Race for the Champions League with 11 teams in the mix after extra spot confirmed

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A spot in the Champions League could potentially make or break a Premier League club’s season. As well as the obvious financial incentives for being in Europe's top competition, it also provides huge cache for teams looking to sign the best talent in the summer window.

And fortunately, each of the clubs in England’s top flight now have more opportunity to secure themselves a place in the Champions League . Arsenal’s late victory against Sporting Lisbon means the Premier League are guaranteed at least five clubs in next season's tournament, thanks to strong performances in all three UEFA competitions.

With the Gunners and Premier League title rivals Manchester City already looking all-but secure in their places, who could join them?

Mirror Football takes a look at each of the contenders and how the rest of the season could pan out for them:

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Manchester United

Michael Carrick has staged an eye-catching turnaround at Old Trafford since replacing Ruben Amorim, so much so that it would now require a huge collapse for United not be in the Champions League next season.

The Red Devils currently sit third and seven points clear of sixth. Their job is far from done but a couple of wins before the end of the campaign should see them over the line.

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

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Aston Villa

Having been in the Europa League this season, Villa remain keen on returning to the top table of European football. Unai Emery's men currently sit fourth and five points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool with seven games remaining.

But they have endured a significant dip in recent months, winning just two of their last eight league games. But a win before the international break has calmed a few nerves. Villa will hope to have it all wrapped up before the final day, where they face a daunting trip to face Manchester City.

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

Liverpool

It’s been a dismal title defence for Arne Slot ’s side this season. The Reds have slipped to fifth and as it stands, they would be claiming the final Champions League spot.

Having lost ten games however, the chasing pack will be keen on catching the reigning champions. Chelsea sit just one point behind, while the Merseyside derby with Everton will take on extra significance, with the Toffees right behind them in the table.

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

Chelsea

Chelsea have had a bizarre season, having sacked Enzo Maresca in favour of Liam Rosenior but neither have really managed to get the Blues going. Chelsea have lost their last two Premier League games which has put their Champions League push on ice.

The Londoners sit sixth but are just one point behind Liverpool in the race for the final spot. They certainly need a good run to get themselves back on track but a difficult last portion of the season could see them miss out.

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

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Brentford

Should Chelsea continue their stutter over the coming weeks, fellow Londoners Brentford will be aiming to take advantage. The Bees have impressed under Keith Andrews this season and could potentially seal a spot in the Champions League for the first time ever.

Their home form could be key to their final placing, with games against Everton , Fulham , West Ham and Crystal Palace to come. Their away fixtures against Man Utd, Man City and Liverpool present far more of a challenge.

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

Everton

Joining Brentford on 46 points, a return to Europe would be an outstanding return for David Moyes and the Toffees. And with just a three-point gap to their near rivals Liverpool, they would relish the chance to topple their neighbours.

They face a number of direct rivals over the coming weeks, with games against Brentford, Liverpool and Sunderland all to come.

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

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While there appears to be a group chasing the final Champions League spots, a number of others could well force themselves into contention with a strong end to the season. Fulham are sitting ninth but just two points behind Everton, while Brighton and Sunderland are just a further point behind.

North East rivals Newcastle sit narrowly behind the Black Cats, while Bournemouth join them on 42 points and still have an outside chance of sealing a spot at Europe’s top table for next season

Fulham remaining fixtures: Liverpool (A), Brentford (A), Aston Villa (H), Arsenal (A), Bournemouth (H), Wolves (A), Newcastle (H)

Brighton remaining fixtures: Burnley (A), Spurs (A), Chelsea (H), Newcastle (A), Wolves (H), Leeds (A), Man Utd (H)

Sunderland remaining fixtures: Tottenham (H), Aston Villa (A), Nottm Forest (H), Wolves (A), Man Utd (H), Everton (A), Chelsea (A)

Newcastle remaining fixtures: Crystal Palace (A), Bournemouth (H), Arsenal (A), Brighton (H), Nottm Forest (A), West Ham (H), Fulham (A)

Bournemouth remaining fixtures: Arsenal (A), Newcastle (A), Leeds (H), Crystal Palace (H), Fulham (A), Man City (H), Nottm Forest (A)

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