{"id":35598,"date":"2023-05-24T22:24:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-24T22:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2023\/05\/24\/aussie-plunged-into-three-way-survival-fight-shock-euro-disaster-as-giant-returns-pl-run-home\/"},"modified":"2023-05-24T22:24:00","modified_gmt":"2023-05-24T22:24:00","slug":"aussie-plunged-into-three-way-survival-fight-shock-euro-disaster-as-giant-returns-pl-run-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2023\/05\/24\/aussie-plunged-into-three-way-survival-fight-shock-euro-disaster-as-giant-returns-pl-run-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Aussie plunged into three-way survival fight; shock Euro disaster as giant returns: PL Run Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n

Shed a tear, football fans.<\/p>\n

The Premier League is almost over for another season, but before the final whistles blow across the country on the 38th game of the season, there\u2019s still plenty of drama left.<\/p>\n

The top four isn\u2019t set it stone just yet.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a three-way tussle for the sole Europa Conference League spot.<\/p>\n

Oh, and there\u2019s the small matter of the relegation scrap as Everton, Leicester City and Leeds fight to preserve their Premier League status for another season.<\/p>\n

Foxsports.com.au <\/i>breaks down all the scenarios ahead of the final day as supporters gear up for an off-season filled with excitement, frustration, dread or just about anything in-between.<\/p>\n

<\/amp-ima-video><\/p>\n

Socceroos set to face Argentina in China | 03:05<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

MORE COVERAGE<\/b><\/p>\n

Rumour Mill: $224m star leads Gunners\u2019 three-man wishlist; German ace in line for Man City reunion<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

Newcastle\u2019s 20-year CL wait officially over as ex-champs slide closer to horror fate<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

Repeat or revenge: Socceroos set for epic rematch against World Cup champs \u2026 in China<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE<\/b><\/p>\n

4th: Manchester United (69 pts, +11 GD)<\/b><\/p>\n

5th: Liverpool (66 pts, +28 GD)<\/b><\/p>\n

Given the cards Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag has been dealt in his first season as a Premier League manager, a Champions League berth would be an outstanding achievement.<\/p>\n

From two losses in the first two games of the season to the Cristiano Ronaldo circus that threatened to derail the campaign, the Dutchman has steadied the ship.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s also overseen Marcus Rashford\u2019s stunning return to form, with the English forward bagging 16 goals so far this season.<\/p>\n

As for Liverpool, it\u2019s largely been a season to forget for the Reds.<\/p>\n

Jurgen Klopp\u2019s side dropped to tenth as recently as February this season as talk of the German boss\u2019 \u2018seventh season syndrome\u2019 kicked into overdrive.<\/p>\n

However, Liverpool have been on a tear since February 13 with 11 wins from 17 games.<\/p>\n

That run included a 7-0 thrashing of bitter rivals Manchester United as well as a 6-1 battering of relegation-threatened Leeds, plus tidy wins over the likes of Newcastle and Spurs.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately for Liverpool, they may have timed their run a hair too late.<\/p>\n

<\/amp-img>
Manchester United are within a whisker of returning to the Champions League. (Photo by Michael Steele\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How United qualifies for CL<\/b><\/p>\n

Thankfully for the Red Devils they have two home games left to play this season, beginning with a clash against Chelsea before a final day fixture against Fulham.<\/p>\n

They only need one point from the two games to lock in a spot in the top four.<\/p>\n

Given United have not lost at home in the Premier League since the opening day of the season, it\u2019s hard to see Ten Hag\u2019s side slipping up.<\/p>\n

How Liverpool qualifies for CL<\/b><\/p>\n

The deck is certainly not in Liverpool\u2019s favour.<\/p>\n

The Reds have perhaps the easiest fixture of anyone on the final day as a trip to last-placed Southampton awaits and they must take three points from that contest.<\/p>\n

However, they must rely on United losing to both Chelsea and Fulham at Old Trafford to even have a chance of qualifying.<\/p>\n

<\/amp-img>
Liverpool’s surge may have come too late. (Photo by Catherine Ivill\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE<\/b><\/p>\n

7th: Aston Villa (58 pts, +4 GD)<\/b><\/p>\n

8th: Tottenham Hotspur (57 pts, +4 GD)<\/b><\/p>\n

9th: Brentford (56 pts, +11 GD)<\/b><\/p>\n

Who would have thought Aston Villa and Brentford would be competing for Europe this season?<\/p>\n

