Nottingham Forest’s dream of a return to the Champions League remains within reach, setting the stage for a high-stakes final-day clash with Chelsea. Meanwhile, Liverpool are set to finally lift the Premier League trophy in front of a jubilant Anfield crowd.
As the Premier League season draws to a close on Sunday, the race for a top-five finish is heating up. Forest and Chelsea are in the mix alongside Manchester City, Newcastle United and Aston Villa, with three spots still up for grabs.
Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, head to Old Trafford to face a struggling Manchester United side, still reeling from their Europa League final loss to Tottenham earlier in the week.
Nottingham Forest have experienced a spectacular revival this season, but missing out on Champions League qualification would leave a bitter aftertaste. The club last featured in Europe’s elite competition in the 1980/81 campaign and are aiming to return after decades in the wilderness.
Having occupied a top-five position for most of the season, Forest’s recent dip in form means they now need a win over Chelsea and favourable results elsewhere — specifically from Newcastle or Aston Villa — to secure a place.
Even if they fall short, Forest are guaranteed European football next season — a stunning achievement given they narrowly avoided relegation last year. Under manager Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest have become the first club in Premier League history to double their points tally from one season to the next.
Despite the stakes, Nuno insists his side are embracing the moment: “We’re enjoying the preparations for a big match, so why not relish it? Everyone here is up for it.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s players will finally get to raise the Premier League trophy on home turf following their final game of the season against Crystal Palace, the newly crowned FA Cup winners.
While the Reds clinched the title back in 2020, Covid-19 restrictions meant they were forced to celebrate behind closed doors. This time, Anfield is expected to erupt with celebrations.
The mood, however, could be mixed as fans prepare to say goodbye to local favourite Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been heavily linked with a summer move to Real Madrid after confirming his departure earlier this month.
The England defender was booed during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal and missed the subsequent 3-2 loss to Brighton. Manager Arne Slot admitted he’s undecided about Alexander-Arnold’s involvement on Sunday, but emphasised the defender deserves a proper send-off.
“This day should be one everyone remembers,” Slot said. “The city’s waited 35 years for a moment like this. Just look at how we played against Tottenham — that’s the spirit.”
Also, Manchester United’s final match of a dismal campaign comes against Champions League-chasing Aston Villa. The mood at Old Trafford will likely be sombre, following a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final that capped a woeful season.
United are on course to record their lowest league finish since their relegation in 1974. Since Ruben Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag in November, United have won just six league matches and look completely devoid of direction and hunger.
Villa, who have only two Premier League victories at Old Trafford, arrive confident and motivated. A win could see them snatch a top-five spot, depending on other results. Given United’s lacklustre displays, Villa will sense an opportunity.
Fixtures (Sunday, 1500 GMT)
- Bournemouth v Leicester
- Fulham v Manchester City
- Ipswich v West Ham
- Liverpool v Crystal Palace
- Manchester United v Aston Villa
- Newcastle v Everton
- Nottingham Forest v Chelsea
- Southampton v Arsenal
- Tottenham v Brighton
- Wolves v Brentford
