Premier League news: Five talking points ahead of the final day of the season

With the title wrapped up in Arsenal’s favour following Manchester City’s draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday night, there remains plenty to sort out as the Premier League concludes on Sunday.

From European battles to relegation scraps, the final day still offers immense drama with plenty at stake, writes Sports News Blitz’s Gabriel Mills.

Final relegation spot

It might have made more sense to start at the top of the league and work down, but there is no denying that a final-day relegation scrap involving Tottenham Hotspur is monumental.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s West Ham sit two points behind Spurs and will be hopeful rather than confident when fixtures kick off on Sunday.

West Ham have suffered a damaging run of three losses in a row to Brentford, Arsenal, and Newcastle, respectively.

This has coincided with an upturn in form for Spurs as Roberto De Zerbi has overseen two wins, two draws, and two losses since his arrival in late March.

Things could even have been wrapped up for Spurs when they travelled to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday needing just a point to secure safety.

Chelsea did West Ham a huge favour, though, in beating De Zerbi’s side 2-1, thus taking the small matter of relegation to the final day.

West Ham host Leeds and simply have to win, while Spurs host Everton knowing a point will be enough to guarantee their place in the Premier League next season.

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Champions League qualification

Aston Villa secured their place in the top tier of European football last week with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Liverpool.

That leaves them fourth on 62 points, although Liverpool could still overtake them on Sunday.

As it stands, the top five will get Champions League qualification – but a sixth spot will be obtained by a Premier League team if certain events happen.

Should Aston Villa finish fifth and win the Europa League final, Unai Emery’s team would be granted another route into the Champions League which would be passed down to sixth position.

It’s all very complicated this season, but importantly Bournemouth currently hold sixth position on 56 points and are highly likely to finish there, giving them a chance at Champions League qualification.

Brighton, meanwhile, sit seventh on 53 points, needing to win against Manchester United while also needing Bournemouth to lose to Nottingham Forest if they are to snatch the position.

To cut a long story short: if Villa win the Europa League but lose to Man City on Sunday, Liverpool beat Brentford, and Bournemouth get a point or more against Forest, the Cherries will compete in the Champions League.

Simple, right?

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Europa League shootout

I’m going to pretend that the above will not happen, meaning sixth and seventh will get Europa League, but which clubs are in and around those places?

From sixth to 10th are Bournemouth, Brighton, Chelsea, Brentford, and Sunderland.

Bournemouth are guaranteed to finish there, so it is really a battle between four clubs for the other spot.

Brighton sit on 53 points and host Man United on Sunday – a team they have a favourable record against.

A point would do if Chelsea and Brentford fail to pick up three points, and a win would wrap up their place in the Europa League.

Chelsea are on 52 points and take on Sunderland who are a point behind them.

A Chelsea win would be enough for the Blues to qualify provided Brighton drop points, while a Sunderland win would take Regis Le Bris’ side into Europe if and only if Brighton lose.

Brentford are sandwiched between Chelsea and Sunderland on 52 points, so a win at Anfield would only be enough if Chelsea fail to beat Sunderland and Brighton lose to Man United.

Their inferior goal difference to the three sides above them makes a win the only way Brentford can qualify.

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Battle for 19th

That’s right – the anticipation to find out who finishes at the foot of the table is killing each and every football fan!

Just kidding, but for Burnley and Wolves it’s the chance to make a torrid season into a slightly less embarrassing one.

With Burnley on 21 points and Wolves just two behind, a win for Rob Edwards’ men would ensure they finish in 19th place.

Why? Because the two suffering sides face off against each other at Turf Moor on Sunday.

Wolves have not won an away match in the Premier League since April of last year, while Burnley have won just once since victory at Molineux in October.

After holding the 20th position for all but one week of this campaign, Wolves have the chance to overtake their fellow strugglers at the final corner.

Table’s financial incentives

Although there is a bubble of clubs with seemingly little to play for, the money awarded for competing in the Premier League goes up with each position.

There is approximately a £2-3 million step up with each place.

Fulham in 13th can move up to 10th with a win – pocketing around £8m by doing so.

For the likes of Newcastle, Everton, Fulham, Leeds, Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest, the potential to overtake a team above them therefore gives financial incentive on the final day.

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