There was the potential for 8 teams a few seasons ago when Wolves went deep in the Europa League, however that was before the creation of the UEFA Conference League so not sure how things might have changed now.
Yes, but I can guarantee the fans of the 4 clubs who have scored more goals this season will be having the same conversations this season. The lack of a clinical striker is not harming us this season no matter how much spin you might want to put on it.
So the sum hope for us is to never win a cup or finish higher than 8th? The competitions have changed since Wolves and Burnley had to start their seasons in July to qualify for the Europa League. Now the earliest games are late August for English sides. It didn't do West Ham any harm last season...