West Ham’s league status depends on Tottenham’s result, with relegation confirmed if Tottenham win or draw, and relegation timing affected by remaining goal-difference possibilities. If Tottenham lose, the relegation outcome extends to the weekend, with larger defeats creating more complex bottom-table scenarios. Chelsea enter in 10th place after missing European qualification via the FA Cup and are outside qualifying positions. A Chelsea win would move them into eighth, improving their path toward Conference League qualification. Further results could allow Europa League qualification by winning the final match at Sunderland, contingent on other match outcomes involving Brighton, Manchester United, Bournemouth, Manchester City, and Brentford versus Liverpool. Chelsea’s poor recent home form and unusual Tottenham head-to-head history add pressure and uncertainty.
"If Tottenham win tonight, West Ham will be relegated. If Tottenham draw tonight, West Ham will also be relegated but not until Sunday (because it wouldn't be mathematically certain this evening, there still being a chance that Spurs will lose their last game by six goals while West Ham win theirs by seven and stay up on goals scored). If Tottenham lose the whole business will roll through to the weekend, and if they lose by lots things really get interesting down towards the bottom of the table."
"Chelsea though are significantly incentivised. Having missed the chance to secure a place in Europe by winning the FA Cup, they go into the game in 10th place, currently outside the qualifying spots. But if they win tonight they'd move into eighth, above Brentford on goal difference, and be back on track for at least a place in the Conference League. They could then make sure of a place in the Europa League by winning at Sunderland on the final day, so long as (deep breath) Brighton don't simultaneously beat Manchester United."
"unless Bournemouth who host Manchester City in tonight's earlier kick-off don't get any more points, and so long as assuming Brentford fail to beat Liverpool so convincingly they go back above them on goal difference. This is, to be sure, all a bit complicated but the simple version is this: Chelsea really need to win this game, and so do Spurs."
"Add the fact that Chelsea's recent home record is appalling they're one bad night away from losing five successive league games at Stamford Bridge for the first time ever and the fact that their record against Tottenham (who have won one of their last 35 league games here) is extraordinary, and you've got all the ingredients for an intriguing evening."
Read at www.theguardian.com
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