How Chelsea can qualify for next season's Europa League as Premier League permutations become clear

Chelsea could qualify for next season's Europa League if they beat AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Blues have enjoyed an end-of-season revival under Mauricio Pochettino with only Manchester City and Arsenal picking up more points over the last 10 games.

As a result, Chelsea are three points behind fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and will be able to clinch qualification to UEFA's secondary European competition if they beat Bournemouth and Ange Postecoglou's side are defeated at Sheffield United.

However, if Spurs can avoid defeat at Bramall Lane then Chelsea will be headed for a place in the Europa Conference League next season. Still, if Manchester City can beat Manchester United in next weekend's FA Cup final at Wembley then Chelsea's sixth-place finish will be enough to earn them a place in the Europa League.

Speaking after Wednesday's 2-1 win at Brighton & Hove Albion, Pochetinno said that his side are "dreaming" of playing in Europe next season.

"It's always very competitive, the Premier League is the toughest league in the world," the Chelsea boss told Sky Sports. "Full credit to the players, we fully deserved the victory, that's why I'm so happy and it allows us to dream to play in Europe next season.

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"We need to think about recovery and keep the mentality of going to win and see what happens. The most important thing is belief and performances and the performances and results are really good.

"We dominated from the beginning against a team that's not easy to play, that's why we're so proud and so happy. The evolution of the team is there."