Premier League race for Champions League qualification: Key fixtures, contenders, predictions as giants scrap

The race for Champions League qualification is hot and there are some huge Premier League clubs scrapping away to finish in the top five, with five spots in the Champions League for 2026-27 set for teams in the Premier League . MORE — Latest Premier League table With the title race down to Arsenal and Manchester City, there are another half-dozen or so behind them all involved in an almighty battle for three spots in the UEFA Champions League. Things are made even spicier by the fact that Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest could both qualify for next season's Champions League even if they don't finish in the top five of the Premier League by virtue of winning the Europa League.

MORE — Premier League prize money table: How does it work? Below we look at everything you need to know regarding the Premier League's race for Champions League qualification and reveal the five teams we think will qualify. Current Champions League race, latest table Arsenal — 21-7-3, +39 GD, 70 points Manchester City — 18-7-5, +32 GD, 61 points Manchester United — 15-10-6, +13 GD, 55 points Aston Villa — 16-6-9, +5 GD, 54 points Liverpool — 14-7-10, +8 GD, 49 points — GUARANTEED CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOT — Explainer In the hunt...

6. Chelsea — 13-9-9, +15 GD, 48 points 7. Brentford — 13-7-11, +4 GD, 46 points 8.

Everton — 13-7-11, +2 GD, 46 points 9. Fulham — 13-5-13, -1 GD, 44 points 10. Brighton — 11-10-10, +4 GD, 43 points 11.