TOP-FOUR GUARANTEE FOR PLACE FROM 2018

THE Premier League is set to have four places in the Champions League group stage from the 2018/19 season.

Currently there are automatic spots for three English clubs, with a fourth having to qualify through a play-off, as Manchester City did this week after finishing in fourth place.

But a revamp will see the top four nations in UEFA’s rankings – currently Spain, Germany, England and Italy – each get guaranteed places for teams finishing in their respective top fours.