As for Tottenham Hotspur, a spot in the Europa Conference League is the latest sign in the club\u2019s sad demise in a season that began with such high hopes.<\/p>\n

Villa are in pole position for the only ECL spot on offer in the Premier League and play Brighton, who have already qualified for the Europa League, at Villa Park on the final day.<\/p>\n

Qualification for the ECL would be a remarkable achievement given Villa\u2019s incredible turnaround overseen by Unai Emery since the Spaniard took over from Steven Gerrard in November.<\/p>\n

Spurs had been in the Champions League or Europa League positions all season long but a run of just one win in their last seven has the London outfit on the brink of no European football at all next season.<\/p>\n

The surprise pick in the bunch is Brentford, who have picked up 12 points from a possible 15 in their last five \u2014 including a 3-1 win against Spurs \u2014 to be within a shout of qualifying for Europe in just their second Premier League season.<\/p>\n

However, the Bees will have to do it without star striker Ivan Toney who was hit with an eight-month suspension for breaching the FA\u2019s betting rules.<\/p>\n

<\/amp-img>
Harry Kane could be playing in the Europa Conference League next season. (Photo by Richard Heathcote\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How Aston Villa qualifies for ECL<\/b><\/p>\n

An ECL appearance is in Villa\u2019s hands given they currently hold 7th spot and a win against Brighton will seal the Midlands side\u2019s first taste of European football since 2010.<\/p>\n

Emery\u2019s side can also qualify if they draw against Brighton and Spurs either lose or draw against Leeds as well as Brentford losing or drawing against Manchester City.<\/p>\n

How Tottenham qualifies for ECL<\/b><\/p>\n

Tottenham travel to face a Leeds side scrapping tooth and nail for their spot in the Premier League and based on the London outfit\u2019s recent form, it doesn\u2019t look good.<\/p>\n

However, Ryan Mason\u2019s side are still within a shout of playing European football next season.<\/p>\n

First, a loss to Leeds eliminates all hope for a ECL spot.<\/p>\n

A Spurs draw against Leeds plus an Aston Villa loss to Brighton along with a Brentford draw or loss against Manchester City would be enough given Villa\u2019s goal difference would drop below Tottenham\u2019s.<\/p>\n

A win and a Villa draw or loss would also propel Spurs into seventh and secure a spot in the ECL too.<\/p>\n

How Brentford qualifies for ECL<\/b><\/p>\n

It\u2019s unlikely, but with the form Brentford are in, a chance of playing in the ECL cannot be counted out just yet.<\/p>\n

A lot would have to go in the Bees\u2019 favour for them to dream of European nights next season.<\/p>\n

They must beat Manchester City at the Brentford Community Stadium to even have a chance which is no easy task, although Brentford have already beaten the champions this season.<\/p>\n

With Brentford\u2019s superior goal difference, a win would be enough so long as Villa and Spurs both draw at a minimum, although the latter two losing their games makes the picture a lot clearer in the Bees\u2019 favour.<\/p>\n

<\/amp-img>
Unai Emery could steer Aston Villa into Europe for the first time since 2010. (Photo by Lewis Storey\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

RELEGATION<\/b><\/p>\n

17th: Everton (33 pts, -24 GD)<\/b><\/p>\n

18th: Leicester City (31 pts, -18 GD)<\/b><\/p>\n

19th: Leeds United (31 pts, -27 GD)<\/b><\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t seem right that either a team that\u2019s never been relegated from the Premier League or a club that were champions of England only seven years ago could find themselves in the second tier next season.<\/p>\n

But for Everton and Leicester City, it\u2019s a frighteningly realistic scenario.<\/p>\n

And, in a potential nightmare, both of those clubs could go down if they lose their games and Leeds United perform a last-day miracle and beat Tottenham Hotspur.<\/p>\n

The Toffees had Yerry Mina to thank for a last-gasp equaliser against Wolves last weekend to give them a slight advantage in the fight for survival.<\/p>\n

Leicester also held on for a 0-0 draw against high-flying Newcastle and what a valuable point that could turn out to be.<\/p>\n

As for Leeds, a bright start against West Ham ended in diaster with a 3-1 loss that has certainly darkened the mood at Elland Road.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s all led to a last-day shootout for all three teams who are each scheduled to round out their season in front of their home fans.<\/p>\n

<\/amp-img>
It’s advantage Everton in the fight for survival. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How Everton survives relegation<\/b><\/p>\n

