The 2024-25 Champions League season will have an expanded format with 36 teams involved. There is a chance that as many as six Premier League clubs could participate in this competition. The new format will feature a ‘Swiss-style’ opening stage, with two leagues having five teams qualify based on their league position. England is contending for that fifth spot, with five English clubs currently in the quarter-finals of European competitions. If the Europa League winners are from the Premier League, they will earn a spot in the following season’s Champions League, potentially increasing the number of English clubs to six.
There is a scenario where the team finishing sixth in the Premier League could secure a Champions League spot if West Ham finishes fifth but also wins the Europa League. However, if one of the top four teams wins the Champions League or Europa League, the extra spot will not drop down. Currently, West Ham is in seventh place in the Premier League, nine points behind fifth-place Tottenham. West Ham is still in contention in the Europa League, but their path to a triumph is not guaranteed, as they will face tough opponents like Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool.
West Ham’s Europa League journey could be aided by their experience in winning the Europa Conference League last season and reaching the Europa League semi-finals in 2022. This success has instilled a hunger in the team to win more silverware, according to striker Michail Antonio. Despite not being the favourites to win the tournament, West Ham has a history of performing well in European competitions, which could work in their favour. The team is determined to replicate their past successes and lift the Europa League trophy once again.
The new format of the Champions League presents an opportunity for English clubs to increase their representation in the competition. If West Ham can secure a spot by winning the Europa League, a total of six Premier League clubs could participate in the 2024-25 season. However, the road to Champions League qualification is challenging, with competition from other top European clubs. West Ham will need to overcome formidable opponents to progress further in the Europa League and potentially secure a place in the prestigious Champions League.
Despite the odds stacked against them, West Ham remains optimistic about their chances in the Europa League. The team’s recent success in European competitions has boosted their confidence, and they are hungry for more glory. By advancing in the Europa League, West Ham could make history by qualifying for the Champions League as the sixth English club in the competition. Their journey reflects the competitive nature of European football and the determination of clubs to succeed on the continental stage. With the possibility of six Premier League clubs in the Champions League, English football could showcase its strength and depth in European competitions.
