The Premier League season concludes with a dramatic final day, featuring fights for European qualification, survival, and individual accolades. Here are 10 key storylines to watch.
1. Welbeck and Brighton Push for Europe
Brighton must beat Manchester United at the Amex to secure a European spot for the second time in their history, after a costly loss to Leeds last week. United have nothing to play for and a poor record at Brighton, losing three of their last four visits including a 4-0 defeat in 2022. Danny Welbeck, with 13 league goals, could be key against his former club and has a chance to finish as the highest-scoring English player, trailing Ollie Watkins by one goal.
2. Wooden Spoon Showdown: Burnley vs Wolves
Burnley and Wolves battle to avoid finishing bottom, with a £2 million prize difference for 19th place. Both have had dreadful seasons; combined points would only place them 17th. Wolves started bottom alphabetically and a win at Turf Moor would lift them off the foot for the first time. A draw might be a fair result for football, but both will aim to prove critics wrong.
3. Carnival Atmosphere at Selhurst Park
Crystal Palace host Arsenal in a match that was expected to be crucial for the title, but Manchester City's failure to beat Bournemouth means Arsenal celebrate their title while Palace's manager Oliver Glasner takes charge for the final time. Expect wholesale changes, with Christian Nørgaard potentially making his first Premier League start for Arsenal since joining from Brentford.
4. Fulham in Mendes Merry-Go-Round?
Marco Silva's final match for Fulham against Newcastle could be his last, with links to Benfica. Silva has unfinished business in Portugal, and Benfica's pull is strong. Fulham are caught in a Jorge Mendes merry-go-round, with José Mourinho and Silva as clients, and Filipe Luís a favorite to replace Silva if he departs.
5. Liverpool Exits and a Return
Liverpool scramble for Champions League qualification, with emotional send-offs for Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson. Jordan Henderson returns to Anfield for the first time since his 2023 exit, and the salute should extend to him for his captaincy contributions. Keith Andrews could lead Brentford into Europe with a win.
6. Manchester City Farewells
Pep Guardiola bids farewell after a decade that changed English football, emphasizing technique over physique. Bernardo Silva also departs after nine consistent years, while John Stones, one of the world's best defenders when fit, leaves with injuries hampering his career. City fans and neutrals should acknowledge their achievements.
7. Anderson's Final Forest Flourish?
Elliot Anderson, after two impactful years at Nottingham Forest, may play his last game for the club amid interest from Manchester City and United. Manager Vítor Pereira wants to keep him, but the market dictates otherwise. Forest fans will laud his ability one final time as they aim for a 15th-place finish.
8. Better Late Than Never for Maddison
Tottenham need at least a point against Everton to stay up, but their team is not good enough for a draw. Starting James Maddison for the first time this season could provide a creative spark and inspire a raucous atmosphere. After a year of adversity, both Maddison and Spurs seek mutual success.
9. Black Cats Hope for Historic Strong Finish
Sunderland, promoted in August, could finish seventh or eighth and qualify for Europe if they beat Chelsea and other results go their way. It would be only their second European campaign, after the 1973-74 European Cup Winners' Cup. Chelsea, also seeking European football for incoming manager Xabi Alonso, will not underestimate them after a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge.
10. Londoners Supporting West Ham?
West Ham face relegation unless they beat Leeds and Everton defeat Spurs, or win with a 12-goal swing if Spurs draw. Relegation would cause major financial problems and reignite debate over the controversial London Stadium deal. Mayor Sadiq Khan urges Londoners to support West Ham to avoid taxpayer losses of up to £2.5 million per year.
