Thursday, May 16, 2013
Arsenal, Chelsea could play-off for UCL
Arsenal and Chelsea could face a play-off for the final automatic Champions League place if they finish with identical records after Sunday's games.
The two teams go into the final round of matches two points and one goal apart in terms of goal difference with a realistic possibility that they could end up inseparable. Both teams would have the same points, goals scored and goals conceded.
The team which finishes third in the Premier League will go directly into the Champions League group stage, while fourth place will enter in the play-off round, with the tie to be played over two legs on August 20-21 and 27-28.
Premier League rule C.14 states: "If at the end of the season either the League Champions or the clubs to be relegated or the question of qualification for other competitions cannot be determined because two or more clubs are equal on points, goal difference and goals scored, the clubs concerned shall play off one or more deciding league matches on neutral grounds, the format, timing and venue of which shall be determined by the board."
Chelsea won both league games this season 2-1 but the Premier League does not recognise head-to-head as a tie-breaker, unlike the Football League and most European leagues.
Scheduling a play-off would prove very difficult for the Premier League. Wembley Stadium would be the logical choice as a neutral venue in London, but it is booked for the Champions League final on Saturday, May 25, the Championship play-off final on Monday, May 27 and England's friendly with Ireland on May 29.
The two teams go into the final round of matches two points and one goal apart in terms of goal difference with a realistic possibility that they could end up inseparable. Both teams would have the same points, goals scored and goals conceded.
The team which finishes third in the Premier League will go directly into the Champions League group stage, while fourth place will enter in the play-off round, with the tie to be played over two legs on August 20-21 and 27-28.
Premier League rule C.14 states: "If at the end of the season either the League Champions or the clubs to be relegated or the question of qualification for other competitions cannot be determined because two or more clubs are equal on points, goal difference and goals scored, the clubs concerned shall play off one or more deciding league matches on neutral grounds, the format, timing and venue of which shall be determined by the board."
Chelsea won both league games this season 2-1 but the Premier League does not recognise head-to-head as a tie-breaker, unlike the Football League and most European leagues.
Scheduling a play-off would prove very difficult for the Premier League. Wembley Stadium would be the logical choice as a neutral venue in London, but it is booked for the Champions League final on Saturday, May 25, the Championship play-off final on Monday, May 27 and England's friendly with Ireland on May 29.
