Although the Premier League title and relegation battle have already been concluded with four matches still on the calendar, several intriguing narratives remain.
The fight for European spots is still very much alive, with at least five English clubs guaranteed a place in the Champions League thanks to strong performances in UEFA competitions. This total could increase if either Manchester United or Tottenham win the Europa League. Arsenal, despite being semifinalists in Europe’s top competition, could also contribute to the tally if they finish outside the top five and lift the trophy.
Just five points separate third-place Newcastle and Aston Villa in seventh, leaving the door open for several teams beneath them. Fulham, Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford, and Crystal Palace – currently in 12th – are all mathematically in contention for continental qualification. Nottingham Forest, sitting sixth, are also aiming to end a long wait for elite European football.
At the opposite end, Southampton are in danger of finishing with one of the lowest points totals in Premier League history. With only a single point needed to surpass Derby County’s infamous 11-point haul from 2007-08, their remaining fixtures include challenging meetings with Manchester City, Arsenal, Everton, and Leicester.
Chasing pride and making history
Despite no longer facing the threat of relegation, several clubs in the lower half of the standings are looking to avoid finishing 17th. Wolverhampton Wanderers lead this group following a strong run, while Everton, Tottenham, Manchester United, and West Ham are also in this mix.
Everton, who are moving to a new home next season, hope to end their time at Goodison Park on a high. The Merseyside club will play their final two matches at the historic stadium against Ipswich and Southampton, with the latter taking place on 18 May. The match will be emotionally significant, marking the end of more than a century of football at the venue.
West Ham, meanwhile, have found stability under Graham Potter, but results remain disappointing. The manager admitted the team’s form has not met expectations, with only 13 points collected in his first 14 games.
Both Manchester United and Tottenham are aiming to salvage their seasons through European silverware. Nevertheless, a poor league finish would be difficult to ignore, especially if one ends up with the lowest points total among surviving sides.
Uncertain future for Liverpool star
Liverpool fans have recently celebrated new deals for Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, but the situation surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold remains unresolved. The defender, now 26, has just a few months left on his current agreement and is reportedly being courted by Real Madrid.
He played a decisive role in Liverpool’s recent victory at Leicester but declined to comment on his contract situation afterward. As a key figure in the club’s trophy-winning years between 2019 and 2020, his potential departure would be significant.
Should Alexander-Arnold choose to move on, the timing could hardly be more symbolic. Raising the league trophy at Anfield could serve as a fitting end to his chapter with the club.
