Six unlikely Premier League teams battling for Champions League qualification

Only one of these underdog clubs has a chance to secure a spot in the UCL.

At least five teams can qualify for the UEFA Champions League from the English top division. But if a sixth team need to secure a spot in the UCL, at least two events must take place.

The Unai Emery-led Aston Villa are in fifth place on the English Premier League points table at the moment and they need to finish where they currently are. The Villans should also go on to win the UEFA Europa League title. Due to their performances in the ongoing season, they are the favourites to win the European competition.

Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa are most likely to end in the top five in the English top division. Those finishing in the top 5 will be guaranteed to compete in the Champions League next season.

There is still a chance that a sixth club from the Premier League can bag a UCL spot for the upcoming campaign. Brighton are in sixth and Sunderland are sitting in 12th, with just a difference of four points between these spots

6. Brighton

They are one of the favourite clubs to be the sixth club from the EPL to compete in the UCL. In recent years, they have shown some top performances in the English top division, even against the heavyweights. Brighton have secured six wins in their last eight matches and are looking on the right path.

5. Fulham

The Cottagers in the UEFA Champions League is one of the things their fans have only dreamt of. As per the current scenario, they have a chance to finish sixth and then secure a spot in the elite European competition. Fulham are yet to win a major trophy. They are not in the best form, but with back-to-back wins, their chances are going to increase.

4. Everton

This Merseyside club have quite a few major titles under their belt, but in recent years, they have not been able to even compete in the Champions League. Everton have lost three of their last five games, but with a change in tide, it can be a big help for them. The Toffees surely have capable players in the squad and they just need some momentum here.

3. Brentford

After the departure of Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, Christian Norgaard and manager Thomas Frank, many believed that Brentford would be demoted from the Premier League. As things stand, they have a chance to qualify for the UCL next season, despite the absence of their key trio from the last season. The Bees haven’t secured a win in their last five league games and need to do a lot of work here.

2. Bournemouth

Andoni Iraola has achieved the highest win rate (35%) as compared to any previous Bournemouth manager in the Premier League. It will be interesting to see Iraola bidding goodbye to the club after leading them to a UEFA Champions League spot for the upcoming campaign.

1. Sunderland

At the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign, Sunderland looked like a strong side and they were sticking in the top four until the middle of the season. They saw a drastic drop in form, but the Black Cats still have a chance to bag a UCL spot for the next season. They are currently in 12th place on the league table. Sunderland will only be looking to secure wins now, but it is not going to be an easy road for them.

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