Premier League Matchday 38: Manchester City set to scupper Arsenal’s dreams
With the 2023/24 Premier League season reaching its conclusion on Sunday afternoon, one of Manchester City or Arsenal will claim the title.
With that in mind, read on as we look at some key statistics and talking points ahead of the final round of matches this weekend.
Arsenal vs Everton
The clash between Arsenal and Everton screams ‘home banker’, but anyone thinking the result is a foregone conclusion would be well advised to tread carefully.
Everton have won five and drawn one of their last ten league meetings with the Gunners and will fancy their chances of upsetting the odds again this weekend.
If Man City put their game to bed against West Ham United quickly, Arsenal’s title hopes will be over and their motivation levels could suffer.
Brentford vs Newcastle United
Brentford vs Newcastle United has taken on added importance this weekend, with the visitors in danger of missing out on European qualification.
They must win at Brentford and hope Chelsea lose to Bournemouth to ensure they play in either the Europa League or Europa Conference League (UECL) next term.
If Newcastle miss out on sixth place, they must finish above Manchester United and then hope that Man City win the FA Cup final to claim a place in the UECL.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester United
With sixth place out of reach, Man United must focus on bettering Newcastle’s result when they visit Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
The Red Devils would qualify for Europe if they finish above the Magpies, regardless of what happens in the FA Cup final against Man City.
However the recent Brighton vs Man United head-to-head does not paint a pretty picture, with the Seagulls winning the last four league meetings between these two sides.
Burnley vs Nottingham Forest
Barring an unlikely turnaround in goal difference between Luton Town and themselves, Nottingham Forest will be playing in the Premier League next season.
They will be grateful of the three-point cushion, with the Burnley vs Nottm Forest record showing they have not won at Turf Moor since September 2003.
Forest will never have a better chance of ending that run given how poor the Clarets have been during their miserable one-season stint in the top flight.
Cheslea vs Bournemouth
A draw between Chelsea and Bournemouth would ensure the former finish sixth – not a bad outcome considering how their season has panned out.
The Blues would then be hoping that Man City win the FA Cup to ensure the second Europa League spot is awarded to them.
If Chelsea finish sixth and Man Utd beat City at Wembley Stadium, they would drop into the Europa Conference League.
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
It would be fair to stay that Crystal Palace and Aston Villa have defied expectations in the Premier League this season, albeit in different degrees.
Villa have secured qualification to the Champions League, while Palace head into their final match with a chance of claiming a top ten finish.
If Adam Wharton produces another midfield masterclass for Palace this weekend, the clamour for him to receive an England call-up could become deafening.
Liverpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Unless you are a staunch fan of the home team, the Liverpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers clash could be one to avoid this weekend.
Reds fans will undoubtedly work themselves into an emotional lather as manager Jurgen Klopp takes charge of the team for the final time.
Having won just one Premier League and one Champions League title during his time with the club, the rest of football will be wondering what all the fuss is about.
Luton Town vs Fulham
Luton Town vs Fulham is unlikely to set the pulses racing outside of Bedfordshire, with little resting on the outcome of the game.
The Hatters need a miraculous combination of results to avoid relegation and only the most optimistic fan will believe it will happen.
Only once in Premier League history have all three promoted teams gone straight back down again (1997/98). That tally will double on Sunday.
Manchester City vs West Ham United
Another new record will likely be set when Manchester City and West Ham United face each other at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
A victory for City over the Hammers will cement their status as the first English team in history to win the league title four years in a row.
Man City have won their last eight matches by a combined 30-5 scoreline, while West Ham have been struggling for form. On that basis, City look set to enjoy another title-winning party.
Sheffield United vs Tottenham Hotspur
Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur fought out a thriller in the reverse fixture, with the London club scoring twice in stoppage time to claim victory.
They will expect to complete the double against a side which has conceded 101 goals this season – the worst record in Premier League history.
The Blades have been absolutely woeful this season and could find it difficult to mount a bid to win promotion from the Championship next term.
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