How Man Utd and Chelsea could COST Arsenal Champions League football next season
Posted Saturday, March 16, 2019 by Dailystar.co.uk
Unai Emery's Arsenal could miss out on Champions League football (Pic: Getty)
MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea could both potentially cost Arsenal Champions League football next season - but how could the Gunners miss out?
The battle for the top four is heating up as we reach the business end of the season.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal all remain in their respective European competitions at present and are gearing up for their last eight clashes next month.
But the Gunners have been dealt a Europa League blow after drawing Napoli in the quarter-final this morning.
Arsenal currently sit fourth in the Premier League but could still miss out on a spot in the Champions League - even if the table looks the same come May.
That's because next season the winners of the Europa League will again be awarded a place in the Champions League, along with the winners of the superior competition.
However, only a maximum of five teams from one country can play in the Champions League each season.
That means should Manchester United, who currently sit fifth in the league, win the Champions League - and Chelsea, who are sixth, win the Europa League, then Arsenal will miss out.
If that scenario comes true, the Gunners will again have to spend another campaign in the Europa League.
It has been a busy day when it comes to the two European competitions:
Tottenham suffered due to this rule back in 2012 after finishing fourth in the Premier League, only to see rivals Chelsea win the Champions League under Roberto Di Matteo.
The Blues had finished sixth after a disappointing domestic campaign.
Chelsea have a solid chance of progressing to the semi-final of the Europa League this season after being drawn against Slavia Prague next month.
Maurizio Sarri will also avoid his former side Napoli until the final at the very least.
Arsenal will attempt to knock the Serie A outfit out of the competition next month but face a tough ask.
The Gunners progressed on Thursday after beating Rennes 3-0 at the Emirates.
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