What will Premier League’s sixth place get if Aston Villa win Europa League but finish fifth?

Aston Villa have the chance to claim European glory tonight when they face Freiburg in the Europa League final.

Villa, who smashed Liverpool last time out to boost their confidence ahead of the Istanbul showpiece, swept Nottingham Forest aside in the semi-finals.

Unai Emery’s side sit fourth in the Premier League heading into the final day of the season this weekend but before that, are on the cusp of a first major piece of European silverware since 1982.

And the winner of the Europa League secures their spot in the Champions League, just as Tottenham managed last season.

However, with fifth place now enough to join Europe’s elite club competition for the 2026-27 campaign, there are question marks over what happens if Villa win the Europa League and then finish fifth.

It was recently confirmed that the Premier League will be given a European Performance Spot in the Champions League as reward for English clubs’ collective progress in European competition this season.

There will be a Premier League side in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League finals this season, with Arsenal and Crystal Palace joining Villa in their pursuit of continental silverware.

Teams currently in sixth, though, will be playing close attention to Villa’s run in and their looming clash with Freiburg.

That’s because if Villa end up finishing fifth but win the Europa League, the Premier League will earn an additional Champions League spot.

As things stand, Bournemouth on 56 points would earn a place in the competition next season.

The Cherries face competition from below, however, with Brighton three points off their fellow south coast side but with a superior goal difference.

Bournemouth take on Forest in Sunday’s top-flight finale while Brighton host Manchester United.

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Conversely, should Villa hold on to fourth and win the Europa League, the Premier League won’t be awarded an additional Champions League spot.

In this instance, the team that finishes sixth would then qualify for the Europa League regardless of Villa’s European exploits.

Villa are currently three points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool ahead of the final matchday of the season this Sunday.

However, the Reds do have a better goal difference so it could yet be a grandstand finish.

Villa make the trip to Manchester City on Sunday, just a few days after what will be an emotional night in Turkey.

Liverpool host Brentford and should they win and Villa fail to, Arne Slot’s side would finished fourth.

Europa League Final LIVE on talkSPORT

The Europa League final will take place this evening – Wednesday, May 20 – with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST.

talkSPORT will have live commentary from Istanbul as Adrian Durham, Andy Townsend and Gabby Agbonlahor present coverage from 7pm.

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