Brighton & Hove Albion are now ninth in the Premier League and are in strong contention to qualify for European football again this season.
The Seagulls were eliminated from the round of 16 by Roma last week, losing 4-1 on aggregate. Albion and its competitors are now on international break, and Roberto De Zerbi’s side will resume their European campaign on March 31 against Liverpool at Anfield.
Aside from title contenders Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool, there are up to eight clubs with a genuine chance of qualifying for European football in one of three competitions.
Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United are all vying for the Champions League, which they will undoubtedly get by placing fourth and potentially fifth, depending on how English clubs perform in the knockout stages of this season’s European competitions.
The race for a top-six finish, which would almost certainly secure Europa League football, is just as intriguing, with West Ham and Brighton following closely behind United. The Hammers, who are also juggling Thursday night responsibilities, have endured a difficult spell in which David Moyes defended his record and are looking strong, although Brighton have been plagued by injuries but remain in the running.
If seventh place is rewarded with a Europa Conference League spot, which is extremely likely, a lot of clubs will be in the running. Wolves, Newcastle, Chelsea, and even Fulham might all consider a late surge up the standings.
Here’s the current anticipated Premier League standings based on odds of a top four finish, as Brighton and co. aim for Europe…
1. Manchester City 1/250 2. Liverpool 1/200. 3. Arsenal 1/200. 4. Tottenham 10/11. 5. Aston Villa 11/8. 6. Manchester United 10/1. 7. Chelsea 100/1. 8. Newcastle 150/1. 9. West Ham 500/1. 10. Brighton 500/1.
11. Fulham 500/1, 12. Wolves 750/1. 13. Bournemouth 1000/1 14. Brentford 1000/1 15. Crystal Palace 1000/1 16. Everton 1000/1 17. Nottingham Forest 1000/1 18. Luton 1000/1 19. Burnley 1000/1 20. Sheffield United 1000/1.
