Venue And Date Confirmed For Potential Arsenal v Chelsea Third Place Play-Off

The Premier League have confirmed that Arsenal and Chelsea would play their third place play-off at Villa Park on Sunday 26 May, should it be required following the final day’s action this weekend.

Chelsea currently sit third, two points ahead of Arsenal, going into Sunday’s season finale and there is the possibility that the two clubs could end the season level on points, goal difference and goals scored, meaning they would be forced into a play-off game to decide who finishes third.

In order for that to happen, Chelsea must draw with Everton at Stamford Bridge and Arsenal need to beat Newcastle at St James’ Park by a single goal while scoring two more than Chelsea. So for example, if the Blues draw 0-0 and Arsenal win 2-1, or Chelsea draw 1-1 and Arsenal win 3-2, etc.

While this scenario is deemed unlikely, it is still a possibility and the Premier League have confirmed they’ve held talks with the two clubs and agreed that should a play-off be required it will be held at Villa Park on Sunday the 26th, at an early afternoon kick-off with the exact time yet to be confirmed.

It’s understood that all parties agreed the game should take place as soon as possible after the end of the season and a large capacity stadium would be ideal, with all London-based venues deemed either inappropriate or unavailable on the date selected.

The team who finishes third is guaranteed a place in the lucrative group stages of next season’s Champions League while the team that finishes fourth will have to navigate past a tricky two-legged play-off, so the stakes would be high if Arsenal and Chelsea are forced to meet next Sunday.