Who can qualify for the Europa League?

Arsenal could inflict yet more misery on Tottenham

 

After some poor performances against Burnley and Aston Villa in recent weeks, Tottenham fans had been looking at a seventh place finish in the Premier League this season.

Finishing below Liverpool and Southampton would see Spurs fail to qualify for a European competition for the first time since 2009/10, which some supporters were delighted with, on the basis that the Europa League is more trouble than it's worth.

In that 2009/10 campaign, without gruelling trips to Moldova, Georgia and Russia, Tottenham were able to concentrate on their Premier League performances and managed to finish in the top four, earning them a spot in the Champions League.

But, if Arsenal win the FA Cup, any hopes of a repeat could go down the drain.

Not only will Spurs supporters have to watch on in horror as the Gunners retain the trophy they won last season, the victory will see whoever finishes in seventh spot in the Premier League also qualify for Europe, denying Mauricio Pochettino’s side the chance to focus on a top four tilt.

So who can qualify for the Europa League? talkSPORT takes a look…

If Arsenal win the FA Cup: The fifth, sixth and seventh placed Premier League sides

If Aston Villa win the FA Cup: The fifth and sixth placed Premier League sides, plus Aston Villa. 

There could also be another Premier League side in the competition if England earn an extra spot through the UEFA Respect Fair Play league.