Dark Munster

Row 4 doesn't exist?

I think that's because they haven't considered all permutations, and tried to keep it simple. For example, a CL winner outside the top 4 finishing in, or not in, an EL spot complicates things, and then they would have to add a load of extra lines just for that. Not to mention on top of that where the FA cup and Capital 1 cup winners finish.

None of the above is in doubt, as row 4 shows. The situation they don't address is that 5th place (which is usually the highest placed EL qualifier) gets bumped out completely.

The row 4 situation implies (a non cup winning) 5th won't qualify for Europe. While this appears to be the strict interpretation of the rules as they are currently written, I have a feeling UEFA didn't anticipate this happening (not for the first time) and would make an exception to let 5th into EL.

Sticky this, mods? Nice to have these all in one thread. That way we can hopefully avoid clicking on a bunch of tedious threads with some random player's name in the title, thinking he's about to sign for us, only to find out it's just another HCDAJFU.

Excellent. I wonder if Saint Sinner could make a cover version?

Except the "we don't deserve it". Yes, you do, you dirty, filthy, cheating, skate bastards.

If Utd win the cup it doesn't matter to us if they are on the beach or not for a Bournemouth match afterwards, because we would then be in the group stage anyway. But if they lose the final and play the re-scheduled match afterwards, they do have an incentive to play their strongest possible team, without worrying about injuries and suspensions for an upcoming final. Anyway, this is probably all moot, from reports it seems there isn't enough time to re-schedule before the final.

No, not yet. I think we need to start a new thread about the permutations for going straight into the group stage vs. qualification.

Ideal situation: Bournemouth and Palace both beat Utd. Then we finish 5th and enter EL group stage, and West Ham get **** all.

Given that the result of the final has EL implications, it wouldn't be appropriate for it to occur after the final. Also, it would mean more rest for the Utd players. Of course, the opposite is true if it's played before the final. I would guess on Tuesday if it does get played this week.

The good news is that Utd will go into their rescheduled match against Bournemouth with less than 6 days before the final, and knowing that they cannot make the top 4, and at worst will finish 6th. Which points to them having both eyes on the final. And maybe LVG will rest key players and play a number of kids.

Yes, it looks like it. Unless Bournemouth can do us a favour.

Actually, if Palace win the cup and Utd finish above us, we are the lowest placed EL team, which means we go into qualification, I think. So we do want Utd to win the cup (unless Bournemouth beat them earlier).

Our work is done here.

Shocking again today. Only one assist, along with another cross into the box leading to a goal. And was only able to play solidly in defense. Shocking.

True, but he's more expensive than a new stadium. Bit of a catch 22.

"Steve McClaren is a very good coach and I am expecting Newcastle to have a very good season after their recent problems."

Steve Bruce seems a decent bloke, gracious in defeat when we beat them, so I have no problem with Hull going up. Especially at Derby's expense.

Liverpool winning the EL has no effect on our qualification. The rest is spot on though.

Worst. Signing. Ever.

P.S. If Liverpool draws 0-0, and we lose 7-9 against Palace, we'll have identical records with Liverpool in 7th place too.

It's a rather silly tie-breaker. If teams are tied on points, goal difference and goals scored, instead of an extra match to decide who qualifies, why not simply use head to head of their two matches in the league as the next tie-breaker (with away goals counting double if necessary)? If that doesn't separate them, then fine, have a one-off match at a neutral ground. Edit: I noticed that if Liverpool and West Ham do end up with the same points etc. it would mean Liverpool would have won 1 more game (and West Ham 3 more draws). So that's another tie-breaker: most wins.