Villa Park to host Champions League play off....if there is one.

[Tuscans]

Sunday 26th May....lunch time ko.....Villa Park, if Chelsea and Arsenal finish on same points

[cdbearsfan]

Oh, I don't want those Chav scum Chelsea in our seats on Rotterdam Day. Why not just play it at White Hart Lane or Upton Park? Ludicrous decision.

[Chipsticks]

Bit of a pointless game but still interesting if it happens. Always feel uncomfortable seeing other fans in the Holte.

[pauliewalnuts]

Oh, I don't want those Chav scum Chelsea in our seats on Rotterdam Day. Why not just play it at White Hart Lane or Upton Park? Ludicrous decision.

I wonder if it is maybe to do with the Champions League final at Wembley the evening before?

90,000 German fans still in London the next day, and a heated fixture between two London clubs in the capital - that's not the sort of thing the rozzers would like.

Also, it might be to do with late notice - this has never happened before so I imagine there has been no planning for it. Maybe other clubs are replacing pitches as soon as the season ends / have grounds booked for other things?

Or maybe the Met can't provide the policing for it.

There could be loads of things we don't know about, ultimately.

Doesn't bother me. It is a wonderful ground which oozes history and class. Those latte-bothering revolting Tarquins should be happy they're getting to make a pilgrimage.

[eastie]

Sunday 26th May....lunch time ko.....Villa Park, if Chelsea and Arsenal finish on same points

Also must finish on the same goal difference and goals scored for a play off to be required - a long shot but still an outside possibility.

[neo_Villan]

So if Chelsea draw 0-0 and Arsenal win 2-1 basically. Not beyond the realms of possibility at all. I don't get why it can't just come down to their head-to-head record.

[PaulTheVillan]

I hope it does happen.

Surprised Richard Skidmark didn't try and sell it to somewhere in Dubai or America

[Pete3206]

Is this just to decide 3rd place?

[cdbearsfan]

Yes. Decides which team goes straight into the CL Group Stage and which side has to win a play-off against someone like Twente.

[Ad@m]

It does seem ridiculous that you send two clubs from London 100 miles up the road to find a neutral ground.  It doesn't matter to the clubs but it's a pain in the arse for the fans.

But if it gets us a bit of extra cash and builds the profile of VP and Birmingham then why not.

[Damo70]

So if Chelsea draw 0-0 and Arsenal win 2-1 basically. Not beyond the realms of possibility at all. I don't get why it can't just come down to their head-to-head record.

I'm guessing because that rule isn't in place so they can't stick it in now. Wouldn't surprise me if they do that in future though. I doubt the two exact scores required will happen anyway. It would basically be a play off to avoid a pre qualifying game.

[neo_Villan]

I hope it does happen.

Surprised Richard Skidmark didn't try and sell it to somewhere in Dubai or America

Yep. He could've used it to try and revive his ludacrous plan to hold a 39th league game in other countries.

[nicardinho]

Discussions with London-based stadia did take place as part of that process but limited availability and calendar restrictions, combined with the desire to use a large capacity ground that has experience in organising and delivering neutral matches, rendered Villa Park the most suitable choice.

From the Premier League: http://goo.gl/EXgZf

[Handsworth Wood Villa]

Chelsea did the double over Arsenal so they should get 3rd place.

[The Left Side]

Chelsea will beat Everton, so our hallowed turf is safe from the filth.