please log in to view this image The Premier League season will be extended to a 39th game to accommodate a relegation play-off between Swansea City and Hull City, staged at a neutral venue, should the two clubs finish in joint-18th place, level on points, goal difference and goals scored. At present Hull are 17th in the table, two points above Swansea, with three fixtures remaining for both clubs. Swansea’s goal difference is -29 compared with Hull’s -31, and the Welsh club have scored four more goals. Should those records be identical come the end of the season, with a relegation place at stake, the Premier League would take the unprecedented step of organising a one-off match, in line with the rules laid out in its annual handbook, to decide which club retains their top-flight status. Premier League rules state: “If at the end of the season either the League Champions or 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 grounds, the format, timing and venue of which shall be determined by the board.” Provision has been made for that sort of scenario on two occasions in the past, albeit never before in relation to relegation, where the financial ramifications are so much greater. In 1996 tickets were printed for a play-off match between Manchester United and Newcastle United to be held at Wembley in what would have been a title decider had the two clubs finished level. United, however, ended up winning the league by four points. Discussions were also held with Arsenal and Chelsea on the eve of the final round of fixtures of the 2012-13 season, when there was a realistic possibility of both clubs finishing the season tied for third place – automatic Champions League qualification was the prize – and unable to be separated on points, goal difference and goals scored. On that occasion Chelsea finished two points ahead of Arsenal. It is understood that the Premier League has not yet taken the step of consulting with Swansea or Hull over the prospect of a play-off match at the end of this season, though the possibility of a 39th game has been considered by senior club staff and, in truth, is a scenario that everyone potentially involved would hope to avoid. https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...9th-game-relegation-play-off?CMP=share_btn_tw
Why the **** wouldn't it be a head to head? In other major European leagues this parameter comes before goal difference as the deciding factor. For them to have it as literally the first consideration after points and for us to not consider it at all, is preposterous.
A scenario that would invoke the play off: As it stands Hull CIty GF36 GA67 GD-31 Pts34 Swansea GF40 GA69 GD-29 Pts32 Hull City 3 0 Sunderland - Swansea 0 2 Everton Crystal Palace 2 2 Hull City - Sunderland 0 1 Swansea Hull City 1 2 Tottenham - Swansea 1 0 WBA Final Standings: Hull City GF42 GA71 GD-29 Pts38 Swansea GF42 GA71 GD-29 Pts38
Alternatively if they win each game 1-0 and we get a 3-0 and 3-1 win and a 1-1 draw. Netiher that scenario or the one I posted earlier are wholly unrealistic...
Head-to-head rule will never be used for separating teams in a league of 20. Those of you pissing your pants cos it's not going to be used in this case (if it gets to it) are an embarrassment.
That would mean us both ending on 41 points - which Palace, West Ham and/or Burnley may not even reach
Let's be honest, no one would be complaining about the current rules if Swansea did the double over us this season. Basing it on points, goal difference and goals scored takes into account all 38 games and is a much better measure of a teams success than just the head to head records.
I 100% would. To have a play-off ahead of head-to-head is ridiculous. And nobody is saying it's a better measure of success over a season, I'm saying it's better as a fourth parameter ahead of arranging an extra game play-off.
There's an article like this almost every year. Think there was one regarding teams battling for 4th one season. It won't happen.
It's highly unlikely but at least the PL have a plan of action if it does. Now, if it did happen this season when and where would it be played ?
it happens every year in Scotland with the bizarre promotion/relegation play-offs - ie the winner of the championship play-off has to play the winner of the premier league relegation play-off to see who gets to play in the premier league the following season.
If this did happen (no chance) then I would demand a pitch whose dimensions are halfway between those at the KCOM and Liberty and an ABBA penalty ordering. Guardian must be struggling for news.
