There is a rule change that came into effect at the start of the current season that may well affect Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal next campaign.
Previously, three of the top four finishers in the Premier League would go into the group stage of the competition, with the team finishing in fourth having to go through a two-legged qualifier in order to make it to the same stage.
But that has now changed. UEFA, the governing body of the Champions League, announced in February last year that all four teams finishing in the top four in the Premier League will get a direct passage into the group stages. Which means no early qualification round for the team who finish in fourth, whether that be Chelsea, Spurs or Arsenal.
Pochettino on next season's plans at Spurs: 'We cannot live like we have in the last five years'
The change, that came into effect for the first time this season, saw more an increased number of teams taking part in the group stages. Previously there had been 22 participating in the phase of the competition, but that number rose by four to 26 this year, including both the winners of the previous season's Champions League and Europa League.
Changes also saw staggered kick offs come into the competition, and they will be in effect again next season.
As things stand, Chelsea and Spurs will both qualify for the group stages by finishing in third and fourth place in the Premier League, and Arsenal would qualify for the Europa League by finishing in fifth.
However, Arsenal (along with Chelsea) do have another way of getting themselves into the Champions League group stages. The Gunners are leading 3-1 against Valencia going into the second leg of their Europa League semi-final. If they do go onto reach the final, and win the competition, then they will qualify for the group stages of the competition next campaign.
With Chelsea already guaranteed of finishing in the top four, it is now between Spurs and Arsenal for the final place on the last day of the season.
It very much looks like it will be the Lilywhites who will join Chelsea in next year's competition as they have a superior goal difference to their north London rivals.
The Gunners, who take on Burnley on Sunday, can take the last place if an eight-goal swing goes in their favour with Spurs facing in-form Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Marcelino on what impressed him most about Arsenal and where Valencia can hurt them in decider
Keep up to date with the latest news, features and exclusives from football.london via the free football.london app for iPhone and Android .
Available to download from the App Store and Google Play .
