It could be in Brentford‘s best interests to lose to Liverpool on the final day of the season in a bizarre turn of events after Aston Villa qualified for the Europa League final.
The Premier League is guaranteed five Champions League spots next season, and currently five clubs are vying for the two remaining spots.
The 6th place CL scenario: A quick look
• Bizarre incentive: Brentford may benefit from losing to Liverpool to ensure Aston Villa finish 5th rather than 4th.
• The Rule: If Villa win the Europa League and finish 5th, the Premier League’s extra Champions League spot drops to 6th place.
• Final Day: The Bees visit Anfield on May 24, while Villa face a tough trip to Man City.
However, if Aston Villa finish fifth and win the Europa League, the European performance spot will be passed to the team in sixth, as Villa will qualify by lifting the trophy.
If Villa win the Europa League but finish inside the top four, there will be no extra place reallocated down the table.
It means those below Unai Emery’s side and still capable of finishing sixth, namely Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton, will hope Villa do not move up the table.
Why Brentford could be better off losing vs. Liverpool on the final day
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 24, 2025: Brentford's goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher during the FA Premier League match between Brentford FC and Liverpool FC at the Brentford Community Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
In this bizarre turn of events, if Villa could still leapfrog Liverpool on the final day of the season, with Brentford already in sixth place, it would be in their best interest to lose at Anfield.
If a win for Liverpool ensured Villa remained fifth, then the Bees could benefit by losing, as an extra Champions League spot would be inherited by sixth place.
There will be no uncertainty regarding the confirmation of a sixth Champions League spot on the final day, however, as Villa will have already contested the final against Freiburg earlier in the week.
How likely is it to happen?
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 24, 2025: Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai is challenged by Brentford's Mikkel Damsgaard during the FA Premier League match between Brentford FC and Liverpool FC at the Brentford Community Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
As it stands with three games remaining, Liverpool and Villa are level on points, with Arne Slot‘s side only ahead on goal difference.
Therefore, their final placing could be decided on the last day of the season, especially if the two teams were to draw their meeting at Villa Park on the new date of Friday, May 15.
As for Brentford, they will need positive results against Man City and Crystal Palace before their trip to Anfield, while also hoping Bournemouth and Brighton fall out of contention.
It means a lot still has to fall into place for it to turn from bizarre into reality, but as it stands, there is still a chance Brentford would be better off losing at Anfield than winning.
When is the final day of the Premier League season?
The Premier League will conclude on Sunday, May 24. Every fixture will kick off at 4pm (BST).
Liverpool host Brentford and Aston Villa make the trip to the Etihad for what could potentially still be a title-deciding fixture for Pep Guardiola’s side.
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