How is the Premier League...

The competition for Champions League spots has evolved beyond a straightforward top-four race for Premier League teams.

With European Performance Spots (EPS) available, securing fifth place could potentially lead to a Champions League berth, as evidenced by Newcastle’s experience last season.

Will the Premier League benefit from this opportunity again this season?

What are European Performance Spots?

Two countries will earn an EPS for the upcoming season.

To determine which nations qualify, UEFA assesses the collective performance of clubs in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.

This evaluation involves calculating an average by dividing the total coefficient score by the number of teams from each league participating in European competitions.

Currently, England boasts a coefficient score of 121.375, with nine Premier League clubs in Europe, resulting in an EPS average of 13.486.

Each victory across competitions earns teams two coefficient points, while a draw is worth one point.

A significant factor influencing these scores is the bonus points allocated based on how clubs perform in both league phases and knockout rounds, particularly in the Champions League.

For instance, teams finishing in places 25 to 36 in the Champions League receive six bonus points, surpassing the four points awarded to the top team in the Conference League.

What is the Premier League’s current standing?

The Premier League is currently in a robust position, although the standings could change dramatically in the coming month.

Much will hinge on the outcomes of the final two match rounds in the Champions League and Europa League.

While Poland is presently in the lead, all four of its teams have participated in the Conference League, and one has already been eliminated. With the Conference League phase having concluded, Poland will score no points in January, resulting in a drop in their standings.

Thanks to the numerous bonus points available in the Champions League, it is quite unlikely that any league outside of the traditional top five will claim one of the EPS spots.

England is currently in second place, ahead of Germany by 1.201 points—equivalent to four wins and a draw for Bundesliga teams.

However, England has more clubs in Europe—nine compared to Germany’s seven—which means each victory contributes less to the overall average.

This underscores the importance for England to keep as many clubs in competition as possible or risk other leagues closing the gap.

There is a strong likelihood that eight English clubs will advance in both the Champions League and Europa League, accumulating substantial bonus points. Additionally, Crystal Palace has progressed to the Conference League knockout stage.

Germany may face the elimination of both Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt from the Champions League, potentially enhancing England’s standing.

Cyprus is not a strong contender, with only three teams remaining in contention, and Pafos may exit the Champions League.

Since two leagues receive the additional Champions League slots, both Germany and another country would need to surpass the Premier League, which seems unlikely given the current standings.

Italy trails England by eight victories, while Spain falls behind by nine wins and a draw.

For Italy, Juventus and Napoli have struggled in the Champions League but should manage to progress through the knockout stages.

Spain, with eight teams in Europe, is likely to lose Villarreal from the Champions League, and Athletic Club’s participation is also under threat, alongside Celta Vigo’s uncertain fate in the Europa League.

However, nothing is secured yet. Poor performances from English clubs in the knockout phase could provide opportunities for other leagues to make gains.

While the outlook is promising, the race is far from settled.

What does the Premier League’s Champions League race look like?

Arsenal (45), Manchester City (41), and Aston Villa (39) have established a solid lead in the top three positions.

Liverpool (33) currently occupies fourth after their goalless draw with Leeds on New Year’s Day.

If EPS were applied right now, the additional Champions League slot would go to Chelsea (30), who sit just ahead of Manchester United (30) on goal difference.

There’s only a seven-point gap between Chelsea in fifth and Bournemouth in 15th, suggesting an intriguing battle for that coveted fifth place.

This update is part of BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything initiative.

How is the Premier League…