With the Premier League season coming to its conclusion in two days, we take a look at what a few of the teams might be vying for before the final whistle is blown.
Arsenal
The Gunners will be hoping to claim their first Premier League trophy in 20 years, with their last being that famous Invincibles season of 2004. To win the title they require City to lose against Everton while hoping to avoid any slip-ups against West Ham themselves. Any other result and City would be crowned champions.
Chelsea
A late resurgence from Pochettino’s men, spearheaded by talisman Cole Palmer, has left the Blues just 3 points away from 5th place and a guaranteed place in next seasons Europa League. To claim that place they would need already relegated Sheffield United to beat Spurs next to beating a revived Bournemouth at home. The West-Londoners will also have to look over their shoulder as both Newcastle and Manchester United sit 3 points behind them, waiting to pounce on any errors.
Liverpool
As many know, this game will be Jurgen Klopp’s last game as manager of Liverpool. Without the chance of silverware, Anfield is sure to be filled with emotions as they wave farewell to their manager of 9 years. In his final press conference for Liverpool, the German mentioned on how he wouldn’t change how many titles they had won and his favourite moments from his time at the club.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp:
“I know we could have won more but I can’t change that. We could have won less as well.
“Not being champion by a point is not a great experience but it’s an experience. I couldn’t have done anything different in these moments.
“When we don’t score at Man City when the ball wasn’t over the line, and then Sergio Aguero scores at Burnley when it is just over the line. That is not my fault!
“We could have won more Champions Leagues. Being in three finals is an outstanding achievement. There is a good chance you lose the final, that’s how it is. Real Madrid, they always find a way to win it. We tried again.
“I would not be happy if I thought I could have done more. I couldn’t have done more. Could someone else have done better? Possibly. But not me, and I’m fine with it. It’ll be judged by the people and most are fine with it.”
“The football we played was the best we played against Man City this year. We never controlled them like we did that day. That day we played the best. We won before but they were different games. Controlling a game like that, that was my favourite 60 minutes or so.
“The most spectacular game? Barcelona.
“Best goal? Alisson.
“Best assist? Trent Alexander-Arnold.
“Best save? Alisson against Napoli.
“Best backheel goal? Sadio Mane.”
The Reds also bid farewell to Joel Matip after 8 years of service at the club and Thiago Alcantara after 4 years, two players whose Liverpool careers have been plagued by injury. They will carry with them many memories, apart from the trophies the pair of them had scored particularly eye catching goals against Leeds and Napoli respectively.
Luton
Relegation seems almost destined for Kenilworth Road this season as the Hatters would need a miracle of extreme circumstances to survive the drop. Luton currently sit 3 points behind Nottingham Forest, who play already relegated Burnley, but are behind with a -12 goal difference. There have been many final day miracles, but this one may just elude the Hatters.
Man City
It’s a big day for Pep Guardiola’s men as they could make history as the first team to win the Premier League 4 years in a row. They currently sit 2 points above challengers, Arsenal and with destiny in their own hands, a win will place them in the history books. Some will argue that the 115 FFP charges will play down the achievement, but in that same time period, both Chelsea and Man United have had a higher net spend than the Cityzens while winning significantly lesser.
Man United
After a rousing speech by manager Erik Ten Hag, United will hope to secure some sort of European qualification, whether that be in the Europa League or Conference League. They will be keeping a close eye on Newcastle’s trip to Brentford and Chelsea hosting Bournemouth while hoping for breakthrough stars Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho to step up against Brighton.
Newcastle
The Magpies will have similar hopes as United, but they do currently sit in a Conference League place, so a win will guarantee European football next season. This season hasn’t at all been kind to Eddie Howe’s men, with injuries meaning that they haven’t been able to reach the heights of last season. They do seem to be moving in the right direction after the take over by the Saudi PIF just over 2 years ago.
Nottingham Forest
With point deductions and FFP breaches being the centre of Forest’s season, they do seem to be home and dry away from relegation barring any calamitous collapse of large proportions on the final day.
Spurs
In a season of high’s and low’s for Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have secured Europa League qualification, it’s just waiting to be decided whether it’s through the playoffs or direct qualification. Earlier on in the seaso, it looked like 5th place would’ve been enough to secure Champions League football, but with English teams not being able to progress well in Europe this season, it seems that vision has come and gone.
With relegation, Europe and of course the title still to play for, it is sure to be a blockbuster of a final day to close a magnificent Premier League season.
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