⚽ Premier League 2025/2026 Discussion Thread ⚽

[Spack17]

By the way have you known it is official that England has got one of the extra spots for the Champions League? 



Not surprising much. Now it is going to be more fun to follow the last weeks of the Premier League. Manchester City got a superb win today. Aston Villa also did the same.

Now both are waiting for tomorrow. For what Chelsea and Newcastle will do... 4 teams fighting for the same goal. Manchester City and Newcastle are my favourites to finish 4th and 5th.

[uchegod-21]

By the way have you known it is official that England has got one of the extra spots for the Champions League? 



Not surprising much. Now it is going to be more fun to follow the last weeks of the Premier League. Manchester City got a superb win today. Aston Villa also did the same.

Now both are waiting for tomorrow. For what Chelsea and Newcastle will do... 4 teams fighting for the same goal. Manchester City and Newcastle are my favourites to finish 4th and 5th.

I have been seeing this news fly online about England having 5th slot. I don't even know how this thing came about. The increment, is it as a result of the new format of the champions league or another thing happened altogether. I am lost about the increment.

If English Premier league has 5 slots and Manchester United eventually wins the Europa  league, so EPL will now have 6 slots.

[CroverNo01]

By the way have you known it is official that England has got one of the extra spots for the Champions League? 



Not surprising much. Now it is going to be more fun to follow the last weeks of the Premier League. Manchester City got a superb win today. Aston Villa also did the same.

Now both are waiting for tomorrow. For what Chelsea and Newcastle will do... 4 teams fighting for the same goal. Manchester City and Newcastle are my favourites to finish 4th and 5th.

This is good news for the EPL because we'll not be interested in the top four UCL race anymore but coming to focus more on the UEFA champions of top five. This are mainly slots for elite clubs capable of thrashing oppositions. We're talking about clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and probably Aston Villa or Nottingham Forest. We've come to realized how important the UEFA Champions League spot is for the club.

This is the proper time for Chelsea and Manchester City to gain ground and execute quite important strategies for winning. I'm both directing my two fingers to Pep Guardiola and Enzo Maresca to earn this spot because it would be alot to watch my favorite club back in the UEFA Champions League next season.

[mamesso]

~Snip~

I have been seeing this news fly online about England having 5th slot. I don't even know how this thing came about. The increment, is it as a result of the new format of the champions league or another thing happened altogether. I am lost about the increment.

If English Premier league has 5 slots and Manchester United eventually wins the Europa  league, so EPL will now have 6 slots.

The EPL additional slot is based on the two additional slots UEFA provides to teams representing certain countries with the best performance in European competitions this season. Now the EPL has a minimum quota of 5 teams to the UCL based on the calculated coefficient system (2 points for a win and 1 point for a draw), Arsenal victory over Real Madrid has fulfilled the requirements set by UEFA.

Yes, EPL has the potential to send 6 teams to UCL next season if Man United or Tottenham are able to become UEL champions.

[Hanadawa]

The idea is to trade wisely. You already have a relentless team 9-11 points ahead of you with only a few matches to go, so you need to ask yourself: will you go for the race with 9 matches left, where there are no guarantees of winning the trophy? Or will you go for the one with about 4 matches, where there’s a guarantee that if you perform well, the trophy is yours? I’m sure I know what everybody would choose. Ideally, Arsenal are only 4 games away from winning the Champions League, which is still very much within reach

With 8 or 9 games left I think it is almost impossible for Liverpool to lose around 4 or 5 and Arsenal to win all their remaining games. Liverpool are currently 10 points ahead of Arsenal and they still have 1 game in hand. If Liverpool can beat West Ham tonight they will be around 13 points ahead and this is not a number Arsenal can chase with 8 games left. I think in the next few games Arsenal will prioritize UCL over EPL. They are already 90% sure of their place in UCL next season. A draw against Brentford will not have a significant impact on their mentality.

The EPL additional slot is based on the two additional slots UEFA provides to teams representing certain countries with the best performance in European competitions this season. Now the EPL has a minimum quota of 5 teams to the UCL based on the calculated coefficient system (2 points for a win and 1 point for a draw), Arsenal victory over Real Madrid has fulfilled the requirements set by UEFA.
Yes, EPL has the potential to send 6 teams to UCL next season if Man United or Tottenham are able to become UEL champions.

