In a busy weekend of Premier League action, Brighton and Brentford were both up first in the battle for European places, and the results suited both Liverpool and Manchester United ahead of Sunday's Old Trafford clash
17:00, 02 May 2026Updated 17:17, 02 May 2026
William Osula shoots at goal
Brighton slipped up in the race for the Premier League top five places
Liverpool was handed a boost in its pursuit of a Champions League finish on Saturday, after Brighton was beaten by Newcastle.
It means a victory for the Reds against Manchester United on Sunday could secure a top-five spot this season, and a place in Europe’s premier competition next term.
Brighton had begun the weekend in sixth and were the Reds’ closest rivals in the battle for the top five. However, Fabian Hurzeler’s side fell to a 3-1 loss at St. James Park and have slipped to seventh. It must now win all of its remaining league matches this season and hope Liverpool loses its last four, to overhaul the Reds’ 58-point tally.
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Meanwhile, Brentford has leapfrogged Brighton following a 3-0 victory over relegation-threatened West Ham.
The Hammers' attention will quickly turn to Villa Park on Sunday, and hope Tottenham does not come away from the Midlands with a victory that would see it move out of the bottom three.
As for Brentford, it now trails Liverpool by seven points in the table, meaning a win at Old Trafford on Sunday would make it impossible for the Bees or Brighton to catch the reigning champions.
Newcastle players celebrating
Newcastle did Liverpool a favor on Saturday
Should Liverpool win, only Bournemouth could match the 61 points it will have amassed, but the Cherries would need to win all of its remaining four games of the season.
The south-coast side host Crystal Palace on Sunday, and both Liverpool and United will be conscious of events at the Vitality Stadium.
With Bournemouth kicking off against Palace 90 minutes before the game at Old Trafford begins, the Red Devils could discover within minutes of the match beginning that a top-five place is guaranteed no matter the score against Liverpool.
As for the Reds, a win coupled with a Bournemouth loss will be enough to secure a Champions League spot.
Igor Thiago scores a penalty
Brentford beat West Ham 3-0 on Saturday
Regardless of the permutations, it is a matter of time until United, Liverpool and fifth-place Aston Villa see their Champions League places rubber stamped.
All three have endured mixed seasons, with good runs of form offset by significant lapses.
A top-five finish is also likely to ensure Arne Slot remains at Liverpool into next term, and that he will be given the chance to address the issues that have blighted his second campaign at Anfield.
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After a disastrous backslide this year, the Reds will aim to challenge the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal for the title once again in 2026/27.