What Top Premier League Clubs Need to Qualify for the Champions League 2025-26?

Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest Face High-Stakes Showdowns

The 2024–25 Premier League season is set to conclude on Sunday afternoon with all the clubs set to clash at the same time throughout the country. Liverpool and Arsenal have already secured their places at the top two spots of the league. With that, they’ve also sealed their places in the Champions League next season.

Now, five clubs—Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest—are battling for the remaining three UCL 2025-26 spots. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have already clinched a berth as they won the Europa League against Manchester United only a few days ago.

Only three more teams can join Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs in the Champions League next season.

Who will make it? pic.twitter.com/w1VckRqZfE
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 25, 2025

Manchester City

Citizens are in third position going into the last matchweek, with 68 points with a +26 goal difference. They will play their final game against Fulham on the road. They are two points ahead of Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Aston Villa, all tied on 66 points.

A win or a draw against Fulham guarantees them a Champions League qualification spot. However, a loss could see them drop out of the top five entirely if the trio trailing them win their respective matches and goal differences shift unfavorably.

Qualification Scenarios:

Win: Secure third place and Champions League qualification spot.
Draw: Secure any position between third to fifth, ensuring qualification.
Loss: Risk falling out of the top five if Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa all win.

Chelsea

The Blues are currently in fifth position with 66 points and a +20 goal difference. They will be playing their last game of this season against Nottingham Forest on the road. Chelsea are level on points with both Newcastle and Aston Villa. However, they’re currently trailing Newcastle by only +2 goal difference.

A win against Nottingham will secure them a top-five finish. A draw could suffice if Aston Villa fail to beat Manchester United or if Newcastle lose to Everton. A loss would likely eliminate them from Champions League contention unless Newcastle lose their match by three or more goals and Aston Villa lose their match as well.

Also Read: Fulham vs Manchester City, Premier League Fixture – Preview, Team News, Predicted Lineups, and More

Qualification Scenarios:

Win: Guarantee top-five finish and Champions League qualification.
Draw: Qualify if either team between Aston Villa and Newcastle lose their respective games.
Loss: Unlikely to qualify unless Newcastle lose by a significant margin.

Newcastle United

The Magpies are in fourth position in the league table with 66 points and a +22 goal difference. They will play their final game of the season at home against Everton. Newcastle are leading both Chelsea and Aston Villa on goal difference. A win over Everton ensures them a top-five finish.

A draw might be enough if either Chelsea or Villa fail to win their respective games. A loss could see them drop out of the top five if both Chelsea and Villa win. However, if both Chelsea and Villa lose, the Magpies still stand a chance to qualify even if they lose against Everton.

Qualification Scenarios:

Win: Secure top-five finish and Champions League spot.
Draw: Qualify if either Chelsea or Aston Villa don’t win.
Loss: Risk elimination if Chelsea and Aston Villa both win. Can still qualify if Chelsea and Villa both lose.

Aston Villa

Villa are currently in sixth position in the league table, going into their last game with 66 points and a mere +9 goal difference. They will play their final game on the road at Old Trafford against Manchester United. Aston Villa’s inferior goal difference puts them at a disadvantage.

A win against Manchester United is essential to keep their Champions League hopes alive. However, even then they will only be able to qualify if either Chelsea ot Newcastle lose. A draw would only suffice if both Newcastle lose and Chelsea draw or lose. They will completely fall out of the equation of they lose against Man United.

Also Read: Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea Premier League – Injury News, Match Preview and Predicted Line-Ups

Qualification Scenarios:

Win: Potentially qualify, depending on either Newcastle or Chelsea lose.
Draw: Unlikely to qualify unless Newcastle lose and Chelsea don’t win.
Loss: Eliminated from Champions League contention.

Nottingham Forest

The Tricky Trees are the final team in this race, sitting in seventh position in the league table with a chance to qualify for the Champions League. They are boasting 65 points with a +13 goal difference.

They will be taking on Chelsea in their final game at home. Nottingham Forest must win against Chelsea. Even then, they will have to hope that both Newcastle and Aston Villa drop points for them to break into the top five.

Qualification Scenarios:

Win: Qualify if Newcastle and Aston Villa fail to win.
Draw or Loss: Eliminated from Champions League contention.

Aston Villa

Champions League

Chelsea

Manchester City

Newcastle United

nottingham forest

Premier League

UCL 2025-26

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.