Sunderland’s improbable route to Europe explained, and why even 11th might count | OneFootball

Sunderland could still reach Europe this season, though permutations are complex. According to Sunderland Echo, UEFA’s rankings are set to give the Premier League five Champions League places.

That shifts qualification down, with top five to the Champions League, sixth to the Europa League and seventh to the Europa Conference League.

Cup outcomes could extend this. Manchester City have won the Carabao Cup, which carries a Conference League berth, and are overwhelmingly likely to qualify for the Champions League through the league, so that place would pass down.

The FA Cup matters. If City or Chelsea win it and finish in the top six, a Europa League slot would move into the league. If Leeds United or Southampton win it from outside the European places, that route closes.

If Aston Villa win the Europa League yet slip outside the top five, they would enter the Champions League, taking representation to six. Liverpool, who face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals, could have similar effect.

Put together, places would most likely stretch to top seven or eight. That brings Sunderland into view, with seven points between fifth and 13th.

Extreme alignments could pull ninth or 10th into contention. In the narrowest scenario, even 11th might count, needing Liverpool and Villa to win their European competitions while finishing outside the top five, and Crystal Palace to win the Conference League while finishing outside the top six, creating 11 English entrants. It is possible on paper, but highly unlikely.

Source: Sunderland Echo