I've got to say it would not bother me too much to miss 4th. The main reason teams want to get into the CL is for money. Currently we are not in that boat. I would only want to get into it if I thought we could win it. I'd much rather win the Premier League and then make a realistic attempt at the Champions League. Our record against the better sides this year ( the level of teams we would meet in the Champions League is not that impressive).
Chelsea W W
United L L
Arsenal W
Liverpool D D
Villa D
Spurs L
Everton L L
Only 3 wins out of 11, and thinking back on those most were fair results. I would hate to just make up the numbers in the CL and miss out on a Title challenge.