England move ahead of Germany in race for extra Champions League spot

The Premier League is now 'almost certain' to have five clubs in the Champions League next season — and it's good for clubs lower down the table too. That's because England have moved ahead of Germany in the race for an extra Champions League spot next season.

Europe's top leagues have been battling this season to earn an extra place in next season's competition, with two countries set to do so before the new format is introduced.

The top European competition will grow from next year, increasing from 32 clubs in an eight-group style to 36 clubs in a 'Swiss' format.

Teams will play eight matches in the qualification stage, four home and four away, with the top eight teams moving on to the last 16 and ninth to 24th facing off in two-legged play-offs.

Two of the extra spots will be given to the best-performing leagues in Europe this season, and, thanks to West Ham's win over Freiburg on Thursday night, England have raced ahead of Germany in the bid to earn the extra spot.

England have five teams still in Europe, with Arsenal and Manchester City in the Champions League and Liverpool and West Ham aiming for Europa League success.

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The rivalry was sparked again on Thursday in the European draws, with Arsenal drawn against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and West Ham set to face Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League.

Aston Villa are setting their sights on the Conference League trophy after defeating Ajax on Thursday.