Brighton and Bournemouth Champions League path explained - Opta prediction

Champions League football remains a possibility for Brighton as they welcome Manchester United to the Amex Stadium on the final day of the season.

The Seagulls are seventh in the table and a win against third placed United would guarantee European football next term.

Which tier of European competition that is, remains to be seen. Here are the options.

Champions League decider

Villa’s Europa League win against Freiburg last night makes things a little clearer - but not much.

The top five teams in the Premier League qualify for next season’s Champions League. That is currently, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Liverpool.

But because Villa won in Istanbul, if they now finish fifth in the Premier League, that will create an extra Champions League spot for the team that finishes sixth.

Villa are fourth - three points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool, which means Liverpool need to beat Brentford at Anfield and then hope Villa - fresh from their Euro celebrations - lose at second-placed Manchester City.

Brighton and Bournemouth interest

That is of great interest to Brighton and Bournemouth. Should the above set of results fall into place, one of them will finish sixth and qualify for the Champions League.

Andoni Iraola’s impressive Cherries are currently sixth and need just a point at Nottingham Forest. If they avoid defeat at the City Ground, they are assured of sixth.

Elsewhere, Brighton must beat Manchester United at the Amex Stadium and then hope Bournemouth lose at Nottingham Forest. It’s a long shot... but it’s a chance.

Victory will at least see Brighton qualify for the Europa League - Europe’s second tier competition - for only the second time in their history.

Brighton deserves Europe

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler said: "We can achieve it if we stick to our approach through the whole season. good preparation, good togetherness."

"I think that this team deserves it. They really went through a lot of highs and lows, but one thing, they did always together, and that was finding a solution against adversity.

“I'm proud that the fans can experience something special, the fans can support us, the fans will support us, the fans will be there for us, and I think it's also our responsibility to make them proud, to give them something back.”

Opta predicted Premier League table

1 Arsenal - expected points: 83.80

2 Man City - expected points: 80.28

3 Man United - expected points: 69.08

4 Aston Villa - expected points: 62.56

5 Liverpool - expected points: 60.79

6 Bournemouth - expected points: 57.61

7 Brighton - expected points: 54.69

8 Chelsea - expected points: 53.67

9 Brentford - expected points: 52.99

10 Sunderland - expected points: 52.07