Brighton must beat Manchester United on the final day to secure European football for only the second time in their history, after a costly defeat at Leeds last week. United have a wretched record at the Amex, losing three of their last four visits, including a 4-0 drubbing in 2022. Danny Welbeck could be key against his former club, having enjoyed his most prolific season with 13 league goals, and still has a chance of finishing as the highest-scoring English player if he scores.
The biggest match of the final day is the wooden-spoon showdown between Burnley and Wolves to decide who finishes bottom of the Premier League. There is £2m extra prize money at stake for the club finishing 19th. Combined, their points would only put them 17th. Alphabetical order meant Wolves started bottom, and a win at Turf Moor would move them off the foot for the first time. A draw feels fair for football, but both will want to prove doubters wrong.
Crystal Palace host Arsenal in what was expected to be a tense affair, but Manchester City’s failure to beat Bournemouth means Arsenal can celebrate their Premier League title at Selhurst Park. Oliver Glasner takes charge for the final time before Palace face Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League, so wholesale changes are expected from both sides. Christian Nørgaard could make his first Premier League start for Arsenal since joining from Brentford.
Marco Silva’s future at Fulham is uncertain as his side face Newcastle. He has been linked with Benfica, with José Mourinho on the verge of joining Real Madrid. Silva insists no decision has been made, but Benfica offer European football and a reunion with director of football Mário Branco. Fulham are caught in a Jorge Mendes merry-go-round, with Filipe Luís among the favourites to replace Silva if he departs.
Liverpool are scrambling for Champions League qualification as they host Bournemouth. Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson are expected to receive emotional send-offs, but there are many subplots: Will Salah play after his latest public attempt to undermine Arne Slot? What reception awaits the Liverpool head coach? Keith Andrews could take Brentford into Europe, and Jordan Henderson’s first return to Anfield since his 2023 exit deserves fanfare for his contribution as captain.
