How about this for winner takes all?
Manchester City and Liverpool could reportedly meet in a one-off play-off game to determine which side gets the final Champions League spot.
Pep Guardiola’s men and Jurgen Klopp’s players are level on points and goal difference with just four games of the season left.
Liverpool are ahead on goals scored with 70 to City’s 65, but the Reds – who lie one spot ahead of City in third – have two away games coming up while City host three of their final four.
Should they end up with the same amount of goals scored come May 21 then Premier League rules state “they shall be deemed to occupy the same position in the table”.
But with a spot at Europe’s top table up for grabs then exactly who finishes where needs to be decided.
Even if one side comes third and the other fourth then a play-off game would be needed to make clear who faces a Champions League play-off in August and who enters directly into the group stage.
All these possibilities are set to be finalised in a winner-takes-all game at a neutral ground.
Premier League rule C.17 states: “If at the end of the season either the league champions of the clubs to be relegated or the question of qualification for other competitions cannot be determined because two or more clubs are equal on points, goal difference and goals scored, the clubs concerned shall play off one or more deciding league matches on neutral ground, the format, timing and venue of which shall be determined by the board.”
Liverpool travel to Watford tonight before playing Southampton at home, West Ham away and Middlesbrough at home.
City, who drew 2-2 with Boro yesterday, play Crystal Palace away on Saturday before hosting Leicester and West Brom.
Their final game of the season will be a trip to Watford.