Will we qualify for the CL?

[paul_e]

I said a few weeks back that I didn't see Chelsea getting more than 56-57points and I stand by that, and I don't think any of the pack behind will get there either.

It's a funny season in that this is the smallest 'mid-table' I think we've ever seen this late in the season with only really Palace, Newcastle and Leeds looking like they don't have a whole to play for. I know Palace have 2 games over most and are 6 points back but their run in is tough after tonight and they have the conference league as a bigger prize.

[ez]

Yes we've cracked it again. I reckon all five places are taken now. It's just a case of in what order.

[eye digress]

They can fight it out for who gets to win the Europa League next season. Now let's just make sure we hold onto (at least) fourth so any Europa win doesn't let anyone else in.

Agree absolutely Dave, inflict maximum sporting disadvantage on whomever doesn't qualify.

[olaftab]

Pretty much everywhere seems to think it's done now. Chelsea are closer in points to Leeds in fifteenth than they are to us in fourth. Three points separating sixth to twelfth.

They can fight it out for who gets to win the Europa League next season. Now let's just make sure we hold onto (at least) fourth so any Europa win doesn't let anyone else in.

Yes it would be truly horrible if Chelsea get in by finishing 6th because we won the Europa League.

[Monty]

Pretty much everywhere seems to think it's done now. Chelsea are closer in points to Leeds in fifteenth than they are to us in fourth. Three points separating sixth to twelfth.

They can fight it out for who gets to win the Europa League next season. Now let's just make sure we hold onto (at least) fourth so any Europa win doesn't let anyone else in.

Yes it would be truly horrible if Chelsea get in by finishing 6th because we won the Europa League.

And if we finish fifth because we lost to Spurs allowing them to stay up...

[andyh]

It would be hilarious beyond belief if we finish 3rd or 4th and win the EL, which puts Brentford or Bournemouth in the CL because one of them manages to finish 6th, above Chelsea.

[Monty]

It would be hilarious beyond belief if we finish 3rd or 4th and win the EL, which puts Brentford or Bournemouth in the CL because one of them manages to finish 6th, above Chelsea.

It's the other way round, if we win the EL and finish 5th the extra spot goes to 6th.

[olaftab]

It would be hilarious beyond belief if we finish 3rd or 4th and win the EL, which puts Brentford or Bournemouth in the CL because one of them manages to finish 6th, above Chelsea.

If we finish 3rd or 4th there is no additional place when we win the Europa League.

[andyh]

Ahhhh….got it.
I didn’t realise that the extra spot was spot was ONLY if we finish 5th, and win the EL.

Thanks for clarifying.

So we can fuck Chelsea up in a number of ways then, even better.

[Percy McCarthy]

^^ This is being hotly debated elsewhere, with some people who sound like they know what they’re on about saying the extra place will go to another country based on co-efficient or summat.

[SamTheMouse]

If we win the Europa League and finish fourth, we should be given both qualifying spots, and allowed to nominate a team of our choosing to take one of them.

[OCD]

If we win the Europa League and finish fourth, we should be given both qualifying spots, and allowed to nominate a team of our choosing to take one of them.

Better yet, we can use the second spot at a later date at a time of our choosing.

[Dave]

^^ This is being hotly debated elsewhere, with some people who sound like they know what they’re on about saying the extra place will go to another country based on co-efficient or summat.

If we finish fifth or sixth and win the Europa then it's six English sides.

If we finish top four and win it, then it's five English sides and the missing place goes to the highest ranked (on the UEFA coefficient rankings) side who is in qualifying, they jump straight into the league phase.

[cdbearsfan]

Sad times, it could be "Rangers". Only if they win the league, though.

[algy]

Yes we've cracked it again. I reckon all five places are taken now. It's just a case of in what order.

Yeah, was thinking this myself last night.  Arsenal & Man City are mathematically certain; the only way Manc Utd & us don't qualify is with an absolute freak set of results where Chelsea become world beaters and we simulateously have relegation form; Liverpool are pretty much there now too, only need to maintain mid table-ish form even if Chelsea become Brazil '70.

The worrying thing for them (although it certainly doesn't bother me, there's not a club I despite more than them) is that they've got half a dozen other teams that are within 3pts of them and will see playing in the Europa League (or Conference) as a much bigger opportunity than the Chelsea players will.