Premier League news: Five games that will define the final matchday of the season

There is still a lot to play for on the final day of the Premier League season, with Champions League qualification yet to be finalised and other European places up in the air too.

In the end, some teams will be left celebrating while others contemplate what could have been as an exciting campaign that has shaken up the established order comes to a close.

Sports News Blitz writer Matt Mckenry looks at five key games which are set to define the 38th gameweek and offers some predictions.

Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea

In what is undoubtedly the biggest game of the weekend, both Chelsea and Nottingham Forest need a victory in order to finish in the top five and secure Champions League football next term.

Forest are currently in seventh place on 65 points, three adrift of third-placed Manchester City, while Chelsea find themselves on 66 points.

Both teams come into this fixture off the back of a win, Forest having beaten West Ham at the London Stadium and Chelsea having edged past Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea remain without Nicolas Jackson, who is still serving a ban for a straight red card in the Blues’ defeat to Newcastle United.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are without Taiwo Awoniyi as he recovers from injury but will be hoping that Callum Hudson-Odoi can return against his former side.

Score prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-2 Chelsea

READ MORE: Premier League analysis: Race for Europe and Kevin De Bruyne’s last game for Man City

Newcastle United vs Everton

Another key game in the race for Europe is Newcastle’s hosting of Everton, where the Magpies need to get three points in order to guarantee a place in next year's Champions League.

After defeat at Arsenal this past weekend, Eddie Howe will have to rally his troops for one last game at St James’ Park against an Everton side that is likely still feeling the high of their Goodison Park send-off.

Newcastle will be without Joelinton once again whilst Alexander Isak and Kieran Trippier haven’t trained this week – it all depends on how their bodies react in the next few days.

Everton, for their part, are without key players like James Tarkowski and Jarred Branthwaite, so it will be interesting to see how they deal with the Magpies’ threat.

Score prediction: Newcastle United 3-0 Everton

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Premier League betting tips: Sunderland fancied, Eze to rattle Reds, more Man Utd misery

Manchester United vs Aston Villa

This match has the potential to determine Aston Villa’s Champions League fate, but they do also need one of the three teams above them to slip up as goal difference is currently their undoing.

United, who lost the Europa League final to Tottenham in midweek, will feel that they need to give the fans a display worth something after a horror season that has plumbed unimaginable depths.

Indeed, a loss for the Red Devils coupled with a victory for Spurs on the final day will see United finish in a scarcely believable 17th place.

Villa, on the other hand, are keen to end their season on a high after a respectable debut Champions League campaign under Unai Emery.

And although back-to-back campaigns will be the preference of many Villa fans, the job is not done yet.

Ruben Amorim’s squad is near full strength and should be match-fit and ready to go in the wake of embarrassment in Bilbao.

The only injury concern for Villa is that of Youri Tielemans, who has been a pivotal player in the centre of the park for Emery and will be a big loss should he miss out.

Score prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Aston Villa

READ NEXT: Championship news: Sheffield Utd vs Sunderland – Five key battles and score prediction

Tottenham Hotspur vs Brighton

In a game that is key for Brighton’s European dream, the Seagulls travel to Tottenham.

Brighton need one point in order to secure eighth place in the Premier League and a solid first year for young manager Fabian Hurzeler, but they have to get past a Spurs team riding high on the emotions of a first major trophy since 2008.

Interestingly, should Chelsea manage to win the Conference League but lose to Forest and Villa win or draw, then Enzo Maresca’s side would finish seventh and the Conference League place for next season would go to Brighton in eighth place if they hold onto it.

Spurs are without a few key players such as Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, although it didn't prove an issue in Bilbao and the side will be full of confidence regardless.

The visitors might be missing a few players but are without major worry as they aim to end the season positively and possibly bid farewell to João Pedro.

Score prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 0-2 Brighton

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: Kevin De Bruyne’s Manchester City career in stats

Liverpool vs Crystal Palace

A game that doesn't have much riding on it, Liverpool’s hosting of Crystal Palace will mainly be a celebration after both teams won coveted silverware this season.

Liverpool will be able to celebrate their record-equalling 20th league title in front of the Anfield faithful, while Palace can once again let loose with their own fans after claiming the first major trophy in their history last week.

Liverpool will be without Alexis Mac Allister, who has a muscular injury, but otherwise it is a game in which Arne Slot has the freedom to choose who he pleases.

Palace are without Adam Wharton for their final game, one of the best young talents in the league and a great loss any time he is absent.

Score prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Crystal Palace

MORE FROM MATT MCKENRY: Europa League news: What Tottenham’s title win means for Ange Postecoglou