As I recall in the previous season, Serie A got the highest coefficient value so they had 5 representatives from Serie A. Now the EPL has achieved the same. They can even send 6 representatives if the English team wins the UEL. This is certainly a prestigious achievement for the Premier League.

[jaberwock]

Round 32 games are starting in 2 days.

Manchester City and Chelsea both have easy games normally. I guess both sides would win. The most interesting event of the week is Newcastle - Man Utd. I think Newcastle will beat them once again to continue chasing a CL ticket.  

I will not conclude that Newcastle will beat Manchester United that easily because it will be a very serious fight that United will take up to protect their image. A loss to Newcastle this weekend will damage their psychology for the second leg of the Europa league against Lyon, a match they need to win to continue chasing the Europa league trophy which is their ticket to playing champions league next season. Ruben Amorim should have understood the importance of that match already and would already be acting to prevent a loss at all cost, which is the reasonable thing to do.

This is true, while Newcastle is very good, United got a tie with City and then Lyon, so they are trying their very hardest to be a team that doesn't lose, and keeps the momentum going. I am not sure if United will win though, I feel as if another draw would be more likely and could be the result here.

I can see how things could change and matter at this stage, but if you keep on doing whatever you do here, like United does, then they could keep the momentum going and have another tie. They figured out that if they could have good defense, then they could at least get a draw, and they are trying to do that now. Newcastle will have hard time scoring, and United will make sure they get at least one point out of this game.

[SatoPrincess]

By the way have you known it is official that England has got one of the extra spots for the Champions League? 



Not surprising much. Now it is going to be more fun to follow the last weeks of the Premier League. Manchester City got a superb win today. Aston Villa also did the same.

Now both are waiting for tomorrow. For what Chelsea and Newcastle will do... 4 teams fighting for the same goal. Manchester City and Newcastle are my favourites to finish 4th and 5th.

Yes I found that out last month from one of the posts in the Champions League thread and to do my own research to confirm the authenticity of the information. I think it’s a good development because if we say the Premier League is the most competitive league in football then it makes sense to have more of the English Premier League teams in the Champions League competition.

[Justbillywitt]

By the way have you known it is official that England has got one of the extra spots for the Champions League? 



Not surprising much. Now it is going to be more fun to follow the last weeks of the Premier League. Manchester City got a superb win today. Aston Villa also did the same.

Now both are waiting for tomorrow. For what Chelsea and Newcastle will do... 4 teams fighting for the same goal. Manchester City and Newcastle are my favourites to finish 4th and 5th.

Manchester city is a sure banker to qualify for the champions league. But I would love to see Aston villa qualify again. Looks at how far they have come in the champions league this campaign. Newcastle never got to this stage when the played in the champions league last season. So for me I would like Aston Villa to make the champions league spot. But Newcastle have a big advantage because they still have a game at hand. We are still going to see more challenges coming up. Chelsea are also looking more dangerous as they ain't relenting in their quest for the champions league. I expect them to win against Ipswich today and go back to the top 4. I also expect Newcastle to win Manchester United.

[sotelorene]

By the way have you known it is official that England has got one of the extra spots for the Champions League? 



Not surprising much. Now it is going to be more fun to follow the last weeks of the Premier League. Manchester City got a superb win today. Aston Villa also did the same.

Now both are waiting for tomorrow. For what Chelsea and Newcastle will do... 4 teams fighting for the same goal. Manchester City and Newcastle are my favourites to finish 4th and 5th.

Manchester city is a sure banker to qualify for the champions league. But I would love to see Aston villa qualify again. Looks at how far they have come in the champions league this campaign. Newcastle never got to this stage when the played in the champions league last season. So for me I would like Aston Villa to make the champions league spot. But Newcastle have a big advantage because they still have a game at hand. We are still going to see more challenges coming up. Chelsea are also looking more dangerous as they ain't relenting in their quest for the champions league. I expect them to win against Ipswich today and go back to the top 4. I also expect Newcastle to win Manchester United.

Yes, I think Manchester city has realized themselves and if they must qualify for champions league next season they will have to ensure they don't lose any match again because it is just remaining 6 or 7 match to the end of the season and Nothingham forest is in a very big problem one more loss or draw they are doomed. Chelsea is a must win today because they really have to qualify and they don't have any challenge in conference because they won the first leg so they will put all effort to make sure they secure the 3 points and as for Newcastle it is going to be somehow though Manchester united wouldn't want to stress themselves because they are not competing for anything in the premier league, so they should overlook today's match and focus on how to win Lyon on Thursday.

