Friday, 11 May 2012

Premier League: What can happen on the final day of the season?

Manchester City and Manchester United are battling for the title, there's a large number of permutations in the race for Champions League places, and a scrap at the bottom to avoid the final relegation berth.
Here's a look at what can happen - and what each club needs to do on Sunday.

                                MANCHESTER CITY

Manchester City
City are in the box seat to claim their first league title for 44 years. Level on points with rivals Manchester United but leading by eight goals on goal difference, Roberto Mancini's side know that a win over Queens Park Rangers at Etihad Stadium will guarantee the title - barring the unlikely spectre of United winning by a margin of nine or more goals.
And if United slip up, City will still finish on top by matching their rivals' result - a draw is enough if United fail to win, while the title will also be heading to the blue half of Manchester if both teams lose on the final day.

                              MANCHESTER UNITED

Manchester United
United's destiny is no longer in their own hands - as City's goal difference means that realistically, the Red Devils need to better their rival's result to snatch the title.
So, Sir Alex Ferguson will only be celebrating on Sunday evening if United win at Sunderland and City fail to win, or if United draw and City lose.

                WHY CHELSEA ARE THE KEY TO EUROPE

The Champions League trophy
Chelsea can no longer finish higher than sixth, but their presence in the Champions League final slightly complicates the race for European places via the Premier League.
If Chelsea win the Champions League, they will take part in next season's competition as holders - but at the expense of the fourth-placed Premier League team who would normally qualify for the Champions League.
In this instance, the top three teams - and Chelsea - will all enter the Champions League at the group stage, while the fourth-placed team will instead enter the Europa League at the group stage.
But if Chelsea lose the Champions League final, the top four teams qualify for next season's competition as normal, with the top three in the group stage and the fourth-placed team entering in the play-off round. Chelsea, as FA Cup winners, would enter the Europa League at the group stage.
Whether or not Chelsea win in Munich, the fifth-placed Premier League team will enter the Europa League in the play-off round, while Carling Cup winners Liverpool will join in the third qualifying round.

ARSENAL

Arsene Wenger's side are in pole position to finish third and guarantee Champions League qualification - but any slip-up for the Gunners at West Brom could let in Tottenham, particularly continue Reading

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