Premier League European permutations as Man City win Carabao Cup following UEFA ban

Manchester City's Carabao Cup success has offered a European lifeline to the Premier League clubs who are battling for a place in the top four.

Pep Guardiola's side beat Aston Villa 2-1 at Wembley on Sunday afternoon , with first half strikes from Sergio Aguero and Rodri eventually settling the final in City's favour.

City's victory effectively transfers the European spot on offer for winning the Carabao Cup back to the Premier League, which will now see a Europa League place on offer to the side that finishes sixth.

In addition, if the team that wins the FA Cup also qualify for Europe via the Premier League, then a Europa League spot - albeit one in the qualifiers - will open up for the side that finishes seventh.

City won the Carabao Cup for the third year in a row (REUTERS)

And if City aren't successful with their appeal against their looming European ban, then they will effectively be discounted from the running and a Europa League spot be given to the team in eighth.

That would also mean the team in fifth qualifying for the Champions League presuming City finish in the top four.

The race for the top four - latest standings

Wolves beat Tottenham 3-2 on Sunday (Getty Images)

3. Leicester City - P 28, Pts: 50 - Next PL fixture: Aston Villa (H), March 9

4. Chelsea - P 28, Pts: 45 - Next PL fixture: Everton (H), March 8

-----

5. Manchester United P 28, Pts: 42 - Next PL fixture: Man City (H), March 8

6. Wolverhampton Wanderers P 28, Pts: 42 - Next PL fixture: Brighton (H), March 7

7. Tottenham Hotspur P 28, Pts: 40 - Next PL fixture: Burnley (A), March 7

8. Sheffield United P 27, Pts: 40 - Next PL fixture: Norwich (H), March 7

9. Burnley P 28, Pts: 38 - Next PL fixture: Tottenham (H), March 7

10. Arsenal P 27, Pts: 37 - Next PL fixture: West Ham (H), March 7

11. Everton P 28, Pts: 37 - Next PL fixture: Chelsea (A), March 8