has already secured an extra Champions League place through UEFA’s European Performance Spot system after strong performances from Premier League clubs in Europe this season.
Why sixth place could become a Champions League spot
If Villa finish fifth and also lift the Europa League trophy, their qualification through winning the competition would come separately from the Premier League allocation.
That scenario would create an extra Champions League place for England, meaning the team finishing sixth in the Premier League would also qualify for Europe’s top competition next season.
As things stand, AFC Bournemouth occupy sixth place and would benefit directly if Villa complete that outcome.
What happens if Villa finish fourth instead
If Villa end the campaign in fourth place and win the Europa League, the situation changes completely.
In that case, no extra Champions League slot would be created because Villa would already have qualified through their league position. Sixth place would then qualify for the Europa League rather than the Champions League.
Final-day battle still wide open
Villa remain in fourth place heading into the final weekend, but Liverpool FC are still capable of overtaking them.
At the same time, Bournemouth are under pressure from Brighton & Hove Albion FC in the battle for sixth position.
The final round of fixtures could therefore determine whether sixth place earns a Europa League spot or unexpectedly becomes a route into the Champions League.