The final round of the Premier League will be exciting, as three clubs are still fighting for a Champions League spot. There will be heartbreak for Arsenal, Liverpool, or Man City; as two spots remain available for those three clubs.
The Citizens, in third with 75 points, are favorites to qualify. Two points behind Guardiola’s side is Liverpool in fourth. The Gunners are the likeliest to miss out due to their 72-point tally and fifth position.
However, we could have three possible play-offs for a Champions League spot at a neutral stadium. That will require two teams finishing the season with identical points and goal difference. Here are the permutations.
Arsenal vs. Liverpool play-off
Arsenal face Everton on the final day whilst Liverpool host relegated Middlesbrough. The Gunners must beat the Toffees and hope the Reds stumble. If Klopp’s boys draw or lose and Wenger’s side win, Arsenal qualify for the Champions League. If Liverpool win, they will finish in the top four.
So how will we get a 4th-place Arsenal vs. Liverpool play-off? If the Reds lose 2-0 to the Boro and the Gunners draw 1-1, or by a similar aggregate.
Liverpool vs. Man City play-off
With only two points separating these two sides, they could finish tied for third spot. A play-off to see who finishes in third and fourth will be needed. This could only happen if Guardiola’s side draw 4-4 at Watford and Liverpool win 3-0, or by a similar aggregate.
Arsenal vs. Man City play-off
This is the unlikeliest of play-offs, but nevertheless possible. This play-off would only happen if Arsenal beat Everton 1-0, Man City lose to Watford 4-0, and Liverpool beat Middlesbrough.
