re: EPL Race for 2nd-4th

Besides not being able to win a trophy which you have less than a 10% chance (generous) of winning to begin with, what consequences will it have? You'll not be hurt financially. You'll have a new manager (likely Jose) coming in which, along with money, will compensate for any issue recruiting players because of missing the CL. Whether you finish 3rd or 5th, the chances you win the PL, FA Cup, etc are the exact same. While it would suck to not have CL for a year, it wouldn't harm your club at all. For Spurs and Arsenal, making the top four changes everything.