Context:

The race for Champions League spots intensifies as Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, faces pressure after a goalless draw against Southampton, leaving them only two points ahead of Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa. Liverpool is the only team to have secured a place, with Arsenal likely to join soon, while Manchester City could find themselves outside the top five as their rivals play additional matches before their next game. There will be nine Premier League teams in European competitions next season due to strong performances, with potential for six in the Champions League, influenced by the Europa League final outcome between Manchester United and Tottenham. Teams like Brentford, Brighton, Bournemouth, and Fulham are competing for eighth place, which might be sufficient for a European spot, depending on the results of the FA Cup and Conference League. Chelsea has a chance to secure a Europa League spot if they win the Conference League, but their league position could alter the European landscape significantly, affecting allocations for the Europa and Conference Leagues.

Dive Deeper:

• Manchester City is in a tight race for a Champions League spot, only two points ahead of Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa after a 0-0 draw with Southampton. Pep Guardiola acknowledges the challenge, emphasizing the need to fight until the end of the season.

• Liverpool is the only team to have secured a Champions League spot so far, with Arsenal likely to follow. Manchester City faces the risk of dropping out of the top five as their competitors play additional matches before their next fixture against Bournemouth.

• The European competition structure for next season will include nine Premier League teams, an increase from the usual seven, due to their strong performances this season. Six teams could qualify for the Champions League, depending on the outcomes of league matches and the Europa League final.

• Brentford, Brighton, Bournemouth, and Fulham are all vying for a possible eighth-place finish in the league, which could be enough to secure a European spot. The outcome of the FA Cup and Conference League will play a crucial role in determining final allocations.

• Chelsea's performance in the Conference League final against Real Betis could significantly impact English teams' European spots. If Chelsea wins the Conference League and finishes in the top five, it would alter the distribution of spots between the Europa and Conference Leagues.

• The FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace also holds importance for European qualifications, with Crystal Palace potentially earning a Europa League spot if they win.

• Chelsea's and Manchester United's performances in their respective finals could lead to changes in the allocation of European spots, with potential scenarios affecting both the Europa and Conference Leagues, depending on their outcomes and league standings.