Premier League analysis: Race for Europe and Kevin De Bruyne’s last game for Man City
We are rapidly approaching the final day of the 2024/25 Premier League season, still with so much to play for when it comes to European qualification.
Sports News Blitz writer Tom Nichols takes a look at the final day of the season and the potential outcomes.
Newcastle United’s Champions League chase
Newcastle United have already qualified for UEFA Champions League football since their Saudi takeover in 2021.
With just one game left to play, the Magpies just need to beat Everton at St James Park to secure another season in the Champions League.
However, should Newcastle fail to beat Everton, Eddie Howe’s side could be overtaken by the likes of Aston Villa, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle, Villa and Chelsea are all currently on 66 points, with Forest just one point behind on 65.
Manchester City could also beat the Geordies to a Champions League spot, following their convincing 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
Pep Guardiola’s side currently sit on 68 points, with a tricky away game at Fulham up next.
Kevin De Bruyne’s last Manchester City game
Kevin De Bruyne joined Manchester City back in 2015 for a £55 million fee, the second-highest transfer fee paid by a British club at the time - behind Angel Di Maria’s £59.7 million move from Real Madrid to Manchester United.
Since his big-money move 10 years ago, De Bruyne has been an ever-present in the Manchester City side.
The Belgian has made 287 Premier League appearances, scoring 72 goals and registering 119 assists for the Citizens.
Now 33 years of age, De Bruyne has announced that this season is his last in Manchester. It remains to be seen if the midfielder will remain in England, or head abroad for a new challenge.
Nottingham Forest’s return to Europe
Following their 2-2 draw against Leicester on May 11, Nottingham Forest qualified for European football for the first time since the 1995/96 season.
With Nuno Espirito Santo’s side currently in seventh place, it remains to be seen what competition the Reds will be playing in next season.
Forest currently sit on 65 points, just one behind Newcastle United who currently occupy fourth place.
With a tough game against Chelsea, Forest need to win if they want to stand a chance of bringing Champions League football back to the City Ground.
As well as the Reds needing to beat Chelsea, they also need one of the following to happen: Newcastle to fail to beat Everton or Aston Villa to fail to beat Manchester United.
Eight place can still qualify for Europe
Due to the Europa League final being between two English clubs in Manchester United and Tottenham and 12th place Crystal Palace winning the FA Cup - the team who finishes in eighth place still has a chance to qualify for the UEFA Conference League.
Chelsea still have to play in the Conference League final against Real Betis. Should the Blues win that game and finish seventh, eighth place becomes a Conference League spot.
There are only two teams who can finish in eighth place - Brighton and Brentford. Brighton are currently eighth on 58 points, while Brentford are ninth with 55 points.
Brighton play Tottenham away while Brentford play Wolves away.
A point for the Seagulls could be enough to secure European football, however, should they fail to pick up at least a point and Brentford win, the West Londoners could qualify for European football for the first time.
READ MORE ON TONIGHT’S BIG GAME: Europa League Final: Tottenham vs Manchester United - Five key battles and score prediction
