Sunderland’s unlikely European route explained, why even 11th could be enough | OneFootball

Sunderland could still reach Europe this season, though the Premier League permutations are anything but simple.

According to Sunderland Echo, UEFA coefficients mean five Champions League spots this season. That would put the top five in the Champions League, sixth in the Europa League and seventh in the Europa Conference League.

Manchester City have won the Carabao Cup, which carries a Conference League berth. City are overwhelmingly likely to reach the Champions League via the league, so that berth would pass down.

The FA Cup is pivotal. If City or Chelsea lift it and finish in the top six, the Europa League place moves into the league. If Leeds United or Southampton win from outside the European places, that route closes.

If Aston Villa, fourth on 54 points, win the Europa League yet fall outside the top five, they would still reach the Champions League, taking the contingent to six. The same principle applies to Liverpool.

Add it up and seven or even eight Premier League teams could qualify. With only seven points between fifth and 13th, Sunderland remain in the frame.

More extreme outcomes could drag 9th or 10th into play. In the remotest case, 11th would suffice if Liverpool and Aston Villa both win in Europe and finish outside the top five, and Crystal Palace win the Conference League and finish outside the top six. That would yield 11 English clubs in Europe, seven in the Champions League, three in the Europa League and one in the Conference League, possible but highly unlikely.

Source: Sunderland Echo