Champions League qualification race explained as Liverpool gets timely boost

Liverpool is currently fifth in the Premier League and faces a tense battle to secure Champions League qualification, with at least five spots available for English clubs next season

Liverpool is aiming for Champions League qualification(Image: Getty Images)

A place in the Champions League could potentially define a Premier League club's campaign.

Beyond the clear financial benefits of competing in Europe's premier tournament, it also provides enormous appeal for sides seeking to attract the finest talent during the summer transfer window. Fortunately, clubs in England's top division now have a greater chance of securing a Champions League berth.

Arsenal's late triumph against Sporting on Tuesday ensures the Premier League will have at least five clubs in next season's competition, following impressive showings across all three UEFA tournaments. With the Gunners and Premier League title rival Manchester City already appearing virtually certain of their spots, who else might join them?

Liverpool.com examines each candidate and how the remainder of the season could unfold for them...

Manchester United

Michael Carrick has orchestrated a remarkable transformation at Old Trafford since succeeding Ruben Amorim, to such an extent that it would now take a significant collapse for United not to feature in the Champions League next season. The Red Devils presently occupy third position and sit seven points clear of sixth. Their task is far from complete, but a couple of victories before the campaign concludes should see them across the line.

Remaining games: Leeds (H), Chelsea (A), Brentford (H), Liverpool (H), Sunderland (A), Nottm Forest (H), Brighton (A)

Aston Villa

Having featured in the Europa League this season, Villa is eager to return to the pinnacle of European soccer. Unai Emery's players currently occupy fourth place, five points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool with seven fixtures remaining. However, they have suffered a notable downturn in form of late, claiming just two victories from their last eight league outings.

Both Everton and Aston Villa are in the hunt for Champions League soccer(Image: Getty Images)

A win before the international break has steadied the ship somewhat. Villa will be hoping to seal its fate well before the final day, when it faces a daunting visit to Manchester City.

Remaining games: Nottm Forest (A), Sunderland (H), Fulham (A), Tottenham (H), Burnley (A), Liverpool (H), Man City (A)

Liverpool

It has been a wretched title defense for Arne Slot's men this campaign. The Reds have dropped to fifth and, as things stand, would be securing the final Champions League berth. Having suffered 10 defeats, the chasing pack will be hungry to reel in the Reds. Chelsea is just one point adrift, while the Merseyside derby against Everton takes on added significance, with the Toffees breathing down Liverpool's neck in the table.

Remaining games: Fulham (H), Everton (A), Crystal Palace (H), Man Utd (A), Chelsea (H), Aston Villa (A), Brentford (H)

Chelsea

Chelsea has endured a peculiar campaign, having parted ways with Enzo Maresca in favor of Liam Rosenior, yet neither manager has truly managed to ignite the Blues. Back-to-back Premier League defeats have left their Champions League ambitions firmly on hold. The London side sits sixth but trails Liverpool by just one point in the battle for the final spot. The Blues certainly require a strong run to get back on course, but a challenging final stretch of the season could see them fall short.

Remaining games: Man City (H), Man Utd (H), Brighton (A), Nottm Forest (H), Liverpool (A), Tottenham (H), Sunderland (A)

Brentford

Should Chelsea's wobble persist in the coming weeks, fellow London outfit Brentford will be looking to capitalize. The Bees have been impressive under Keith Andrews and could potentially secure Champions League qualification for the first time in their history.

Their home form may prove crucial to their final position, with matches against Everton, Fulham, West Ham and Crystal Palace still to play. Their away trips to Man Utd, Man City and Liverpool pose considerably tougher tests.

Remaining games: Everton (H), Fulham (H), Man Utd (A), West Ham (H), Man City (A), Crystal Palace (H), Liverpool (A)

Everton

Level with Brentford on 46 points, a return to European competition would represent an exceptional achievement for David Moyes and the Toffees. With only a three-point deficit to local rivals Liverpool, they would savor the opportunity to leapfrog their neighbors. They face several direct competitors in the weeks ahead, with fixtures against Brentford, Liverpool and Sunderland all on the horizon.

Remaining games: Brentford (A), Liverpool (H), West Ham (A), Man City (H), Crystal Palace (A), Sunderland (H), Tottenham (A)

Outside Bets

While a cluster of clubs appear to be vying for the remaining Champions League places, several others could yet thrust themselves into the reckoning with a strong run-in. Fulham currently occupies ninth position, just two points adrift of Everton, while Brighton and Sunderland trail by a further point.

Newcastle sit just behind the Black Cats, with Bournemouth level on 42 points and still harboring an outside chance of securing a place at Europe's top table next season.