Arsenal and Chelsea could face a play-off for the final automatic Champions League place if they finish with identical records after Sunday's games, the Premier League has confirmed to ESPN, but finding a date will prove problematic.
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Wembley would be the logical choice for the game but the stadium has few available dates
The two teams go into the final round of matches two points and one goal apart in terms of goal difference with a realistic possibility that they could end up inseparable.
Both teams would have the same points, goals scored and goals conceded.
The team which finishes third in the Premier League will go directly into the Champions League group stage, while fourth place will enter in the play-off round, with the tie to be played over two legs on August 20-21 and 27-28.
Arsenal's 4-1 win over Wigan on Tuesday means a 2-1 victory for the Gunners at Newcastle, coupled with a 0-0 draw between Everton and Chelsea, would force a play-off. The same would apply to any scoreline between the two clubs which adds a goal to all four teams: so 3-2 and 1-1 or 4-3 and 2-2.
Premier League rule C.14 states: "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."
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