The title, relegation and European places: What’s at stake in EVERY Premier League match on the final day

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It’s the final day of the season, a Sunday (Monday, 1am AEST) that can show a range of emotions from all fans.

Some might be anxious about the thought of a relegation battle, others are settled with their clubs mid to top of the table finish and optimistic about the season coming up, while two groups of unlucky supporters go into watching their side play knowing whatever that result may be, that they are going down.

Then there is the most tense bout of them all, will it be Manchester City’s fourth title in a row or will it be Arsenal, breaking the Citizens’ dominance of the league and securing their first title since the famous ‘Invincibles’ season where they finished the 2003-04 campaign undefeated?

With all the storylines on the table, let’s look at all ten Sunday 3pm (Monday 1am AEST) matches this weekend and see what they mean for each club.

Liverpool (3rd) vs Wolves (13th)

While it’s not the most mouthwatering fixture out of the lot and both teams can’t really improve their fortunes which ever way the match goes, both sides will still be eager to prove themselves and put on a show for their supporters.

Liverpool have an extra piece of motivation heading into this game, with legendary manager Jurgen Klopp’s time at Anfield coming to an end after an era at the club which included Premier League, Champions League and EFL Cup titles to add to their trophy cabinet.

There is nothing to really rave about for Wolves this season, with their highlights including picking up wins against Man City at the Molineux and against Tottenham both home and away.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

However in the midst of Gary O’Neil’s first season at the helm, this would be seem as a transitional year for them with the real test for the club coming next season.

Liverpool have achieved their Champions League ambitions and are will be third no matter what, while Wolves can finish as high as tenth with a win.

Sheffield United (20th) vs Tottenham (5th)
This match is probably the most one-sided out of all of them and not just by their squad on paper as Sheffield United already have their fate sealed.

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglu has revolutionised the squad and the English football landscape over the season and both he and his team has picked up respect along the way with strong and engaging performances a regular occurrence.

While of course Aston Villa has taken away their Champions League dreams, Spurs have qualified for European football, but really require a win to ensure the best chance of qualifying for the Europa League over the Conference League, with both Newcastle or Chelsea ready to swoop from underneath.

Luton Town (18th) vs Fulham (14th)
The two teams in the league that arguably are very hard to hate.

Obviously Luton were the feel good story of the league this year, becoming the first side since the leagues inception to be promoted after spending time in non-league

Not to mention all the stories about their modest home Kenilworth Road, including the viral ones of getting into the away end, which involves almost going through someone’s back garden.

That’s not to say the story and the stadium is all they have contributed.

They displayed some hard and hearty performances against teams that have finances and facilities well above theirs, with a couple of note including their one-all draw against Liverpool and the agonising last minute 3-4 loss to potential champions Arsenal.

The matchup against Fulham is likely their final swansong as even if they win and Forest lose, the goal difference is simply too much to overcome while for Fulham their position is safe and can end the season on a great note, with the potential to finish as high as 12th with a win.

Brighton (10th) vs Manchester United (8th)
Brighton seem to have had one competition on their mind this season, and it wasn’t the Premier League.

After their great run last season with their reward a place in the Europa League, they went hard in the tournament, but seemed to deem the league as a second priority as before the tournament started, they won four from five to start the season strong.

However from that point on, they have been a win one, lose one type of team, which has seen the Seagulls stuck around mid table.

As for Manchester United, it’s another season of high hopes and huge disappointment.

Erik ten Hag. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Apart from dominant stretches in November and February, the Red Devils, have struggled to find consistent form, which is especially expected out of a club like theirs, and their manager Eric ten Hag is under pressure to keep his job following the arrival of new investors.

United simply must win at the AMEX to have any chance of qualifying for the Conference League, unless of course they manage to win the FA Cup against Manchester City, which would hand them Europa League football.

As for Brighton, a win would still see them finish in tenth place.

Manchester City (1st) vs West Ham (9th)
Manchester City are still the benchmark for the other sides to follow.

While they’ve not had the most dominant season, they are still expected to win a record fourth-straight title.

Yet I don’t think it’s a surefire win for the Citizens.

West Ham have had an okay season, while yes they had a stellar run in the Europa League, succumbing to defeat at the hands of Bayer Leverkusen, their league form involves winning a few and then losing a few.

For West Ham however, their mindset would surely be to send off David Moyes in style. Moyes has revolutionised the club since his arrival and given them the lifetime memories of a European title.

