Premier League Predictions: Liverpool secure fifth, Sunderland claim European spot, and there is a nasty shock for Tottenham
So, here we are, matchweek 38 and the final day of Premier League action for the 2025/26 season. The title may have been decided, but there is still a European qualification to be resolved, not to mention the battle between Tottenham and West Ham to stay in the top flight and avoid relegation to the Championship. Here, we give our predictions on what promises to be a day full of thrills and spills.
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Sunday 24th May
Brighton v Manchester United (4 pm)
What a season it has been for Manchester United. It started with optimism, got stuck in a rut under Ruben Amorim and then flourished with Michael Carrick at the helm. It ends with United guaranteed to finish third and play in the Champions League next season, with Carrick’s achievements rewarded with a full-time role. Brighton have also had their ups and downs, but they still have plenty to play for. Victory over United would confirm at least a Europa League spot, although various permutations involving Bournemouth, Liverpool and Aston Villa could see them qualify for the Champions League.
Prediction: Brighton 2-1 Manchester United
Burnley v Wolves (4 pm)
A battle of the deadmen featuring two teams whose survival hopes ended many weeks ago. This is a game neither side nor fans will relish, and the end of the season cannot come quickly enough. Wolves do have the incentive of knowing a win would mean they don’t end the season rock bottom, but that would be scant consolation.
Prediction: Burnley 1-1 Wolves
Crystal Palace v Arsenal (4 pm)
What could have been a nasty final-day assignment for Arsenal and Crystal Palace has been reduced to nothing more than a glorified kick-about. The Gunners will lift the Premier League trophy afterwards, while Palace no longer have to think about preserving the integrity of the competition and can happily rest players ahead of Wednesday night’s Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal
Fulham v Newcastle (4 pm)
Neither side can qualify for Europe, so there is little to play for on the banks of the Thames, and this is sure to have a real end-of-season feeling to it. Fulham’s progress has stalled after a run of one win in six league games, while it was apparent Newcastle would have no chance of achieving their fans’ lofty ambitions several weeks ago.
Prediction: Fulham 1-0 Newcastle
Liverpool v Brentford (4 pm)
Liverpool still needs a point to secure a place in the Champions League next season. That will be top of their agenda, but a close second will be saying farewell to Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, who will play their final games for the club. It has been a difficult season for Arne Slot and the defending champions, but they will be determined to go into the summer break on the back of a victory. Brentford need a win and hope results elsewhere go their way to secure a place in Europe.
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Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Brentford
Manchester City v Aston Villa (4 pm)
Talking of emotional goodbyes, this will be Pep Guardiola’s final game in charge after 10 years and 20 trophies at Manchester City. It won’t be the send-off he hoped for after City failed to beat Bournemouth in midweek, handing Arsenal the title, but he will be eager to go with a flourish. Villa have little to play for, having already qualified for the Champions League.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth (4pm)
Bournemouth were magnificent in drawing with Manchester City in midweek – a result that ensured they will play in the Europa League, at least, next season. A resounding win at Forest and a heavy defeat for Liverpool could see them sneak into fifth spot but, whatever happens, it has been a superb final season in charge for Andoni Iraola before he leaves the Vitality Stadium. Forest can only look on in envy at the Cherries’ stability at the end of a campaign that has seen them have four managers and spend the bulk of it fighting relegation.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Bournemouth
Sunderland v Chelsea (4pm)
Just 12 months after winning promotion to the top flight via the play-offs, Sunderland can secure a European place with victory over Chelsea combined with defeat for Brentford at Liverpool. It would be an incredible achievement but they face a Blues side that also need a win to guarantee they will play continental football under Xabi Alonso next term.
Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Chelsea
Tottenham v Everton (4pm)
Most neutrals expected Spurs to gradually pull away from danger over the closing weeks but it hasn’t happened and another lifeless display at Chelsea in midweek means they go into the final day still in danger of going down. A draw, given their superior goal difference over West Ham, would be enough but they have claimed just 12 points from 18 league games at home all season. Everton were well beaten by Sunderland last weekend and David Moyes will expect a better performance here. This is a nasty fixture for Tottenham and we think nerves may get the better of them.
Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Everton
West Ham v Leeds (4pm)
If Spurs are beaten then opportunity knocks for West Ham. They have been largely awful all season but can still find a way out. They start the day two points behind Spurs and knowing only a win will do. In some ways, that might help them against a Leeds team that has shown commendable fight in recent weeks even with their safety secured. The visitors won’t make it easy but the Hammers’ desperation may just give them the edge.
Prediction: West Ham 2-0 Leeds
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