The 2024/25 Premier League season comes to an end on Sunday and despite the title and the relegation battle having already been decided, there’s still plenty to play for on the final day
There’s just one round of games left to go in the 2024/25 Premier League season. The current campaign comes to an end on Sunday, with Liverpool ready to finally hoist the trophy into the air.
The Reds will take on Crystal Palace at Anfield before lifting the title in front of supporters for the first time in a generation. Away from the race for the title, the relegation battle has also long been decided, with Ipswich, Leicester and Southampton all set for an instant return to the Championship.
And while both ends of the table are wrapped up, there’s still plenty to play for, especially when it comes to the European places. As it stands, as low as EIGHTH place could be enough for a spot in Europe next season.
There’s also a number of clubs gunning for a spot in the Champions League, with the Premier League having sealed an additional place in the competition for next season. With all of that being said, take a look at what each club needs for a Champions League place and what could happen on what looks set to be thrilling final afternoon:
Liverpool and Arsenal are already two of the Premier League’s Champions League representatives for next season courtesy of their positions. They will be joined by Tottenham after they won the Europa League against Manchester United.
Arsenal will rubberstamp second spot with at least a point against relegated Southampton at St Mary’s. Manchester City could still overtake them, but first need to focus on the Champions League, where a win over Fulham would secure their berth.
Win well and there is an outside chance they could leapfrog Mikel Arteta's side, though they would also need the Gunners to lose and to overturn an eight-goal deficit on goal difference in the process.
A draw could potentially be enough should one of Newcastle, Chelsea and Aston Villa not win. Meanwhile, City could also return to the Champions League with a defeat should results go their way.
Newcastle had long guaranteed their spot in European competition, with their EFL Cup success securing a spot in the Conference League,. But they want more than that and even Eddie Howe has admitted not returning to the Champions League would be a disappointment.
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They currently sit fourth in the table. A win against Everton on the last day would guarantee a Champions League place, while a draw might also be enough should two of Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest fail to win.
Chelsea have the small matter of a European final to look forward to on Wednesday, and if they beat Real Betis that would guarantee them a Europa League spot. But like Newcastle they want more and like the Magpies Enzo Maresca's side are also sitting on 66 points. But they take on direct rivals Nottingham Forest in what could be a winner-takes-all clash.
A win against the East Midlands side would guarantee them a spot in the Champions League. A draw COULD be enough for Chelsea should Villa fail to win against Manchester United on the final day.
Villa are the third side on 66 points - albeit with a worse goal difference. They know exactly what is required as well, they just need to better one of Man City, Newcastle or Chelsea’s results on the final day at Old Trafford.
Forest’s task is slightly more difficult however. They have to beat Chelsea on the last day and hope one of Man City, Newcastle or Villa drop points. Should that not happen, Forest will finish outside of the Champions League spots - albeit still with a place in Europe.