European football at The Emirates next season may have just become a more realistic proposition. The news that Manchester City have been banned from Europe for the next two seasons means that the European places all drop down a position. We could be in a position where teams in 7th and 8th, maybe even lower depending on cup winners, are getting a place in Europe.
Arsenal are currently 10th, but slowly getting better and will certainly be aiming for Europe. It should be said that Manchester City may appeal their ban, but the facts point to there being little chance of overturning it.
What Have Manchester City Being Found Guilty Of?
Pending a potential appeal, Manchester City have been found guilty of not following the Financial Fair Play rules. The breach was described as a serious breach and includes a fine of £25 million as well as a two year ban from Europe.
The actual rule broken was that City have overstated sponsorship revenue in accounts between 2012 and 2016. This was to show they were eligible to sign the players they did and spend large amounts of money. It has also been added that the club failed to cooperate with UEFA during the investigation. City responded saying they were disappointed but not surprised by the decision.
The Race for the Top Five
Traditionally known as the top four, we are now seemingly looking at a top five in the Premier League who will get Champions League spots for the following year.
This is assuming that UEFA had the remaining Champions League place to 5th in the Premier League. This is by far the most likely option, as anything else would punish the Premier League and clubs in it for what Manchester City have done.
Which Two Make it?
This has made who will finish in the top five an exciting betting proposition. From Chelsea in 4th down to Burnley in 11th, we have eight teams separated by just seven points. It seems likely that two of those eight clubs will be in the Champions League.
Chelsea and Tottenham are the favourites at the moment at 1/2 and 8/13 respectively. If The Gunners can find a way to turn draws into wins, they certainly have a chance.
With the Premier League title race all but over, betting on the top five could become the most talked about betting market between now and the end of the season. There are many free sports bet offers to take advantage of for those looking to bet on this market.
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How do Arsenal Qualify?
The simple answer is to turn draws into wins. The Gunners are not being beaten much at the moment, they are six games unbeaten. However, four of those have been draws. They need goals, and that will come with an end to the current form of Alexandre Lacazette, a key over the coming weeks for the club.
They’ve picked up 10 points from that period but had two of those draws being wins, it would have been a further four. That would have put them in a tie for 7th and right in the mix.