[odunybiz]

By the way have you known it is official that England has got one of the extra spots for the Champions League? 



Not surprising much. Now it is going to be more fun to follow the last weeks of the Premier League. Manchester City got a superb win today. Aston Villa also did the same.

Now both are waiting for tomorrow. For what Chelsea and Newcastle will do... 4 teams fighting for the same goal. Manchester City and Newcastle are my favourites to finish 4th and 5th.

Yes I found that out last month from one of the posts in the Champions League thread and to do my own research to confirm the authenticity of the information. I think it’s a good development because if we say the Premier League is the most competitive league in football then it makes sense to have more of the English Premier League teams in the Champions League competition.

This will surely creat a very big competition among Man City, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Nottingham and Newcastle. This teams fall in between 3 to 7 on the table with a very close point. It purely an advantage to premier league. I hope Man City and Chelsea make use of this opportunity.

[JeffBrad12]

By the way have you known it is official that England has got one of the extra spots for the Champions League? 



Not surprising much. Now it is going to be more fun to follow the last weeks of the Premier League. Manchester City got a superb win today. Aston Villa also did the same.

Now both are waiting for tomorrow. For what Chelsea and Newcastle will do... 4 teams fighting for the same goal. Manchester City and Newcastle are my favourites to finish 4th and 5th.

PL's fifth UCL spot already predicted even before. Their clubs got some win in the quarter final of european competitions, and they got it.

We will have City, Chelsea and Newcastle are competing for the fifth spot. Most probably fourth spot is also available as well.

[hyudien]

Manchester city is a sure banker to qualify for the champions league. But I would love to see Aston villa qualify again. Looks at how far they have come in the champions league this campaign. Newcastle never got to this stage when the played in the champions league last season. So for me I would like Aston Villa to make the champions league spot. But Newcastle have a big advantage because they still have a game at hand. We are still going to see more challenges coming up. Chelsea are also looking more dangerous as they ain't relenting in their quest for the champions league. I expect them to win against Ipswich today and go back to the top 4. I also expect Newcastle to win Manchester United.

It is true that Newcastle has a 2 game advantage including today against Man United. Because if from the 2 matches they can sweep clean with a win Newcastle will be able to continue to secure the top 4 position. But still it will not be easy when you see Man City has returned to its performance towards the end of the season. The most important thing is that Newcastle, Aston Villa and Chelsea must be wary of each other and only 2 places can be contested.

[SatoPrincess]

By the way have you known it is official that England has got one of the extra spots for the Champions League? 



Not surprising much. Now it is going to be more fun to follow the last weeks of the Premier League. Manchester City got a superb win today. Aston Villa also did the same.

Now both are waiting for tomorrow. For what Chelsea and Newcastle will do... 4 teams fighting for the same goal. Manchester City and Newcastle are my favourites to finish 4th and 5th.

Yes I found that out last month from one of the posts in the Champions League thread and to do my own research to confirm the authenticity of the information. I think it’s a good development because if we say the Premier League is the most competitive league in football then it makes sense to have more of the English Premier League teams in the Champions League competition.

This will surely creat a very big competition among Man City, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Nottingham and Newcastle. This teams fall in between 3 to 7 on the table with a very close point. It purely an advantage to premier league. I hope Man City and Chelsea make use of this opportunity.

Well the competition for the Champions League spot has been on for a while because the clubs get first hand information on these changes, we as fans are the ones who are seeing this as news even though it’s been public for a while now.

Chelsea managed to come back from a two goal deficit to draw the game 2-2 against Ipswich Town. They failed to get all three points from this match although it’s better draw than a loss. At the moment, they are same points with Aston Villa on the table standings.

[aylabadia05]

I will not conclude that Newcastle will beat Manchester United that easily because it will be a very serious fight that United will take up to protect their image. A loss to Newcastle this weekend will damage their psychology for the second leg of the Europa league against Lyon, a match they need to win to continue chasing the Europa league trophy which is their ticket to playing champions league next season. Ruben Amorim should have understood the importance of that match already and would already be acting to prevent a loss at all cost, which is the reasonable thing to do.

This is true, while Newcastle is very good, United got a tie with City and then Lyon, so they are trying their very hardest to be a team that doesn't lose, and keeps the momentum going. I am not sure if United will win though, I feel as if another draw would be more likely and could be the result here.

