Bournemouth could face historic Champions League playoff vs Liverpool

The Daily Echo has already outlined the basic permutations for the final day, but there is another, probably unlikely outcome, that could result in a historic 39th game to this Premier League season.

The two games on the final day that matter are Bournemouth’s at Nottingham Forest and Liverpool’s at home to Brentford.

Currently, the Reds sit fifth in the table, and the Cherries are sixth, with Arne Slot’s team three points ahead of Andoni Iraola’s side.

(Image: Richard Crease)

The scenario that could lead to a playoff needs both sides to finish completely level, on every metric that the Premier League uses to judge positions after points.

These are first goal difference, then goals scored, then head-to-head, then away goals in head-to-head.

Currently, Bournemouth trail Liverpool by six goals on goal difference, and five goals on goals scored.

So, should the Cherries win by five goals at Forest, and Liverpool lost by one, but crucially by five fewer goals than the Dorset club, then they would be level.

For instance, if Bournemouth won 5-0, Liverpool would need to lose 1-0. If Bournemouth won 6-1, then Liverpool would need to lose 2-1, and so on.

(Image: Richard Crease)

So, if those results came about, the two sides would be equal on points, goal difference and goals scored.

It would then go to head-to-head, with each side winning their home game this season, Liverpool 4-2 and Bournemouth 3-2.

The away goals in each of those games are equal, so both sides would remain locked together, with nothing to separate them.

That would then see a playoff for fifth place, and then the Champions League, in a neutral venue. While highly unlikely on Sunday, it is not beyond the realms of possibility – so it is one to keep an eye on!