UCL 2025–26 Qualification Scenario – Which Premier League Teams Are on the Verge of Qualifying?

With Liverpool and Arsenal Leading, the Battle Intensifies Among the Rest Teams in the Top Six for Coveted UCL Spots.

The 2024-25 football season approaches its climax, and the race for Champions League qualification has become more intense than ever in the Premier League. Liverpool have already won the league. Thus, confirming their place in the next Champions League edition. Arsenal at second place also seem firmly positioned.

However, even the Gunners are not out of the running for the top six spot. Only four points separate them and Chelsea in fifth position. Nottingham Forest are also pushing for a spot, not far behind in sixth position. Depending on the results in the ongoing Europa League, the spots have expand as well.

🏆 LIVERPOOL ARE CHAMPIONS! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/FLi2MqaWJD
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 27, 2025

Liverpool and Arsenal: Virtually Assured

Liverpool have already won the Premier League. They’re leading the table with 82 points from 35 matches. Hence they have already secured their seat in the Champions League next season.

Arsenal are in second place with 67 points from the same amount of matches. They are also almost certain to secure Champions League berths. However, with still 3 matches to play, the Gunners cannot let up.

Arsenal Remaining Games:

Away match vs Liverpool – May 11
Home match vs Newcastle United – May 18
Away match vs Southampton – May 25

Also Read: Mikel Arteta Confirms Arsenal Will Give Liverpool Guard of Honour at Anfield

Nottingham Forest and Newcastle: Surprise Contenders

Nottingham Forest are having a remarkable season so far. Not very long ago, they were occupying third position in the league table. However, after losing a significant amount of points in their last few matches, they’re currently in sixth position with 61 points from 35 points.

Whereas, Newcastle United are in fourth position with 63 points from 35 games. Both clubs are in strong positions to qualify. However, a lot will depend on their own as well as other teams’ results. Especially considering they have some tough matches against Chelsea, Arsenal, and more.

Newcastle United Remaining Games:

Home match vs Chelsea – May 11
Away match vs Arsenal – May 18
Home match vs Everton – May 25

Nottingham Forest Remaining Games:

Home match vs Leicester City – May 11
Away match vs West Ham United – May 18
Home match vs Chelsea – May 25

Manchester City and Chelsea: Experienced Challengers

Manchester City are currently in third position with 64 points from 35 matches, while Chelsea are in fifth position, tied to Newcastle in fourth with the same 63 points. Their experience in top-flight football as well as in the European competitions could prove vital in this final stretch.

Also Read: Pep Guardiola Calls Season 2024-25 To Be His Toughest One Yet

With the competition so close at this point, they can’t afford to lose in their last three matches. However, that won’t be easy considering the opponents they will be facing. Compared to Man City, Chelsea will have some tougher opponents. They still have matches against Newcastle, Man United, and Nottingham left to be played.

Manchester City Remaining EPL Games:

Away match vs Southampton – May 10
Home match vs Bournemouth – May 21
Away match vs Fulham – May 25

Chelsea Remaining EPL Games:

Away match vs Newcastle United – May 11
Home match vs Manchester United – May 18
Away match vs Nottingham Forest – May 25

European Success Could Expand Opportunities

The Premier League have already benefited from an extra Champions League spot, credit to their teams’ strong performances in European competitions. With both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur reaching the Europa League final, Premier League teams now have a better chance to qualify for next season’s European competitions. As of now, the top six teams will qualify for next season’s Champions League. The two teams following will qualify for the Europa League and the Conference League.

Arsenal

Champions League

Chelsea

Liverpool

Manchester City

Newcastle United

nottingham forest

Premier League

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.