I can see how things could change and matter at this stage, but if you keep on doing whatever you do here, like United does, then they could keep the momentum going and have another tie. They figured out that if they could have good defense, then they could at least get a draw, and they are trying to do that now. Newcastle will have hard time scoring, and United will make sure they get at least one point out of this game.

The draw was there, but for the first half. Although United were behind, they were able to reply in a short time through Garnacho. A draw against City in the derby and almost winning if Onan had performed well against Lyon, for us it was a positive result and a good capital when playing at Newcastle's home.
After being held to a 2-2 draw by Lyon, many people said that Amorim did not dare to choose to play another goalkeeper besides Onana, but in this match, Amorim did not play Onana, even Onana's name was not in the line-up including not being seen on the bench.

In the second half which will be played soon, we hope that United can take advantage of the slightest opportunity to score a goal. I personally have placed a bet for United to win.
That is a courage that I do for my favorite team.

[ILuckyGuyI]

Newcastle are crushing Manchester United. It's 3-1 now.    Am I surprised? Not at all! What can I expect from the Manchester side in such a tough away game in the end...

I'm afraid they are much worse in the 2nd half. All of their focus is on the Europa League now obviously. Beating Lyon to reach semi finals... I believe they'll do it too. And this is like the only trophy chance left. I doubt they will make it anyway.

Edit: Just became 4-1. Hard to keep up with Newcastle. 

[asriloni]

Don't tell me United doesn't need to sign a new goalie. All of their goalie were awful to watch. The picture above is the moment when Bayindir did stupid mistake by passing to the opponent's attackers, then his club conceded 4th goal.

They have no good goalie available, and must be their top priority to sign a proper goalie. I'd also see a new goalie is far important than a new striker.  

[Franctoshi]

By the way have you known it is official that England has got one of the extra spots for the Champions League?  



Not surprising much. Now it is going to be more fun to follow the last weeks of the Premier League. Manchester City got a superb win today. Aston Villa also did the same.

Now both are waiting for tomorrow. For what Chelsea and Newcastle will do... 4 teams fighting for the same goal. Manchester City and Newcastle are my favourites to finish 4th and 5th.

It has started already by Newcastle and Manchester City displacing of Chelsea in the 4th and 5th position race, I did say this last week that Chelsea is not fit to displaced City in that position regardless of cities form. How would a team that is racing for Champions league qualification draw to two games in a stretch? even from what they displayed in their last game, drawing a match they would have win and stay tight in the 4 place after Ciy and Nottingham Forest drew their games.

[SmartCharpa]

Arsenal knows they'll not be winning the league title and are very much safe in finishing the season in the top four and that's why they're now prioritizing the UCL ahead of league games

Let us assume that Arsenal's draw against Brentford was due to their next Champions League match against Real Madrid, but I do not see it as an excuse, if Arsenal is good enough to beat any club in the Premier League, they would defeat Brentford instead of a draw. Arsenal can still win the game and maintain their lead against Real Madrid, they have 3 goals lead, and while they have good defenders, they can only defend during the second leg.

However, Arsenal's Premier League position is not safe, they are 6 points ahead of Nottingham Forest, 7 points above Newcastle, and 8 points ahead of Manchester City. Anything can happen in football, and no one can predict what will happen in the remaining games. Arsenal must improve in league games because if they continue this way, they risk losing their position, a draw or a defeat will not help them qualify for the next Champions League.

[Pokapoka124]

Manchester United players looked fatigued and confused in the game. After the 3rd goal, the game was literally “a game of men against boys” like the commentary in FC25 famously says. This game shows that Bayindir is no better than Onana. It’s a pity that a second choice goalkeeper cannot take advantage of the opportunity given to outshine the first choice goalie and give the coach a reason to give him more minutes. But it seems there’s no difference between Onana and Bayindir.

[masulum]

-snip
They have no good goalie available, and must be their top priority to sign a proper goalie. I'd also see a new goalie is far important than a new striker.  

With MU not playing in the UCL or even UEL next season, it might be difficult to find a top player to fill the new goalkeeper. The alternative is to find players from middle or lower clubs, but he has good quality or potential to grow with MU. According to the news I read, there are several names that MU wants to bring in.
1. Senne Lammens - Royal Antwerp
2. Lucas Chevalier - Lille
3. James Trafford - Burnley
4. Bart Verbruggen - Brighton

Maybe MU can get one of them