As the 2024–25 Premier League season draws to a close, the competition for Champions League spots grows more intense every week. Fans across the globe are keeping a close watch on the Premier League standings, eager to see which teams will clinch a place among Europe’s elite next year.

The Current State of the Premier League Standings

With just two matchweeks remaining, there is still plenty at stake in the upper half of the table. Liverpool have already secured the title. However, traditional heavyweights like Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Aston Villa are locked in a heated contest for the remaining Champions League spots. Each team knows that their Premier League standings could dramatically shift based on the next few results.

Who Has the Edge in the Top Five Race?

According to detailed analyses from The Athletic, Arsenal are currently favored to secure second place. Their crucial draw at Anfield gave them much-needed breathing room. Yet, upcoming clashes — particularly against Newcastle — could decide who ends up as runner-up. Newcastle are determined to make history by finishing second for the first time since 1997, and they know that two wins from their final games could guarantee their top-five status.

Manchester City, while disappointed by a recent draw at Southampton, remain in control of their fate. With fixtures against Bournemouth and Fulham, it’s all about maintaining focus. City fans will be especially motivated as club icon Kevin De Bruyne prepares for his final home game. Newcastle and City must be wary, as Aston Villa and Chelsea are still poised to capitalize on any slip-ups.

For more in-depth scenarios and implications for each club, check out this comprehensive analysis of the top-five race.

Champions League Qualification: What Each Club Needs

The permutations for Champions League qualification are numerous. As summarized in Yahoo Sports, Arsenal will guarantee their Champions League place with a win over Newcastle. But even a draw could suffice, depending on results elsewhere. Newcastle, similarly, only need one more victory to all but assure their position in next season’s tournament.

City, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest all harbor hopes, but the margin for error is slim. Chelsea's path to the Champions League still hinges on results in their next matches — a win paired with rivals slipping up could secure them a coveted spot. Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, both overachievers this year, need not only victories but also favorable results from others in the top five chase.

Explore the full breakdown of qualification scenarios and what’s at stake in Yahoo Sports’ Champions League preview.

Who Will Join Liverpool in Europe? The Final Fixtures

The schedule remains congested as clubs juggle the league with cup competitions. Arsenal face Newcastle before ending their campaign away at Southampton. Newcastle conclude with a home tie against Everton. City’s fortunes hinge on matches with Bournemouth and Fulham, while Chelsea tackle Manchester United and then a potentially crucial showdown with Nottingham Forest.

Aston Villa will try to keep building momentum against Tottenham and then face Manchester United. Nottingham Forest, unlikely as it seemed months ago, are still in the fight and will finish against West Ham and Chelsea. Every point has never been more precious.

Want to share your predictions for who’ll grab those last Champions League spots? Join the conversation and make your picks on the official Premier League site.

Conclusion: Prepare for a Dramatic Finish

As we await the last twists and turns in the Premier League standings, one thing is certain — this end-of-season race promises excitement until the very last whistle. Stay tuned, stay passionate, and keep an eye out for the next update as England’s biggest clubs chase Champions League glory.