[Albion] 8th ? , Conference (7th), or Europa (6th)

[Cheshire Cat]

Arse - nil points (or possibly three just to be contrary and prove me wrong - what do I know anyway)
Geordies - one point (BDB own goal in sympathy)
Relegated - three points but probably loose just because we can (see Everton fiasco)
Citeh - nil points (come on, we are definitely not going to win that one)
Brummies - three points (but only if we are still interested, otherwise a major thrashing at the beach)

I know NOTHING

 

[Bold Seagull]

Ask me after Thurs but I imagine to be safe we’ll be wanting Villa to not win at Anfield. I did have the same thought as you earlier then told myself not to be silly!

Yeah of course, 1 game at a time, but if we have beaten Newcastle, we’d just need to beat Southampton or City or draw them both and it wouldn’t matter if Villa beat Liverpool and us.

CL is still there to fight for on Thursday.

 

[Triggaaar]

We have arguably made our game with city easier now having beaten Arse and given them the title. Hopefully City will focus on the champs league.

Indeed, although you can't help feel that if City rest a load of players, those that fill in will also be bloody amazing.

 

[Triggaaar]

I know NOTHING

I'm hoping you know quite a lot. 7 points from our last 4 games would be fine with me.

 

[pure_white]

No bet its a mugs game. Im hopeful we make Europe and will be bitterly dissapointed if we dont. Do and chance to make the top 6 a 7 and dont and we could slip back to mid-table. A lot rides on making Europe to retain players.

 

[West Upper Seagull]

I hate playing relegated teams. Pressures off and they suddenly find form

On the plus side, there is no reason for them to come and park the bus now so surely that’s got to help us.

 

[SteveU]

6th. I believe we’ll get 3 points at the Emirates tomorrow.

Just saying

 

[SweatyMexican]

Brentford won’t be pushovers against Spurs. They HAVE to win to keep their own European hopes alive.

 

[CaptainDaveUK]

If we were to beat Newcastle in the week, we’d be 5 points behind them with a game in hand.

That game in hand may will be ManCity having already won and been presented with the PL trophy with 2 cup finals to prepare for.

Not sure RDZ and the players will be ruling 4th place out just yet. Unlikely, but beat Newcastle and Villa winning at Anfield, and that isn’t out of the equation….

That is what I was alluding to.

 

[Weststander]

This market, sportingindex, has determined that we’ll make 6th.

Villa/Spurs battling for 7th.

 

[Ike and Tina Burner]

Reading through Villa's forum it seems they've completely given up finishing above us. I wish I could have their certainty about it to be honest!

 

[Arkwright]

Asking @Arkwright ?

Both head and heart 6th. Make sure I've got more than 6 months on my passport.

 

[pasty]

Is there any difference as far as Europa League is concerned between finishing 5th or 6th?

 

[Bold Seagull]

Is there any difference as far as Europa League is concerned between finishing 5th or 6th?

There isn't because our 2 Europa League spots are for finishing 5th in the PL and winning the FA Cup - they are both qualification to the group stage of the Europa League. 6th place is the FA Cup spot in the event the winner has qualified already through league position.

The Conference spot is actually only for the EFL Cup winners, but again that will go to 7th because ManUtd won the EFL Cup and will qualify for CL through league position.

If ManUtd were to falter completely and finish 6th, but win the FA Cup, then 5th would get the other Europa League and 6th would get the conference with 7th not qualifying for Europe.

West Ham will also qualify for the Europa League next season if they win the Conference, but that doesn't effect the number of places allocated already.

 

[aolstudios]

Yeah of course, 1 game at a time, but if we have beaten Newcastle, we’d just need to beat Southampton or City or draw them both and it wouldn’t matter if Villa beat Liverpool and us.

CL is still there to fight for on Thursday.

This ^

 

[Triggaaar]

A lot rides on making Europe to retain players.

Do you think that which European competition we make will affect their decisions?

 

[aolstudios]

Do you think that which European competition we make will affect their decisions?

Yep

 

[chaileyjem]

Here's the run in now...

 

[Change at Barnham]

If we are able to finish 6th and qualify for the Europa League would that mean we go straight into the group stages or would we need to play in the 3rd qualifying round and play-offs?
i.e. if finishing 6th would we be involved from 10th August, or would we become involved from 21 September?

From UEFA website:

When are the 2023/24 Europa League qualifiers?​

Third qualifying round: 10 and 17 August 2023
Play-offs: 24 and 31 August 2023

When are the 2023/24 Europa League group stage matches?​

Matchday 1: 21 September 2023
Matchday 2: 5 October 2023
Matchday 3: 26 October 2023
Matchday 4: 9 November 2023
Matchday 5: 30 November 2023
Matchday 6: 14 December 2023

 

[The Fits]

Personally think we will get something against City. We have to beat Saints. One of the worst teams we've played this season and absolutely on the beach now.
Just can't see us going up to Newcastle and getting anything, and Villa will be tough. If we can stay relatively injury free I fancy 4/5 points more.