There is a scenario that could see Arsenal starting next season with a Europa League qualifier just 11 days after the end of the World Cup.

3Burnley overtake Arsenal in the Premier League

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22: Aaron Ramsey (C) of Arsenal controls the ball under pressure of Michael Keane (L) and Matthew Lowton (R) of Burnley during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on January 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

This is also very likely.

There are five games left for both sides and Arsenal are only two points ahead of Sean Dyche’s men.

Arsenal’s remaining fixtures see them play three of their final five away from home and we cannot expect a single point from any of those games.

Assuming we stay true to this season’s form – we’ve won 3 out of 16 – let’s say we come away with one point from those away games anyway. Our two home games are bankers so that’s another six, giving Arsenal a finishing total of 61 points.

They haven’t had that few points on the board at the end of the season since 1994/5 and we’d be a full 14 points worse off than last season despite this season supposedly being one where the team show us they mean business after finishing fifth the season before.

Burnley, meanwhile, have won their last five, have two fewer defeats than Arsenal overall, and have to play Chelsea, Stoke, Brighton, Bournemouth and, of course, Arsenal.

Let’s be kind to Arsenal and assume Burnley will lose to the Gunners as that game is at the Grove. The rest they are quite capable of winning, even against Chelsea at Turf Moor.

That would give Burnley a final total of 64 points.

Even beating Burnley in May will not be enough for Arsenal if they don’t deal with their away form and there are zero indications they can do that in time.