E PL's Hectic Race for Champions League Berths Reaches Last Game Day
English Premium League Teams Battle for Champions League Spots on Final Day
The final day of the English Premium League (EPL) this Sunday will decide the fate of five competing clubs vying for three spots in the next season's UEFA Champions League (UCL). Finishing in the top five not only offers bragging rights but also significant financial gains for the qualifying teams, with added complexity due to the intricate UCL payment system.
Currently, Liverpool and Arsenal have already secured two spots for the Champions League as the league's top two teams. The remaining three positions will be decided based on the EPL standings' final configuration.
The monetary rewards are substantial. Teams not only get a base fee for participating in the first UCL round, known as the "league phase", but also earn additional funds through per-win and per-draw bonuses, advancing through rounds, and participation in the tournament itself. with the top five finishers earning a minimum of €18.62 million ($21 million) just for making it into the first round.
While the UCL qualification process traditionally sees the top four teams enter the competition, England now benefits from the new "Swiss model" offered by UEFA, allowing more teams from strong European performing nations like England to earn a place.
This time, the tightly packed field includes Nottingham Forest (65 points), Aston Villa (66 points), Chelsea (66 points), Newcastle United (66 points), and Manchester City (68 points). Outcomes on the final day of play will provide dramatic shifts in qualifications, affecting teams' revenue and prestige.
The most crucial game this Sunday might be between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea. A victory by either team would almost certainly knock out the rival squad, although Forest, initially considered an underdog at the season's start, will still need Aston Villa or Newcastle to falter in their respective matches.
Manchester City currently holds a lead, but a defeat at Fulham coupled with victories from Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Newcastle would leave the Citizens behind in the race. While a disappointing outcome in the Champions League qualification may sting, the consolation prize is being in the running for the Europa League spot designated for the highest-ranking team left behind in the top-six of the EPL.
While the Road to the Champions League could provide a dramatic conclusion, the 2022-23 EPL title race has been a rather anticlimactic affair, with Liverpool clinching the title more than 230 days into the season. Clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal, owned by the Kroenke Sports & Entertainment and Fenway Sports Group respectively, can also rest easier knowing their initial payout for Champions League qualification is secured regardless of Sunday's results.
It's important to note that the Europa League winners, should they not be among the top five league finishers, will also earn an additional Champions League spot. This season, Tottenham Hotspur achieved just that after beating Manchester United in the Europa League final to secure a UCL place.
In summary, the final day of the EPL season brings high stakes for all teams involved, with Champions League spots up for grabs for the teams within the top five positions. The potential earnings for qualifying teams can run into tens of millions of euros, making it a coveted achievement for many clubs.
The three remaining spots for the UEFA Champions League will be determined by the final standings of the English Premium League, with Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Manchester City battling for these coveted positions. Despite Manchester City's current lead, a series of unlikely events could see them miss out on Champions League qualification, opening up an opportunity for the other four teams.
