Champions League and Europa League permutations - and effect on top four

As English football continues its resurgence, the Premier League could claim both major European trophies before the season is over.

English teams could be the winners of the Champions League and Europa League but what does it mean for next season? 

Liverpool and Tottenham secured their places in the Champions League semi-finals with aggregate successes over Porto and Manchester City respectively.

The Spurs now take on Ajax in the last four while Reds must see off Barcelona over two legs.

There’s also a distinct possibility of an all-English Europa League final following quarter-final successes for Arsenal and Chelsea.

Valencia stand between Arsenal and a place in the final while Chelsea come up against Eintracht Frankfurt. 

The superb European form of Premier League clubs has led to uncertainty over what will happen in terms of qualifying for next season's competitions. 

Kobbysports have worked out what it all means - and it would be bad news for someone.

What happens to Champions League and Europa League winners?

UEFA rules state that the winners of the Champions League and Europa League go straight into next season's Champions League group stage.

How many English teams can feature in Champions League?

The Premier League can have five representatives in the competition if the Champions League and/or Europa League winner does not make the top four.

Therefore, if Tottenham win the Champions League and miss out on top four, they will still qualify alongside the top four.

Likewise, with Arsenal or Chelsea if they win the Europa League.

How does that impact Europa League qualification?

Because the number of Champions League clubs can be increased to five, the combined number of European spots doesn't change. 

This implies two teams will be in the Europa League, rather than three.

If in May Arsenal or Chelsea win Europa League in Baku, the respective round is rebalanced accordingly with UEFA's rankings of respective associations.

England are currently ranked third on the list, behind Spain and Germany.

If Tottenham win Champions League and Arsenal/Chelsea win Europa League - and neither make top four?

This is the point where things start getting interesting.

Liverpool, who are also into the semi-finals of the Champions League, have secured their spot in top four but Tottenham certainly could missed out.

There is every chance Spurs could finish fifth and clinch the Champions League - with Arsenal or Chelsea lifting the Europa League and coming sixth.

Both would still go into the group stages of the Champions League but UEFA rules clearly state that the lowest-placed Premier League side drops into the Europa League.

That means if Manchester United yet secure a top four spot, they will have to begin next term in the Europa League.

What happens If Watford win the FA Cup as well?

The winners of the two domestic cup get entrance to the Europa League.

Manchester City have won the Carabao Cup and will still make the top four so won't need that spot, which goes to sixth. 

They could of course win the FA Cup too but Watford will fancy their chances when they meet at Wembley. 

Watford would enter the Europa League qualifiers as one of two English participants.

If not, they can still qualify by finishing seventh - as can Everton, Wolves, Leicester etc.