The Premier League's European Qualification rules: How Newcastle can qualify

I've talked a lot about Newcastle possibly qualifying for Europe this season without going into detail about how they can achieve this goal. So for the benefit of Newcastle fans everywhere, here is the complete guide to European qualification from the English league system and how Newcastle can qualify.

English European Competition Qualification 2011/12

1st     Champions League Group Stage (currently Manchester City)

2nd    Champions League Group Stage (currently Manchester United)

3rd    Champions League Group Stage (currently Tottenham)

4th     Champions League Third (Final) Qualifying Round (currently Chelsea)

5th     Europa League Third (Final) Qualifying Round (currently Arsenal)

League Cup Winners: Europa League Qualifying (Liverpool or Cardiff City) If winners achieve qualification via League Position this slot goes to the highest placed team not qualified via other means.

FA Cup Winners: Europa League Qualifying. If winners achieve qualification via League Position the runners-up will take their place in Europa League. If both have achieved qualification via League Position the slot goes to the highest placed team not qualified by other means.

How can Newcastle United get in to Europe?

Champions League:

Newcastle finish in the top 4. Mathematically possible but optimistic at best.

Europa League:

Newcastle finish 5th

Newcastle win FA Cup

Newcastle reach FA Cup Final but lose to Champions League qualified Team

Newcastle finish 6th with Liverpool winning the League Cup and finishing 5th

Newcastle finish 6th with two teams contesting the FA Cup Final who have already qualified for Europe (CL place or Europa League via League or League Cup)

Newcastle finish 7th with two teams contesting the FA Cup Final who have already qualified for Europe (CL place or Europa League via League or League Cup) AND Liverpool win the League Cup whilst finishing in a position that would afford them European qualification.

So there you have it, the complete guide to European qualification. Please note I did not compile this very detailed and coherent explanation. That was done by my good friend and fellow Toon fan Colin Rance, you should reward Colin by following him on twitter. Do it now, follow @ColinRance.