Opta predicts final Premier League table as Brighton Bournemouth and Brentford chase Europe

Brighton and Hove Albion resume Premier League action this Sunday at Leeds United.

The Seagulls are seventh in the standings and pushing for European qualification.

Sixth place - currently held by Bournemouth - may be enough to seal Champions League qualification, IF Aston Villa win their Europa League final against Freiburg on May 20 in Istanbul.

Villa would then qualify for the Champions League (via the Europa League) and the fifth placed Champions League spot (currently held by Villa) would drop down to the team who finish sixth in the Premier League.

It’s worth noting though that if Villa win the Europa League and finish fourth, above Liverpool, then only five teams will qualify for the Champions League.

Bournemouth will be crossing everything that Villa finish fifth and triumph in Turkey. The Cherries are currently in the box seat with 55 points, with Albion on 53 and Brentford on 51.

The lucrative Champions League is the main reward but Europa League and Europa Conference spots are also up for grabs.

Remaining fixtures

Brighton: Leeds United (a), Man United (h).

Bournemouth: Man City (h), Nottingham Forest (a).

Brentford: Crystal Palace (h), Liverpool (a).

It could all come down to the final match fo the season, where Brighton face third placed Manchester United, who have already qualified for the Champions League.

Wayne Rooney on Brighton

Former United striker Wayne Rooney, speaking on Match of the Day, said: “ Yeah, I think they're tough fixtures [for Brighton].

“Brighton are a fantastic team. They've shown that all season. And I think it's safe to say that they pretty look sure to be playing European football at some stage next season.

“They have had a season, of course, in Europe before. But having Fabian Herzeler’s contract secured as well for a few more years, that was announced this week.

“That certainty shows what a well-run club it is. I think they're one of the best run clubs in the Premier League. And it's no surprise that they're doing well.”

Can Brighton finish sixth?

Bournemouth get 0 pts - Brighton need 2 Bournemouth get 1 pt - Brighton need 3 Bournemouth get 2 pts - Brighton need 4 Bournemouth get 3 pts - Brighton need 6 Bournemouth get 4 pts - Brighton need 6

Goal difference: Brighton +10, Bournemouth +4

Opta's predicted final Premier League table

1. Arsenal - expected points: 83.56

2. Man City - expected points: 80.39

3. Man United - expected points: 68.19

4. Liverpool - expected points:62.31

5. Aston Villa - expected points:61.07

6. Bournemouth - expected points:57.51

7. Brighton - expected points: 56.12

8. Brentford - expected points: 53.78

9. Everton - expected points: 52.08

10. Chelsea - expected points: 52.05