So while West Ham are stuck to one place either side of them in terms of where they finish, both sides will play with purpose to close the season on a high.

(Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)

Arsenal (2nd) vs Everton (15th)
Tottenham had a surprise set of supporters in their corner for their game against Man City, the Gunners.

While the support for their rivals three miles up the road didn’t equal a win in the end, it says a lot about what Arsenal have going in to their match against Everton, hope.

Yes, they would be confident securing a win against the Toffees at the Emirates, but unfortunately all they can do is pray West Ham manage to pull off an upset draw or win at the Etihad. If City are held by the Hammers and Arsenal win, the Gunners will claim the title on goal difference.

Everton on the other had are probably just relieved to be travelling down to London knowing that their Premier League status is safe, despite a season riddled with uncertainty about the clubs stability going hand in hand with multiple points deductions over FFP violations.

All these deductions have taken their toll, considering without them they would currently take Bournemouth’s place in 11th, but that hasn’t taken away their spirit as like Crystal Palace, their form since mid-April has been nothing short of impressive, even taking down Liverpool to be crowned the kings of Merseyside for now.

While this game is a must win for Arsenal, Everton can only fluctuate one place down otherwise closing a tumultuous season for the side from Goodison Park.

Brentford (16th) vs Newcastle (7th)
For Brentford this season, the key was survival and they have done that as well as securing another year in the top flight.

While the season of course hasn’t resulted in a collection of wins for the Bees, the highlight of the season would have to be their 2-0 win against their west London neighbours Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge nonetheless.

On the other end of the fixture, Newcastle have once again had a fine season with the excitement of Champions League football at St James’ Park complementing their campaign.

The Magpies won’t be appearing in the tournament next season, but European football certainly is still in arms reach of them with the Europa and Conference League spots to be determined on the final day.

So while Brentford can’t move positions, they can end the season strongly with a win and give their fans a strong message heading into next season.

As for Newcastle, a win is a must to have the best chance of playing on Thursday nights next season.

Crystal Palace (12th) vs Aston Villa (4th)
These teams both have had huge wins not only lately but all season long. Palace come off a 4-0 demolition of Manchester United at Selhurst Park, a tough place for all teams to play at the best of times but I don’t think anyone expected a result like that.

Not that it was a complete surprise however as the Eagles have arguably been one of the in-form teams of the league, with their last loss handed to them by Man City in mid April.

Aston Villa have been the dark horses of the season, with the Villains even in the conversation for title contenders after their strong start to the campaign.

While those statements were always seen as premature and a stretch, they certainly did look like a side displaying those qualities especially at Villa Park, where they didn’t pick up points on only three occasions.

A lot of confidence will be bought into this game too especially after the thrilling 3-3 draw they played out against Liverpool, with Jhon Durán and his right thigh achieving hero status around Birmingham.

All in all, Villa are all but safe in fourth place no matter what way it goes for them, whereas Palace can go as high as 11th with a win, which they seem to have the recipe to do lately.

Burnley (19th) vs Nottingham Forest (17th)
While you would look at the teams and where they’re placed on the table and think it’s not the best match, you should think again.

Sure, it’s the battlers of the season matching up against each other but this match has major implications on the final standings, well for Nottingham anyway.

Just like Sheffield, Burnley are guaranteed to be relegated after this game but will want to end the season on a high as a nod of appreciation to their Turf Moor faithful.

For the team on the other side Nottingham Forest however, this match is about more than just pride, rather it’s about ensuring survival.

With their four-point deduction earlier in the season for breaching FFP rules sunk them to 17th, Forest are fighting with Luton to avoid an 18th place finish which would see themselves relegated so to say it’s a must win is a major understatement.

Chelsea (6th) vs Bournemouth (11th)
What a two sided season it has been for Chelsea am I right?

Before Christmas, the Blues only had six wins in 18 matches which certainly set alarm bells off around Stamford Bridge and the rest of the league about the near future for Chelsea.

However after Christmas, Pochettino must have had a eureka moment of some sort as from that point on, Chelsea didn’t pick up points on only three occasions.

On the other side of the draw, Bournemouth have had a decent season by their standards I think we can all agree.

One of those men who would share that belief is Dominic Solanke as he has hit the back of the net in 19 of the 37 games he has been apart of, which is the most by a player whose team occupies the bottom half of the table.

Chelsea simply need a win or draw to guarantee a Conference League spot for next season, while for Bournemouth a win can send them as high as 10th place, which would round out an overall positive season for the Cherries.

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