Aston Villa stands on the brink of history as they aim to secure a Europa League victory against Freiburg on Wednesday night. A win would not only mark their first major European trophy since 1982, but it could also open up a sixth Champions League qualification spot for the Premier League.

Currently, Bournemouth, sitting in sixth place, and Brighton, in seventh, are eagerly rooting for Unai Emery's side. The Premier League has already earned a fifth Champions League spot this season due to UEFA's European Performance Spots. However, this could be extended to include sixth place, replacing one of the two Europa League slots, contingent on Aston Villa winning and finishing fifth.

Current European Qualification Scenarios:

• If Aston Villa loses to Freiburg or finishes in the top four:

  • Only the top five teams qualify for the Champions League.
  • Liverpool is almost guaranteed fifth place, leading Bournemouth by three points and superior goal difference.

• If Aston Villa wins the Europa League and finishes fifth:

  • Champions League spots would be allocated as follows:
    • Arsenal - Champions League
    • Man City - Champions League
    • Man Utd - Champions League
    • Liverpool - Champions League
    • Aston Villa - Champions League
    • Bournemouth - Champions League
    • Brighton - Europa League
    • Chelsea - Conference League

The potential for the Premier League to have nine teams in Europe next season hinges on Crystal Palace winning the Conference League, which would secure them a Europa League spot.

Final Day Permutations:

• Aston Villa could drop to fifth if they lose to Manchester City and Liverpool beats Brentford.
• Bournemouth needs a point against Nottingham Forest to secure sixth place.
• Brighton can finish sixth if they defeat Man Utd while Bournemouth loses.
• Chelsea can only finish as high as seventh, achievable by bettering Brighton's result.