Everton are in pole position when it comes to surviving relegation given they are already out of the bottom three.<\/p>\n

A match against Bournemouth at Goodison Park is as good as it could be for Sean Dyche\u2019s side given the Cherries have lost their last three since ensuring their survival.<\/p>\n

If Everton beat Bournemouth, they will stay up regardless of Leicester and Leeds\u2019 results.<\/p>\n

Even if Dyche\u2019s side lose or draw, they can also stay up if both Leicester and Leeds draw or lose their games.<\/p>\n

How Leicester City survives relegation<\/b><\/p>\n

Put simply, anything other than win for Leicester against West Ham United will condemn the Foxes to the Championship.<\/p>\n

One factor in Leicester\u2019s favour is their goal difference, which is the best of the bunch.<\/p>\n

Dean Smith\u2019s side must beat West Ham and hope Everton either lose or draw against Bournemouth in order to stay up.<\/p>\n

How Leeds survives relegation<\/b><\/p>\n

It\u2019s never a good sign when you need not one, but two teams to do you a favour on the final day.<\/p>\n

But that\u2019s exactly what Leeds need if they are to stay in the Premier League for a fourth consecutive season.<\/p>\n

Firstly, Leeds must cause an upset and beat Tottenham at Elland Road.<\/p>\n

The Yorkshire outfit will then need Everton to lose, as a draw won\u2019t be enough due to the Toffees\u2019 superior goal difference.<\/p>\n

Leicester must also lose or draw in order for Leeds to leap out of the bottom three.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Shed a tear, football fans. The Premier League is almost over for another season, but before the final whistles blow across the country on the 38th game of the season, there\u2019s still plenty of drama left. The top four isn\u2019t set it stone just yet. There\u2019s a three-way tussle for the sole Europa Conference League […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35599,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6807],"tags":[1416,1800,319,1641,2230,83,1736,3490,15590,1635,12777,1567,85,14810,4399,1429,3065,12893,11030,18301,2214,16687,18473,18472,8042,3447,7202,1425,2227,528,3355,6105,18308,775,5138,18467,18476,2218,4996,108,3833,1415,2232,1845,1626,1427,1728,10024,4914,1602,9942,1304,18474,5429,18345,813,18468,18471,18470,1836,18475,18469,3489,9435],"class_list":{"0":"post-35598","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-leagues-cups","8":"tag-alex-conrad","9":"tag-america","10":"tag-argentina","11":"tag-asia","12":"tag-aston-villa-football-club","13":"tag-australia","14":"tag-australia-and-new-zealand","16":"tag-charlie-crowhurst","17":"tag-china","18":"tag-dean-smith","19":"tag-eastern-asia","20":"tag-england","21":"tag-europa-conference","22":"tag-europa-league","23":"tag-europe","24":"tag-european-football","25":"tag-european-nights","26":"tag-everton-football-club","27":"tag-ex-champs-slide","28":"tag-final-day","29":"tag-final-day-fixture","30":"tag-final-day-scenarios","31":"tag-final-whistles","32":"tag-football-fans","33":"tag-fox-sports-news","34":"tag-german-boss","35":"tag-getty-images-inc","36":"tag-goal-difference","37":"tag-harry-kane","38":"tag-home-fans","39":"tag-home-games","40":"tag-horror-fate","41":"tag-ivan-toney","42":"tag-james-johnson","43":"tag-last-day-miracle","44":"tag-last-day-shootout","45":"tag-leeds-united-football-club","46":"tag-leicester-city-football-club","47":"tag-liverpool","48":"tag-liverpool-football-club","49":"tag-manchester-city-football-club","50":"tag-manchester-united-football-club","51":"tag-michael-steele","52":"tag-new-south-wales","53":"tag-northern-europe","54":"tag-oceania","55":"tag-relegation-race","56":"tag-richard-heathcote","57":"tag-run-home","58":"tag-ryan-mason","59":"tag-sean-dyche","60":"tag-season-syndrome","61":"tag-south-america","62":"tag-star-leads","63":"tag-steven-gerrard","64":"tag-superior-goal-difference","65":"tag-supporters-gear","66":"tag-survival-fight-looms","67":"tag-the-premier-league","68":"tag-the-yorkshire","69":"tag-three-way-survival-fight","70":"tag-tottenham-hotspur-football-club","71":"tag-valuable-point"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35598","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35598"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35598\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35599"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35598"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35598"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35598"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}