The brainchild of Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore might yet be happening after all - but perhaps not as he would imagined it. The failed extra game in the Premier League calendar that would see a round of matches played in international venues was much trumpeted but widely condemned.
But there could be a 39th league game, and it could be as soon as this season.
It wouldn't be for the entire league, and it would be played in England. There is a chance that a playoff would be necessary to decide European places should things finish a certain way on the final day of the season on Sunday.
At the moment, there are two Europa League qualification positions available via a league finish (fifth and sixth). Another place will go to either the seventh place team or Crystal Palace should they win the FA Cup. There is a scenario where two teams finish in sixth and seventh, (or seventh and eighth) - on the same amount of points, goal difference, and goals scored. If that happens, there would need to be a playoff to determine who plays in Europe.
Europa League Playoff
The two teams considered are West Ham (currently in sixth place), and Liverpool (currently in eighth). Of course this would be a moot point if Liverpool won the Europa League this month - but here's how it could happen.
If West Ham lose 1-0 to Stoke City, and Liverpool beat West Brom 2-1; or the hammers lose 2-1, and Liverpool win 3-2 (and so on) - then the two teams would be deadlocked. The scenario also needs Southampton to fail to beat Crystal Palace - if Palace win the FA Cup; or Southampton to beat Palace if they don't win the FA Cup.
The 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, venue and timing of which shall be determined by the board.
No decision on the ground, date, or time of the playoff will be made until it is sure that one will be needed.
Get involved in our #Euro2016 facebook group for useful tips, and a shitload of flags https://t.co/PJWL2cJF8k pic.twitter.com/ZSpZB8RLBg
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) May 6, 2016
