This season has not been particularly successful for the so-called ‘Big Six’ of the Premier League. Currently, only two of these six giants have secured their place in next season’s European competitions, with the third-placed team on the verge of qualification. Liverpool, set to win the Premier League, and Arsenal, five points behind in second place, have already confirmed their spots. Manchester City, with 61 points in third place, holds a strong position for qualification given the intense competition among lower-ranked teams.

However, the other three giants—Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham—have slim chances of European football next season. Chelsea, in sixth place with 57 points, has the best position among the three but still faces uncertainty with five games remaining. They also have a chance to win the Europa Conference League.

Tottenham and Manchester United have little hope of securing a European spot through the league and must rely on winning the Europa League, where both have reached the semi-finals. Guardiola’s team, which has not had a stellar season after being eliminated by Real Madrid in the Champions League playoffs, kept their qualification hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Aston Villa. City took an early lead through Bernardo Silva (7′), but Aston Villa equalized with a Marcus Rashford penalty (18′). Matheus Nunes (94′) eventually scored the winning goal.

The race for European spots is intense. After Manchester City (69 points), Nottingham Forest (60 points) is fourth, and Newcastle United (59 points) is fifth. Chelsea and Aston Villa are tied at 57 points in sixth and seventh.

Bournemouth (49 points, eighth), Fulham, and Brighton (48 points, ninth and tenth) must work hard to climb higher. Thanks to strong performances, the Premier League, alongside La Liga, has secured two additional Champions League spots, meaning the fifth-placed team will also qualify—boosting Chelsea’s chances.

For Tottenham and Manchester United, the situation is more complicated. Tottenham is in 16th place, not facing relegation but having a poor season. Manchester United is mid-table in 14th. However, both teams are in the Europa League semi-finals—Tottenham against Bodo/Glimt and United against Athletic Bilbao.

Winning the Europa League guarantees a Champions League spot, providing extra motivation beyond just lifting the trophy to salvage their seasons and compete among Europe’s elite next year.