The Premier League title race is over with Liverpool crowned champions, and relegation spots settled—but the fierce battle for a top-five finish and a lucrative Champions League spot is still very much alive.
Only Liverpool are guaranteed one of the five UCL berths, while second-placed Arsenal look almost certain to join them. However, just four points separate third-placed Newcastle United from seventh-placed Nottingham Forest, setting the stage for a dramatic final two matchdays.
⚫ Newcastle Ready to Leap Arsenal
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle can overtake Arsenal with a win at the Emirates this Sunday. The Gunners have slipped lately, winning just one of their last six games, while Newcastle have surged with seven wins in eight league matches since their League Cup triumph.
“We still have two games to go and lots of twists and turns that could be around the corner,” said Howe. “We have to drive forward.”
Newcastle close the season with a home game against Everton, while Arsenal travel to already-relegated Southampton.
🔵 Chelsea & Villa Eye Friday Advantage
Chelsea and Aston Villa, both level on 63 points, have a chance to strike first with Friday night fixtures against Europa League finalists Manchester United and Tottenham, respectively.
Unai Emery’s Villa could finish the day in fourth place with a win over Spurs, while Chelsea would climb to just behind Newcastle due to superior goal difference if they beat United.
Both opponents are expected to rotate heavily with European finals looming next week, giving Villa and Chelsea a golden opportunity to seize momentum.
🌲 Last Shot for Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have faltered down the stretch after spending much of the season in the top four. A frustrating 2-2 draw with Leicester has left them as outsiders in the Champions League race.
Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo remains defiant ahead of a must-win trip to West Ham on Sunday.
“We have to focus on West Ham…. I promise you we are going to give it a go and we will never give up,” said Nuno.
They finish the season with a tough away game against Chelsea, who may still be fighting for a top-three finish.
🔵 City Look to Finish Strong
Manchester City, currently fourth, will not play again until Tuesday due to Saturday’s FA Cup final vs Crystal Palace. They are expected to secure a top-five finish with remaining fixtures against Bournemouth and Fulham.
Manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged the season hasn’t lived up to expectations but emphasized finishing strong:
“I didn’t expect differently from a month ago, that it’s a fight until the end.”
🗓️ Key Fixtures Remaining
- Friday: Aston Villa v Tottenham (1830 GMT), Chelsea v Man United (1915)
- Sunday: Arsenal v Newcastle (1530), West Ham v Nottingham Forest (1315)
- Monday: Brighton v Liverpool (1900)
- Tuesday: Crystal Palace v Wolves, Man City v Bournemouth (1900)
Track the latest Premier League standings and follow full match previews ahead of a thrilling finish to the 2024/25 season.
