Premier League Final Day: How The Race For The Top Four, Europa League And Relegation Could Play Out

Premier League Final Day: How The Race For The Top Four, Europa League And Relegation Could Play Out

Manchester United head into the final day’s game against Leicester knowing a draw will be enough to secure a top-four finish. Even if the Red Devils lose, they can still seal Champions League qualification if Wolves beat Chelsea due to having a much better goal difference.

Frank Lampard’s side, meanwhile, will also only need a point due to the fact that United and Leicester face each other so both clubs can’t secure the three points they need. Out of the three contenders, the Foxes have the biggest task. They must beat Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men to finish above their rivals or they will be playing Europa League football next season.

Europa League Qualification


The permutations for qualifying are pretty straightforward. If United, Leicester or Chelsea fail to get the results they need, they will finish fifth and take the first Europa League position.

Sixth will also be given a European spot after City won the Carabao Cup. Wolves are currently the favourites as they are one point ahead of Tottenham going into the final game. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side know a win against Chelsea will seal qualification.

A draw won’t be enough if Spurs get a victory against Crystal Palace. However, if Jose Mourinho’s side draw at Selhurst Park and Wolves lose, the London club will qualify by having a better goal difference.

It also must be noted that both Manchester United and Wolves can seal Champions League qualification if they win the Europa League this season, but the two clubs will have to negotiate four games next month to triumph in that competition.

Relegation Battle

At the other end of the table, Aston Villa’s win against Arsenal midweek means they are now in the driving seat to survive. Dean Smith and his team will likely stay up if they match Watford’s result.

The Hornets go to the Emirates knowing they must better Villa’s result. A win against Arsenal will be enough if Villa draw versus West Ham, while a draw would be sufficient if the Villans lose at the London Stadium.

Bournemouth need to hope that both Watford and Villa fail to pick up any points if they are to stand any chance of staying up. Goal difference will be a factor, and it could even go down to goals scored. Out of the three teams, Aston Villa have scored the most (40).

David Tully

David Tully

David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for National World's Football News Network.