Race for Europe: How it stands and remaining games

Breaking news from the world of sport: Race for Europe: How it stands and remaining gamesImage source, via Getty ImagesPublished7 minutes agoBournemouth boosted their chances of playing in Europe for the first time in their history with a 1-0 win at Fulham on Saturday, while Brighton also remain on course to return to continental action. The Cherries, who finished 21st in League Two in 2008-09, are sixth in the table with two games left. That will be enough to earn a Champions League spot providing Aston Villa finish fifth and win their Europa League final encounter against Freiburg on 20 May.

It means the Vitality Stadium, which has a capacity of around 11,200, could be welcoming sides like Paris St-Germain and Real Madrid next season. Brighton, meanwhile, are seventh on 53 points - two behind the Cherries and five adrift of Villa, after a comfortable 3-0 home win over relegated Wolves. The Seagulls reached the last 16 of the Europa League in 2023-24, defeating Ajax home and away, as well as Marseille.

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Figure caption, 'He's been phenomenal' - Hill on what Iraola has done for BournemouthThere could be up to nine Premier League clubs in Europe next season - six in the Champions League, two in the Europa League and one in the Conference League. The top five are guaranteed a place in Europe's most prestigious competition. As mentioned above, sixth will also secure a Champions League spot providing Aston Villa finish fifth and win the Europa League.

If Manchester City beat Chelsea in next Saturday's FA Cup final at Wembley, the Europa League spot would be passed on to seventh, with the eighth-placed team in the Conference League. Leaders Arsenal, second-placed Manchester City and third-placed Manchester United are guaranteed a place in next season's Champions League. Liverpool are four points clear of Bournemouth in sixth with six points to play for - meaning they are on the cusp of securing a top-five finish.

Reactions and Expectations

Aston Villa are a point further back in fifth but will fancy their chances of securing Champions League football for next season. With Brentford losing to Manchester City on Saturday, Bournemouth are in the prime position to secure sixth - and either Champions League or Europa League football. Two points behind them and still in the fight are Brighton.

Aston Villa and Liverpool - two teams looking to qualify for the Champions League - meet at Villa Park next Friday, 15 May (20:00 BST). Arne Slot's side will seal their place if they win. Before that game, Villa - who are one point behind Liverpool on 58 points, are at already-relegated Burnley on Sunday (14:00).

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.