West Ham, remarkably, could yet play Liverpool again this season in a European play-off for a Europa League spot.
If results go the right way this weekend, and in the Europa League final next Wednesday, both teams could be absolutely tied for 6th place, therefore requiring a play-off at a neutral ground.
What results are needed?
First of all, West Ham need to lose to Stoke at the Britannia. A score of 1-0 or 2-1 would mean Liverpool must beat West Brom at the Hawthorns 2-1 (if the West Ham score is 1-0) or 3-2 (if the West Ham score is 2-1).
That pattern can continue, so a 3-2 loss at the Brtiannia and a 4-3 win for Liverpool at the Hawthorns would also have the same outcome, and so on…
Next, Southampton must fail to win to Crystal Palace at home.
Then, Liverpool must not win the Europa League final on Wednesday against Sevilla.
If all of those scenarios play out, the two clubs will indeed be tied on points, goals scored, goals conceded and goal difference.
The FA protocol from there is for a play-off game to decide who takes the spot.
Not too complicated at all is it?
Where would it be played?
A decision has obviously yet to have been made as the chances of this happening, at this stage, are slim.
The ground must be neutral however, and the likely interest in such a game would suggest a sizeable ground would be needed.
Obvious options are Wembley (if it could work around the play-offs), Villa Park or even the King Power Stadium in Leicester.
Has this happened before?
Never in Premier League history. But in 2013, a similar situation between Arsenal and Chelsea did occur. The play-off was eventually not needed.
Not only would this be a first, it would also mean both teams would have played each other five times this season.
