i dont think you'll have to worry about epl spots, because we now have chelski and man utd (arsenal will never make it, that a given fact, and toons usually have really poor starts to the ecl).
i hope arsenal make it, just to seem them get crushed by some team which you'll never hear of again. plus tired players, will help their epl causes, especially with their injury proned squad and mass-loanings...
you remember tinker-man, he'll change his squad everyday... the change is alright imo, in the longer run, if they are to challange for honours. the players are adapting and gettin' use to the changes week in, week out... however, as lampard is quoted, ranieri is pickin' out his first vi (yes, vi and xi). huth's time will come in a couple of years when desailly retires... his so far displays shows that he won't be leaving the squad anytime soon, unlike others ie. c cole (injuried at charlton), forssell (who is impressive to say the least at birmingham), zenden (former dutch international at 'boro).