As the 2025/26 Premier League season nears its end, Brentford and Chelsea still have plenty still to play for.
Both London teams are in contention to qualify for European football, in what could be a final-day shoot-out between multiple clubs.
Chelsea’s 2-1 victory against Tottenham has put them up to eighth on 52 points, enough for a Conference League place, but they are only ahead of Brentford on goal difference.
And with Brighton only one point ahead in seventh, Europa League football is not yet out of reach for either team.
It means everything comes down to the last matchday, which sees Brentford go to Liverpool as underdogs, while Chelsea are favourites against Sunderland.
Wins for both aren’t out of the question, though, with many bettors checking out how much that double might pay out using the Aceodds betting calculator.
But what would three points potentially mean for each club’s European hopes?
Chelsea target a top-seven finish
Many Chelsea fans wouldn’t have expected to find themselves in a battle to secure European football at the start of the season.
But it’s where the Blues are after a challenging year at Stamford Bridge.
Unlike Brentford, they control their own destiny going into their match against Sunderland.
A win puts them on 55 points and will guarantee them Conference League football in 2026/27, but it might be enough for the Europa League too if Brighton drop points against Manchester United.
A draw would likely keep Chelsea behind Brighton, unless the Seagulls lost by three goals or more, which would swing the goal difference in the Londoners’ favour.
That would also likely mean qualification for the Conference League, but any dropped points would open the door for Brentford.
If Sunderland beat Chelsea, though, then the Blues wouldn’t even need to worry about the Brentford score.
Three points for the Black Cats would take them above their opponents on Sunday, consigning Chelsea to no European football at all next season.
Brentford must win and need results to go in their favour
While many predicted Brentford to be in a relegation battle this season, Keith Andrews’ team have shocked fans to put themselves in contention for European football.
However, recent games have seen the Bees slip out of the top eight, meaning that they need to win and hope results elsewhere go in their favour.
Assuming Brentford beat Liverpool, one of Chelsea or Brighton dropping points would be enough for them to climb back into the top eight.
Should both of them fail to win, then a victory for Brentford would see them finish seventh and qualify for the Europa League.
However, Brentford have to win on Sunday to be sure of their final position, as a Chelsea loss would put Sunderland on 54 points.
That would take them above the Bees should they draw or lose to Liverpool so three points are therefore vital.
Feature image: Oscar Glyn
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