The Champions League is set to undergo changes, as UEFA plans to expand the number of participating teams from 32 to 36. This will introduce a new eight-match group stage format. Additionally, two of the extra spots will be allocated to leagues with the best performance in Europe this season based on their coefficient ranking.

Serie A has already secured one of these places. Subsequently, the team finishing fifth in Serie A this season will have the opportunity to compete in the next year’s Champions League. Furthermore, there is a chance for a sixth Italian club to join if either Roma or Atalanta win the Europa League and finish outside the top four.

The Bundesliga appears to be the favorite to earn the second European Performance Spot, given the Premier League’s recent poor results. Germany has overtaken England in the coefficient rankings and is on track to secure the second spot with two more wins or a win and two draws. As a result of these developments, it seems highly unlikely that the team finishing fifth in the Premier League this season will qualify for the Champions League.

England’s hopes of securing the second European Performance Spot depend on Aston Villa winning the Conference League and all three Bundesliga sides failing to secure any more victories.