The Premier League is well known for priding itself as the toughest and most competitive among the domestic top leagues across European football. There could be some backing to that this season, as a Premier League side could feature in the finals of all three European competitions as it stands. It would be quite the feat if all three European competitions go on to be won by Premier League sides, but first they need to make the finals at the very least, and we take a look at the chances of that happening.
Arsenal aiming to reach Champions League final for the second time
Arsenal will be looking to make the Champions League final for only the second time in their history. The Gunners do have a tough obstacle to overcome, though. After playing out to a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in Spain last week, Arteta’s men must show their resilience once again but will be boosted by the psychological edge that the game is to be played at the Emirates on Tuesday.
Arsenal prepared for this game in style, though, by recording a dominant 3-0 win over Fulham at the weekend. However, Atletico Madrid also rested enough players to be fresh for this tie, so it still looks somewhat evenly placed. Many are expecting Arsenal to somehow advance, though, and make the finals against a PSG or a Bayern side.
An English side will definitely be in the Europa League final
Aston Villa will be looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Nottingham Forest when both sides meet for the second leg of the Europa League semi-finals. Forest have picked up form of late, though, and will actually fancy their chances against a Villa side that has blown hot and cold of late. Villa is still led by Unai Emery—the most successful manager in the competition’s history—and that is something that cannot be overlooked. It is only a one-goal deficit at the end of the day, meaning both sides can realistically advance. An early goal could be key, though, as whichever side gets that could be in the driver’s seat.
Crystal Palace are one leg in the Conference League final
Of all the English sides remaining in European competitions, Crystal Palace is perhaps the side most guaranteed a final berth as it stands. After a 3-1 win away from home against Shakhtar Donetsk last week, they will be more relaxed and confident of at least avoiding defeat on their home turf. Bar a monumental collapse, they should be in the Conference League final, where they will face whoever progresses between Rayo Vallecano and Strasbourg.