Premier League Matchweek 38 | OneFootball

Approaching the final day of fixtures in this long Premier League season, many clubs dwell in a comfortable zone of predictability, their positions secure for good, ill, or middle-of-the pack. But for a select few, there is much to play for. Three of the coveted and lucrative Champions League spots are still up for grabs between five different clubs.

As is the tradition, all games will kick off on Sunday, May 25th at 4pm BST / 11am ET / 8am PT

AFC Bournemouth vs. Leicester City

The Cherries were one of the 2024-25 campaign’s surprises. Any side facing the black and red would be pressed, countered and bothered to within an inch of their sanity, and frequently find themselves on the losing end of the scoreline. This will probably be the last time Vitality Stadium will see the defensive duo of Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez, the former already committed to Real Madrid and the latter rumored to be Liverpool bound. What a back-handed compliment to this small but feisty team, to have these two plucked by such storied and massive clubs.

Leicester City’s relegation was confirmed weeks ago, but the Foxes have hardly crawled back into the den. Last week’s final game at King Power saw the Leicester faithful bid a tearful farewell to their talisman player, proper geezer Jamie Vardy, who crowned an incredible thirteen year run with the club by scoring his 200th PL goal in his 500th appearance. Huge questions loom for next season. Accusations of financial chicanery threaten a points deduction, doubts remain around manager Ruud van Nistelroy’s future, and the Championship season is always a long grind.

Fulham vs. Manchester City

A Fulham victory over City at Craven Cottage could put them into ninth place on 57 points. Some fans may look back with a wistful “what if” on that late season stumble that saw their dreams of European competition melt like ice in the desert, but objectively the club has made significant improvements. With some careful summer business, they should be contending for Europe next year.

By City standards, this year has been a disaster. For the first time in recent memory, there is no new silverware to display in the Etihad trophy case. There is even a final game scenario that sees City eliminated from the Champions League. They have to lose, and Newcastle, Chelsea and Aston Villa have to win. As unlikely as that is, Pep and company have a LOT to play for. One positive note is Rodri’s rehabilitation from a torn ACL is nearly complete. He made a cameo in the Bournemouth game last week; it seems likely he’ll take the pitch here in the second half as well.

Ipswich Town vs. West Ham United

For Ipswich Town, this match will close the lid on a season to forget. Their star striker, Liam Delap, is almost certain to leave. Paraguyan midfielder Julio Enciso could join him. If the Tractor Boys pull off a win, it will only be their third in all comps since the season began. Ouch.

West Ham parted ways with Julen Lopetegui back in January, hoping for a reversal of fortune. Unfortunately, the Hammers have performed even worse under replacement manager Graham Potter. With the threat of relegation gone, the summer break (and corresponding rebuilding) cannot come soon enough. Only the true faithful will be tuning into this one.

Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace

Liverpool have been coasting through their remaining games (a pair of draws and losses) after securing the trophy a month ago. Expect a slightly more energetic showing for this final home match, though the starting eleven is completely up in the air.

Crystal Palace will not mind one bit forming a guard of honor, as they will also be applauding themselves for their historic FA Cup win last weekend. There was no hangover mid-week when they dispatched Wolverhampton at Selhurst Park, and I expect the Eagles will be looking to finish a storied season on a high note.

Manchester United vs. Aston Villa

Unmitigated disaster. These are two family-friendly words that summarize Manchester United’s season. This game will reveal just how checked out the Red Devils are. Is the chance to finish above sixteenth enough to motivate them? We’ll see.

Anything less than a return to the Champions League will be a disappointment for Aston Villa. They have drunk from that competition’s elite chalice, and want more. They know that nothing short of victory will condemn them to the lower echelons of Europe. The club will have an interesting summer break. They will need to decide if their flirtation with Marcus Rashford will blossom into something permanent. Rumors abound that goalkeeper Emi Martínez could be moving on.

Newcastle United vs. Everton

Newcastle United really need the win. Even with a loss, they still might make the Champions League, but that’s not how they want to roll. Last week they squandered a golden opportunity to lock in their place; they don’t want that to happen again. The deciding factor for them could be Alexander Isak’s groin; they missed him last week.

Under David Moyes the Toffees dug themselves out of the relegation zone and are safe with a thirteenth place finish guaranteed regardless of this game’s outcome. Of late Everton rarely need inspiration to put in a good show, but captain Jordan Pickford has a specific animus to the Tynesiders and will have his squad fired up.

Nottingham Forest vs. Chelsea

This is the jewel in the crown of this final matchweek. Clutch-time soccer at its finest should be on display. Both sides need a win to secure the Champions League berth. A draw simply will not do. Bring it.

Southampton vs. Arsenal

This is the exact opposite of the match above, a contest nobody cares about outside of the players, staff and fans of each respective club. Arsenal have punched their CL ticket. Whether they finish second or third is moot. Southampton’s sole motivation is to bop the Gunners on the nose as they move down to the Championship.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Brighton & Hove Albion

There will be an aura of jubilation in Spurs stadium after their victory in the Europa League final on Wednesday, though by all accounts this season was still a total fustercluck. Funny how a trophy changes everything.

After last week’s gritty comeback win over Liverpool, Brighton still have an outsider’s chance to qualify for Europe by finishing eighth. I won’t bother trying to explain the permutations that must occur to make that happen, but apparently next week’s Conference League final between Chelsea and Real Betis will play a part.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Brentford

Both teams have nothing but pride on the line here.