25/05/2025
Story in English Premier League 2024-25 (1): The European Race
Liverpool became the champion this season way before. Same goes for three clubs also confirmed their relegation. Still there remains excitement, because 5 clubs are in a race of three Champions League spot- Mancity, Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham.
1. Liverpool and Arsenal already confirmed their UCL spot by securing the top two spots. Tottenham also are in the Champions league by winning the Europa League, despite being right above the relegation zone right now. Crystal Palace made it to the Europa League for the first time in their history by winning the FA cup. This means only one other team will have the chance to play Europa- the team from the sixth spot.
2. Manchester city bounced back after having a terrible Trophyless season. They have the upper hand, as they need only a point to secure their third spot. Losing today against Fulham will hang their luck. In this case, if all the other clubs in the race other than Nottingham wins today, they'll have to play the Europa League. But if any of Newcastle, Chelsea of Villa loses points in this scenario, Manchester City will have a relief with their UCL spot.
3. A win for Newcastle will be enough. A draw or loss against Everton today will also work, but they'll need to hope for a draw in Chelsea vs Nottingham match. If any of the two teams win this game in this case, then Newcastle need to hope for a loss of Aston Villa.
4. Like Newcastle, Chelsea won't have any tension if they win today. If they draw their match today, they'll need to hope for a loss or draw of Newcastle or Aston Villa. But if Nottingham beat Chelsea today, Chelsea will need to pray more, as they'll need Villa's loss or Newcastle's loss by at least 4 goals margin to play in the UCL next season. This is the only case when Nottingham tops them, and they'll have the fear to be dragged down even in the Conference league. They'll still have a chance to play in the Europa then, if they manage to win the Conference league final against Real Betis.
5. Aston Villa is not in a Comfortable place like Chelsea or Newcastle, despite having the same points like them. This is why they are currently holding the only Europa League spot. To reclaim their Champions League spot, they'll need to beat Manchester United today. This will even not work for them to get the UCL spot, if all the other three on top of them wins today. So they'll also need to hope to watch any of the others loosing points. A draw will make their way much harder, as then they'll need to pray for Newcastle's loosing. Worst case scenario will come if they loses, and Nottingham gets a point today, which will even drag them down the the Conference League.
6. Nottingham Forrest needs a win today, no matter what. That winning will make their way to the UCL if any of Manchester city loses today, or Newcastle/Villa loses their points. Otherwise, even if they win, they'll need to he happy with the Europa League next season. Although, a Conference League spot will also make them satisfied according to their expectations before the season has started.
May the best league of the Europe offer the best night tonight 🤲