The only thing that makes you think it could happen is our form is so bad surely it can't continue we are due a good run one team is going to sort itself out and take that spot you just have to hope that it's us.
I actually think a season in Europa League might be good for us will give us a proper chance to blood a few of the youngsters like Greewood, Chong, Gomes, Garner etc to see if they can step up. Hopefully clear out the high earners who's contracts will be cut because of the lack of CL football. Apparently most of the big deals include bonuses for CL qualification if that doesn't happen players will be out of pocket so might help get them out the door. Yes the club will miss out on a load of revenue but who actually cares it's not like they're a club who spend every penny they earn on the team is it.
The rebuild starts with a clear out until we get players out players won't come in that is what I feel done for us last season.