The Premier League’s aspirations for additional slots in next season’s European competitions suffered a significant setback as both Arsenal and Manchester City were eliminated from the Champions League. UEFA’s coefficient rankings dictate that the top two nations—currently Italy and Germany—will receive an extra berth in the 2024/25 Champions League, allocated to the fifth-placed teams in their respective leagues.
Following Arsenal’s defeat in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Bayern and Manchester City’s elimination via penalties against Real Madrid, ESPN reports that England’s push for an extra Champions League spot will fade if Liverpool, West Ham, and Aston Villa don’t fare well in their quarter-final matches tonight.
Liverpool faces an uphill battle against Atalanta, trailing 3-0 after the first leg of the Europa League tie at Anfield, while West Ham hosts Bayer Leverkusen after a 2-0 loss in the previous encounter. Aston Villa travels to Lille in the Europa Conference League following a 2-1 victory at Villa Park.
In essence, the chance for a coefficient spot appears to have slipped away, with Italy and Germany leading the charge due to strong performances by Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta (who hold a 3-0 advantage over Liverpool), and AC Milan/Roma (who face each other in the Europa League quarter-final).
For Newcastle United, the scenario hinges on the outcome of the FA Cup. As it stands, the sixth-place finisher in the Premier League will only secure a spot in the Europa League if Manchester City triumph in the FA Cup. They are favored, with Pep Guardiola’s team set to face Chelsea in the semi-final before potentially meeting the victor of the Manchester United vs. Coventry City match. However, if Manchester United or Chelsea win the FA Cup and Newcastle finishes sixth, they would have to settle for the Europa Conference League.
In summary, Manchester City winning the FA Cup would ensure that sixth place secures a Europa League spot, while seventh place would qualify for the Europa Conference League. This provides Newcastle with ample motivation to finish the 2023/24 season strongly over the final six games. If Manchester United or Chelsea win the FA Cup and also secure sixth place, seventh place would still secure a spot in the Europa Conference League.
UPDATE! Race for fifth Champions League places.
England now needs a miracle on Thursday. In fact, it could be all over tomorrow.
⏩ 1. Italy, 18.428
⏩ 2. Germany, 17.642
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⏩ 3. England, 16.875
⏫ 4. Spain, 15.312
⏬ 5. France, 15.250READ 👇 https://t.co/o17wfxw084
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) April 17, 2024
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