Irons need to finish third to be certain
And with Arsenal and Manchester United closing in on the Europa final there’s another problem facing our boys.
Both situations could come as a massive blow to the Irons after a season of excellence has put them in line for a shot at the genuine big time.
For the top four not to be sufficient for the Irons because of the success of British teams would be such a shame but it remains a live possibility.
Manchester City are now all but certain of reaching Europe via the title while Manchester United, in second place, look good for it too.
Assuming that’s the case life starts to get very complicated for the threee other clubs who are allowed into the Champions league.
With four games to go Leicester are third on 63 points, Chelsea are fourth on 61 and West Ham are fifth on 58.
talksport have analysed what could happen and here’s their appraisal of the situation:
Here’s what could happen…
Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel’s outfit will qualify for the Champions League if they beat Man City on May 29 or finish anywhere in the top four.
If Man City go on to win the Champions League, England would not receive an extra qualification space meaning just the top four will make it plus Arsenal if they win the Europa League.
Arsenal
The Gooners are currently ninth in the table but winning the Europa League would see them back in the Champions League next term.
The Irons
Now things get more complicated.
Should Chelsea and Arsenal both claim glory in Europe and West Ham edge out their rivals to finish fourth in the league, the Hammers would miss out on next season’s Champions League.
However, David Moyes’ side could yet finish third and that would secure elite European football.
Leicester
The Foxes have enjoyed another brilliant campaig
Here’s what could happen…
Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel’s Blues will qualify for the Champions League next season if they beat Man City on May 29 or finish anywhere in the top four.
If Man City go on to win the Champions League, England would not receive an extra qualification space meaning just the top four will make it plus Arsenal if they win the Europa League.
Arsenal
While it’s been an underwhelming campaign for the Gunners to say the least, they can still salvage it.
Mikel Arteta’s men are currently ninth in the table but winning the Europa League would see them back in the Champions League next term.
They’ll first need a big performance to overturn their semi-final tie against Villarreal having lost the away leg 2-1.
West Ham
Now things get more complicated.
Should Chelsea and Arsenal both claim glory in Europe and West Ham edge out their rivals to finish fourth in the league, the Hammers would miss out on next season’s Champions League.
However, David Moyes’ side could yet finish third and that would secure elite European football.
Leicester
Brendan Rodgers and co would miss out on the Champions League if they finish fourth behind West Ham and both Chelsea and Arsenal win their European finals.
Currently third in the table, there are games against Man United, Chelsea and Tottenham to come, though there is also the FA Cup final – on 15 May against Chelsea – to look forward to.
n but it could end in heartbreak.Brendan Rodgers and co would miss out on the Champions League if they finish fourth behind West Ham and both Chelsea and Arsenal win their European finals.
Currently third in the table, there are games against Man United, Chelsea and Tottenham to come, though there is also the FA Cup final – on 15 May against Chelsea – to look forward to.