Premier League MatchDay 38 is the last day of the season. The title has been won by Manchester City, while Manchester United has sealed a Champions League place. However the battle is ongoing for the remaining spots in Europe.
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Arsenal v Brighton & Hove Albion
This is a must-win game for Arsenal to have any route to Europe. Brighton have been very impressively lately, and so the Gunners must give their all to get a good result against.
Even so, their fate is not in their hands as both Everton and Spurs must play draws to guarantee them the 7th spot. With such a late rally against the Eagles, Arsenal might nip one here.
Aston Villa v Chelsea
Villa are going into this game in high confidence after defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 with an impressive display.
So, it is expected that they will give Chelsea a run for their money.
The Blues on the other hand, won’t want to put their feet off the gas with the Champions League spot at stake. Plus, this game will serve as a final dress rehearsal for their Champions League final against Manchester City in Portugal.
To cement the third spot, the Blues need nothing other than a win. After getting to this stage, they won’t want to spill it.
Fulham v Newcastle United
This is expected to be a match that offers a lot of attacking football. Multiple goals in this match won’t be a surprise.
Fulham are already relegated and have nothing to play for, while Newcastle might want to go further up the table. I expect a draw here.
Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion
This should be a straight win for Leeds United as they have been on form in their last four games.
West Bromwich Albion are already down and out. So, we can expect that Patrick Bamford to use this match as an opportunity to stake a claim for a spot in England’s Euro squad. Danny Ings continues to struggle with an injury that might eventually rule him out of the tournament.
Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur
This is a do-or-die affair for both teams. Spurs lost the opportunity to close the gap on the top six and secure Europa League football when they lost 1-2 to Villa. The same goes for the Foxes who suffered defeat in the hands of Chelsea with a similar scoreline.
Leicester want to qualify for Champions League football, but their fate is not in their hands. To have any chance of usurping Liverpool to the 4th spot, they must defeat Spurs with three clear goals.
Spurs on the other hand need a win to qualify for Europa. It is therefore expected to be an end-to-end clash.
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
Having toppled Leicester, Liverpool is expected to finish the business in Anfield. All they need is to defeat the Eagles and further spoil Roy Hodgson’s farewell in this Premier League Matchday 38 clash.
Knowing that Leicester needs to defeat Spurs by three clear goals to have any chance, Liverpool will want to score as many goals as possible to make their task even more difficult.
Manchester City v Everton
The Champions could add further to Everton’s woes by finishing the season with a win before facing Chelsea in the Champions League final.
With about five days break before the Champions League final, Pep Guardiola is expected to field a strong side. Such a line-up could end Everton’s dream of finishing in the 7th spot and final spot for Europa.
Sheffield United v Burnley
The hosts have already begun planning for life in the Championship. They could give their returning fans something to cheer about with a win here.
West Ham United v Southampton
The Hammers have already qualified for the Europa Conference League. However, they will want to get a ticket to the Europa League and a draw is sufficient for that.
Southampton are already safe for the season. It is therefore expected that the hosts will continue the business of finishing strongly in front of their fans who haven’t been able to watch them play this season.
West Ham are in-form but might only manage a slim win against the Saints.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United
This is a game between two teams merely satisfying forrmality. Wolves are already saved from relegation and United have their Champions League ticket. It could therefore be a drab match.
But United can use opportunity as a dress rehearsal for the Europa League final against Villareal. The Red Devils are likely to field a strong lineup and get the maximum points.
That’s it for the Premier League Matchday 38 and the 2020/21 season. Also, Manchester City will be officially crowned league winners.
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