Villa Park to host potential Chelsea v Arsenal play-off

The Premier League has made arrangements for a play-off to be held at Villa Park on Sunday, 26 May should Chelsea and Arsenal finish tied third.

If Chelsea draw with visitors Everton on Sunday and Arsenal win by a single-goal margin at Newcastle having scored two more than the Blues, both teams would be level on points, goal difference and goals scored.

The play-off match would decide which club enters next season's Champions League at the group stage and which must start in the play-off round.

A Premier League statement said: "The match will take place early afternoon with a kick-off time to be confirmed should results require the match to go ahead.

"Tickets will be allocated equally between each club and will be priced at £20 and £30 with concessions for children and senior citizens priced at a 50% reduction.

"The Premier League has consulted with the two clubs throughout the process of planning for this potential match with all parties in agreement that, should it be required, it should take place as soon as possible after the end of the season."

The statement added that London-based stadia were considered but Wembley will host big matches either side of the date selected.

On 25 May, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich will contest the Champions League final and two days later the Championship play-off final between Crystal Palace and Watford will take place at the national stadium.

The potential date also clashes with the women's FA Cup final, which is being held at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium between Arsenal Ladies and Bristol Academy.

Villa Park, which has a capacity of about 42,700, was also chosen as a venue which has experience of hosting FA Cup semi-finals.

Ticket details and further information will be issued in due course, should the need arise.