- Liverpool could drop out of the Champions League places with a defeat.
- One point would secure Champions League football.
- A Liverpool win could see six English teams qualify for the Champions League.
Entering the final round of the 2026 Premier League season, Liverpool are at risk of dropping out of the top five places, which would gain them entry into the 2026-27 Champions League.
Certain results could see sixth place gain a Champions League spot.
Liverpool will face Brentford at Anfield, while Aston Villa travel to Manchester City after their Europa League success. Bournemouth will travel to Nottingham Forest as they try to chase the final Champions League spot. All games will kick off at 4 pm (UK time) on Sunday.
What would a loss mean for Liverpool’s Champions League hopes?
A loss for Liverpool would put them at risk of losing out on their Champions League place for next season. Liverpool sit three points ahead of Bournemouth, although the 2025 Champions have a superior goal difference. Liverpool have a goal difference of +10, while Bournemouth have a goal difference of +4. Liverpool also have the advantage of scoring more goals. This means if Liverpool lose by three goals, Bournemouth would have to win by four to gain a place in Europe’s premier competition.
A 1-0 loss and a 5-0 win for Bournemouth would see both teams sitting on exactly the same points, goal difference, goals scored, and goals conceded. Liverpool have a better head-to-head record from this season, winning 4-2 in the opening game of the season, although they lost 3-2 in January to a 94th-minute Amine Adli winner.
What would a draw mean for Liverpool’s Champions League hopes?
A draw would be the minimum that Liverpool will be aiming for in this game. As they sit three points ahead of Bournemouth, a draw will guarantee the Reds a place in the Champions League next season. This will be independent of any other results in the other matches.
What would a win mean for Liverpool’s Champions League hopes?
As with a draw, a win will guarantee Champions League football for Liverpool next season. However, if Liverpool were to overtake Aston Villa into fourth place, the sixth-placed team in the league would also gain Champions League football. For this to happen, Liverpool need to win, and Aston Villa lose to Manchester City. This may be more likely as Aston Villa will have been celebrating their Europa League final victory late into Thursday evening after their victory parade.
This only becomes an option for sixth to go into the Champions League if Aston Villa finish in fifth.
