After ten long months, the Premier League season is almost at its end.
We’ve had a thrilling title race, a tight battle for the top four and a close relegation scrap. And yet, there doesn’t seem to be that much excitement going into the final day.
Manchester City have wrapped up the trophy. Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle United will join them in the Champions League.
Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion will play in the Europa League. Southampton will go down. There isn’t that much left up in the air.
Despite this, there are still some things left to look out for. Two relegation spots remain, as well as one place in Europe.
Here are the five decisive games to watch on Sunday.
Aston Villa vs Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton have already booked their place in Europe next season. Will Aston Villa join them?
Villa go into the final day knowing a victory will secure their position in seventh and guarantee a Europa Conference League spot. However, any dropped points puts their place at risk.
Standing in their way is a Brighton side who have widely impressed this term. They may have nothing to play for, but they promise to make it a difficult fixture for the hosts.
Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur
If Villa drop points, Tottenham Hotspur would be the next in line to capitalise. They sit a point behind in eighth, at risk of missing out on European football for the first time since 2009.
Qualification for the Europa Conference League could be huge for Spurs. They’re still in the hunt for a new manager, and are hoping to keep Harry Kane at the club. European competition could be a huge draw.
Additionally, this could be Kane’s last game for Tottenham. The Englishman needs two more to match his personal best of 30 league goals.
But there is far more to this game than just the away side. Leeds United also have plenty left to play for.
Sam Allardyce’s side need a win to stand any chance of survival. Even then, this might not be enough, as they’ll require other results to go their way.
The reverse fixture was a cracker, finishing 4-3 to Spurs. It should be a fascinating watch.
Brentford vs Manchester City
If Villa and Tottenham fail to win their games, Brentford will have the opportunity to claim seventh place with a win. Unfortunately for them, their fixture is as tough as it gets.
Nonetheless, there are reasons to believe the Bees can get a result. Firstly, they took a surprise three points from the Etihad Stadium back in November – the only time Manchester City have lost at home all season.
Secondly, Pep Guardiola’s men have bigger things to worry about as they pursue a treble. Next week, they face Manchester United in the FA Cup final before travelling to Istanbul to clash with Inter Milan in the Champions League final.
Erling Braut Haaland is currently on 44 direct goal contributions in the Premier League. One more will see him surpass Thierry Henry’s record in a single campaign, set in 2002/03.
Everton vs Bournemouth
The situation for Everton is simple. If they win, they remain in the Premier League.
Their task is to beat a Bournemouth side who have nothing left to play for and have lost three in a row.
On the surface, it seems like a favourable challenge, but they were defeated 3-0 by the Cherries earlier in the season.
If they fail to win, the Toffees could face relegation. They have spent just three seasons outside the top flight in their entire history, last playing in the second tier in 1954.
Leicester City vs West Ham United
Leicester City will be keeping a close eye on Everton’s result. A victory for the Merseyside club sends them down, but a draw will give them a chance of survival.
The Foxes know that anything less than a win won’t be enough. They face West Ham United, who will have one eye on their upcoming Europa Conference League final.
Several of Leicester’s players would be up for grabs at reduced prices if they go down including James Maddison and Harvey Barnes.
