Another season in the Premier League will draw to its conclusion this weekend, as the final day looks set to throw up its fair share of drama. The main narrative to follow this weekend will be the race for the league title, with Man City widely expected to pick up a fourth straight crown. Meanwhile, the race for the final European places are the only other factors yet to be determined.
Race For The Title
The Premier League title race will go down to the final day, but the task is very straightforward for Manchester City. City need a home win against West Ham to register a historic fourth straight honour. Their chances of achieving that look incredibly likely after going 16 matches without defeat against the Hammers.
A draw at the Etihad could open the door for Arsenal, as the Gunners will just need to claim a home victory over Everton to get their hands on the top prize for the first time in over 20 years. A defeat for City will also require a victory for Arsenal.
The Gunners will need to claim victory in any circumstance to stand any chance of winning the league, but it’s unlikely that will be enough after slipping to second following City’s midweek win at Tottenham.
That result has seen the reigning champions shorten in price in the BetXchange market to win the league title, and it’s incredibly hard to see this professional Pep Guardiola machine squandering their chance of history on Sunday.
Race For Europe
Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Aston Villa will represent the Premier League in the Champions League next term following Tottenham’s home loss against City. However, Spurs will be the front-runners to wrap up a sixth-place spot and play in the Europa League. But, their advantage could be just three points heading into the final round if Chelsea and Newcastle win their games in hand in midweek.
Newcastle will likely be the biggest dangers, as they boast a healthy goal difference advantage over Spurs. However, Tottenham’s chances are enhanced based on the fact that they will be widely expected to pick up maximum points on the road when they come up against Sheffield United on Sunday.
Relegation Battle
The relegation battle has lost its sting heading into the final round of matches in the Premier League, as the three teams promoted from the Championship last term look set to drop back into the second tier.
Sheffield United and Burnley have already officially been relegated, while Luton will need to win by a wide margin on the final day against Fulham, and hope Burnley beat Nottingham Forest.
The Hatters will also need a 12-goal swing in their favour to enjoy a second straight season in the Premier League. However, all of that appears incredibly unlikely, meaning that Forest will likely confirm a third season in the top-flight by the skin of their teeth.
