The Premier League's Europa hopefuls - who could take shock European place?

The success of Premier League teams in Europe looks set to guarantee them a fifth place for Champions League qualification again this season, opening the field further for teams to qualify for Europe. 

The knock-on effect means that 6th and 7th place will now secure European football for Premier League teams via the Europa League or Europa Conference League, giving teams not only a chance of continental football but also a real chance of a trophy. 

This season, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest remain in contention to lift the Europa League, while Crystal Palace are among the favourites to win another trophy in the Conference League. 

So, with the big names' focus all on the top five, which Premier League club is best equipped to book an unlikely European berth in 2026? DAZN News looks at the contenders. 

 

Brentford 

The Bees have been this season's surprise package, having been written off as relegation candidates at the start of the season. 

After losing their two main goal threats and the man who established Brentford as a top-flight club, there were concerns their Premier League cycle may be coming to an end. However, Keith Richards has not only steadied the ship in West London, but exceeded expectations so much that the club have already tied him to a new long-term deal. 

And no wonder, because with ten games to go, the club are nestled right under the top six and making a bid to bring European football to the GTek for the first time in the club's history. 

Much of their success has been down to the goalscoring exploits of Igor Thiago, who's netted 17 times this season, but it's a team based on consistency, with players rarely letting the manager down. 

Their run-in includes home games against both Everton and Fulham, putting Andrew's men firmly in the driving seat for 7th place or more, depending on what happens with the teams above them, and a place in club history. 

Matt McNulty/Getty Images

Everton 

End of season run-ins have normally been about trying to avoid the drop for Everton in recent times, but this year could see the Toffees back into Europe. 

It's been quite the turnaround for the club and a testament once again to the often-overlooked David Moyes and the job he's done since returning to the club last year. 

Some clever recruitment and a style that has become synonymous with both Moyes' original Everton side and have seen the Merseysiders on course for a top-half finish - but could they top that off with a European place, too? 

As well as they've transitioned to life away from Goodison, their recent home form at the Hill Dickinson needs addressing. Tuesday's win over Burnley was only their second win at their new digs since the start of December, and that's something they'll need to change if they are to finish in the top seven. 

Oddly, their away form is only bettered by the Premier League's top two, meaning they won't be fazed by trips to The Emirates or Brentford in their final ten games. If they can strike the right balance between the two, they could bag their first European campaign since 2018.Matt McNulty/Getty Images

Fulham 

Quietly going about their business this season has been Fulham, who have managed to stay under the radar despite looking like they could make a late run for a European spot.

Marco Silva's team have excelled in getting results when they needed to this season, never letting themselves get dragged into trouble after a bad run of form and are currently right in the mix following Saturday's win over Tottenham.

The form of Harry Wilson has seen him become one of the stars of the season, but he's not the only notable performer at the Cottage; Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Raul Jimenez have also outperformed expectations for the West Londoners. 

They'll need to go on a bit of a run and face some tough away days at Anfield and Arsenal, but don't count out this Fulham side from nabbing a top-seven finish. 

How to watch the Premier League in Canada

Soccer fans in Canada can watch every Premier League match during the 2025-26 season on DAZN.

With Fubo Sports on DAZN, Canadians can catch Premier League action as well as Serie A. Additionally, DAZN is the home of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Bundesliga and more.

For pricing information and to sign up to watch, click here.