Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer says European qualification would be a "step in the right direction" for the club.
The Blues moved up to sixth in the Premier League after Wednesday's 2-1 win at Brighton.
Despite a difficult campaign, they will guarantee a spot in Europe next season if they claim a point at home to Bournemouth in Sunday's final game.
"For it to be in our hands to get sixth place is a big thing for us," said Palmer, who scored his 22nd goal of the season with the opener against the Seagulls.
"Chelsea are a big club and everyone wants to finish higher than sixth but you have to look at where we were at the start of the season.