The Premier League could seal a fifth Champions League spot this evening, despite Liverpool’s exit from the competition on Tuesday night. All eyes will be on tonight’s European action, with England guaranteed to land an extra place should Italian sides fail to progress in the Europa League and Conference League.
After the success of Arsenal and Aston Villa in the Champions League, with both sides through the quarter-final stage, England’s European ranking remains the strongest of all the elite leagues. That means that as things stand, the Premier League is firmly on course to be awarded a fifth place in the Champions League next season, which will go to the side finishing in fifth spot in the table.
While it is likely to be confirmed by the end of the season, it could happen as soon as tonight should two of the three Serie A sides still in European competition falter. That would mean Italy would not catch England and Spain’s La Liga, who currently lead the UEFA coefficient rankings.
Lazio are looking good bets to go through in their Europa League game against Viktoria Plzen, holding a 2-1 lead ahead of tonight’s second leg at the Stadio Olimpico. However, Fiorentina must overturn a 3-2 defecit at home to Panathanikos in the Conference League, while Roma go to Athletic Bilbao 2-1 ahead following their Europa League first leg.
UEFA work out the ranking by awarding two points for every win and a point for a draw, then dividing that total by the number of teams from that country competing in European competitions. To that end, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham’s continued participation in Europe this season will only continue to boost the Premier League’s cause.
Germany and Italy benefitted last season, with Bologna and Borussia Dortmund earning Champions League places, with Newcastle United hoping to seal a top-five spot this term. Competition remains fiece, however, with just nine points separating Nottingham Forest in third and Fulham in 10th.
Eddie Howe’s side are currently sixth in the table, level on points with fifth-placed Manchester City and just two points behind Chelsea in fourth. United aren’t in Premier League action this weekend due to Sunday’s Carabao Cup final date with Liverpool, of course, with several of their rivals facing each other. Chelsea go to Arsenal on Sunday, Manchester City host Brighton on Saturday afternoon and Bournemouth take on Brentford in the Saturday 5.30pm slot.
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View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/premier-league-can-secure-fifth-31189574
