Details of how Chelsea's win over Manchester United impacts the rest of the Premier League has been revealed, and it could lead to a scenario that has never been seen before.
On Friday night, Chelsea produced a potentially season-defining win over United at Stamford Bridge, thanks to a goal from unlikely hero Marc Cucurella late in the second half.
The result puts the Blues up to fourth in the Premier League table, significantly boosting their hopes of securing a spot in the Champions League next season.
A win against Nottingham Forest, a side who are also chasing a spot in the top European competition, on the final day of the season will now guarantee Enzo Maresca's side a spot in the top five.
Advert
Should they lose to the midlands club, Chelsea could still remain in the Champions League spots, but would have to rely on Manchester City losing both of their remaining matches this season, and Forest losing their match against West Ham United on Sunday.
But the result at Stamford Bridge impacts more than just Chelsea's season, as it's now been revealed exactly what the win means for the rest of the Premier League, as it leaves the door open for a shocking scenario that's never happened before.
How many Premier League sides will play in next season's Champions League?
Earlier in the season, it was confirmed that England would have a minimum of five teams in the Champions League next season.
Arsenal's win over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the competition meant that the Premier League was awarded an extra place next season, one of two European Performance Spots (EPS).
The race for the top four therefore has become a top five with Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle, Chelsea and Aston Villa currently occupying the Champions League spots.
However, the upcoming Europa League final between of United and Tottenham Hotspur means that England will now have six sides in the Champions League next season - a feat which hasn't been seen before.
The winner of the Wednesday's match at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao will join the Premier League top five in the European top division next season, despite both sides having their worst domestic season in recent memory.
The team who finishes sixth in the Premier League, currently Manchester City, will receive a Europa League spot.
But Pep Guardiola's FA Cup final clash Crystal Palace may also have an impact on England's representation in Europe next season as the winners will also earn a Europa League place.
As highlighted by ESPN, if Palace win they will take the spot but if City prevail, the place will transfer to the team who comes seventh (currently Nottingham Forest).
Newcastle qualified for the Conference League through their Carabao Cup triumph over Liverpool but should they and City finish inside the top seven, the team who finishes eighth (currently Brentford) will get to play in Europe's third club tournament next term.
Topics: Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Newcastle United, Football, Premier League, Champions League, Nottingham Forest, Brentford, Aston Villa, Liverpool
Ben McCrum