The EPL’s final matchday includes 10 games, with all 20 teams set to kick off at exactly 11 A.M. Eastern Time. Eight of the 10 games have some sort of importance, whether it be regarding European placement, relegation, or title-deciding. The two meaningless games include Chelsea hosting Watford, in official Mike Dean’s final game before retirement, and Leicester City hosting Southampton, in a true match of utter uselessness.
Here are some early predictions today for what will go down in the race for the title, Champions League spots, Europa League Spots, and relegation.
The Title Race
Finally, once again, we have a title-deciding final matchday. Manchester City leads Liverpool by just one point after their dramatic, comeback draw versus West Ham last weekend. Because City has a goal difference that betters Liverpool’s by six, a loss by Manchester City would have to be by seven goals if Liverpool wants a draw to be enough for the title.
Otherwise, City will have to lose or draw while Liverpool must win to claim the domestic treble.
The Reds have Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah on the injury report alongside Fabinho, and their awaiting Champions League Final matchup with Real Madrid, a rematch of the 2018 disaster awaits them. Knowing the likelihood of City dropping points in back-to-back matches is very low, expect Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to be very cautious with his stars, unless he hears muttering of a City collapse versus Former Liverpool great, Steven Gerrard’s Villa at the Etihad.
City will find victory in Manchester, winning yet another title, rendering Liverpool’s efforts at home versus Wolves helpless.
Final UCL Spot
Spurs lead Arsenal by two points after defeating them convincingly 3-0 in the North London Derby, followed by an embarrassing 2-0 loss by the Gunners at St. James’ Park versus Newcastle.
Though Arsenal faces a now relieved Everton squad, whose attention may just be slipping after their dramatic 3-2 comeback versus Palace to seal safety for yet another season, Spurs face bottom-feeders Norwich City.
Because of Tottenham’s far superior goal difference, Norwich City would have to win the game if Arsenal wants a shot at returning to the Champions League for the first time in five years.
Norwich’s most impressive win of the season was versus 11th-place Brentford, and they’ve only won 5 all year. The odds are against Arsenal, and for a fanbase confident in what they had, screaming for the team to finish third, they will likely end up in the Europa League once again.
Final UECL Spot
The first spot will go to Arsenal most likely unless Spurs collapse, with Man United waiting on deck for the second position. They lead West Ham by two points, but the Hammers have the tiebreaker should United draw Crystal Palace and West Ham defeat Brighton.
Both United and West Ham play away from home, and Brighton is a very tough matchup at the Amex. Even if United don’t win, West Ham hasn’t been in top form ever since they lost in the Europa League semifinals to eventual champions Frankfurt.
United will get the second Europa League spot while West Ham will play in next year’s European Conference League action.
Relegation Battle
With Norwich and Watford long relegated right back down to the Championship after abysmal showings in this year’s Premier League, and Everton having finally achieved safety in matchday 37, Leeds trail, Burnley, only in goal difference (20 goals between the two) with the two teams level on points. Leeds will need to better Burnley’s result, meaning a victory at Turf Moor would seal the deal for Burnley’s safety.
Leeds play at Brentford, a team playing for nothing right now. Leeds though has only picked up two points from the possible 15 in their last five matches, while Burnley has gotten seven points from 15.
Leeds has been playing better, and in the end, they’re much better on paper than Burnley. They’ll pick up at least a point at Brentford, while Burnley will lose to a high-flying, in-form Newcastle squad, ending their long stay in England’s top flight.