Will we qualify for the CL?

[RamboandBruno]

I think even if we beat Man City tonight, which is a big ask, their run in means they will almost definitely make it. So we’re probably looking at 4 teams for 2 places.
All our remaining fixtures after tonight are winnable, but seems like a huge ask to win all our remaining fixtures after the run we’ve already had, would that be the best winning run in our history??

I have a feeling it’ll come down to having to beat Man Utd away on the last day. .

[claret+blue ed]

It would be nice if Man City's case decision was announced so we knew if they was getting any punishment

[Meanwood Villa]

It would be nice if Man City's case decision was announced so we knew if they was getting any punishment

I've just seen a pig flying by

[Dave]

Think whatever happens it won't have any impact on this season, given they'll appeal regardless of the punishment.

[London Villan]

It's an easy get out for the PL if they do it this season though. A record point deduction, enough of a point deduction so they aren't relegated, but miss out on European football and a transfer ban for 3 seasons - reduced to 1 on appeal.

[Drummond]

Think whatever happens it won't have any impact on this season, given they'll appeal regardless of the punishment.

I don't think they'll appeal, that's what this whole negotiation process is at the moment, so the Premier League agree the sanction with them.

I reckon if they finish outside the Top 5 they will be keen for a points deduction this season.
They'll get about 30 points so just enough not to be relegated.

[Dave]

It's an easy get out for the PL if they do it this season though. A record point deduction, enough of a point deduction so they aren't relegated, but miss out on European football and a transfer ban for 3 seasons - reduced to 1 on appeal.

It is, and I agree with your logic. It just feels like if that's what's going to happen (and the cynical reasons that you suggest), they'd have done it by now.

i.e all parties are happy-ish, Man City take the relatively small hit in the context of a bad season, don't appeal and everyone just draws a line under it - does that probably not see it announced last month because there isn't a reason to drag it out any further?

[Rigadon]

Easier to start the season with a points deduction I’d imagine.  Less fall out.  Which, if they get 5th at our expense, will be a kick in the nuts. 

[Dave]

Easier to start the season with a points deduction I’d imagine.  Less fall out.  Which, if they get 5th at our expense, will be a kick in the nuts. 

But isn't the point of the "plan" as above to see them take the hit when they're not going to win the title anyway (so less fall out), rather than giving them a hypothetical second fallow season in a row?

[LeeB]

Easier to start the season with a points deduction I’d imagine.  Less fall out.  Which, if they get 5th at our expense, will be a kick in the nuts. 

But isn't the point of the "plan" as above to see them take the hit when they're not going to win the title anyway (so less fall out), rather than giving them a hypothetical second fallow season in a row?

I honestly thought their mid season collapse was in part fuelled by them knowing in the background that they were getting done, and it had took the wind out of them.

[Dave]

Easier to start the season with a points deduction I’d imagine.  Less fall out.  Which, if they get 5th at our expense, will be a kick in the nuts. 

But isn't the point of the "plan" as above to see them take the hit when they're not going to win the title anyway (so less fall out), rather than giving them a hypothetical second fallow season in a row?

I honestly thought their mid season collapse was in part fuelled by them knowing in the background that they were getting done, and it had took the wind out of them.

Also the massive splurge in January / tie Haaland to a longer contract in the expectation that they wouldn't be able to do that sort of things next season.