10 Crucial Questions Ahead of Matchday 38

As the Premier League approaches its thrilling conclusion, EPLNews explores the defining narratives of this weekend’s matches. From potential Champions League qualifiers to teams striving for pride or avoiding ignominy, each game has its own story. Here’s an in-depth analysis of what’s at stake and the key tactical battles to watch.

Will Forest or Chelsea Claim the Champions League Spot?

A mere three points divide third and seventh position on the final day – a scenario previously unseen in Premier League history. With five clubs still in contention for a UEFA Champions League spot, the spotlight will be on Nottingham Forest versus Chelsea at the City Ground. This clash could mark the most significant moment in Forest’s 21st-century journey.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men may hold a slight edge. Chelsea’s away form has been poor, ranking 11th in the league. They’ve only secured one victory in their past 11 Premier League away fixtures – that win coming against Fulham thanks to a late Pedro Neto strike.

Moreover, Chelsea’s style under Enzo Maresca, which hinges heavily on possession, has occasionally proven ineffective against teams that thrive on the counter-attack. In matches where Chelsea have dominated possession (65 per cent or more), they’ve only emerged victorious twice out of seven attempts. One of those was a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge against Forest in October.

Nonetheless, the fixture remains delicately poised. If nerves kick in, Chelsea still have the capability to grind out a result. While Champions League qualification would be an incredible achievement for Forest, for Chelsea it’s an absolute requirement given their substantial summer investment. Failure to qualify for a third straight season could have significant consequences.

One way or another, heartbreak awaits at least one club – possibly both.

Can Aston Villa Squeeze into the Top Five?

Aston Villa fans will be anxiously awaiting team news on Sunday – although the focus won’t be on their own lineup. Instead, all eyes will be on whether Ruben Amorim opts to field a weakened Manchester United side, following their UEFA Europa League exit, or sends out a full-strength team to give fans a proper farewell.

Meanwhile, Unai Emery’s attention remains firmly on maintaining Villa’s strong run of form. Victory at Old Trafford would mark only their second triumph there since 2009. While history is not on their side, current form certainly is – and even a motivated United might struggle to cope.

Still, a win might not be enough. Villa need either Newcastle United or Chelsea to drop points – or an unlikely defeat for Manchester City – to claim a top-five finish.

Regardless of the outcome, it has been a remarkable season for Villa, securing European qualification for the third consecutive year. However, a Champions League place would elevate them even further.

Will Newcastle’s Midfield Handle Everton’s Physical Approach?

Despite an emotionally charged farewell at Goodison Park, Everton could spring a surprise at St James’ Park, playing without pressure and with freedom.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe may have to contend with the absence of Alexander Isak, a crucial blow evidenced by their goalless draw against Arsenal. Furthermore, the 3-4-3 formation used against Chelsea and Liverpool is unlikely to be repeated; a return to 4-3-3 is expected, with Joe Willock likely to slot back into midfield after injury.

Fatigue was evident in Newcastle’s midfield during the latter stages of their previous match. That poses a concern, especially facing the relentless energy of Idrissa Gueye, James Garner and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Still, Newcastle have been formidable at home, winning their last six league matches at St James’ Park. The clarity of their task – win and secure a Champions League place – could serve them well.

Historically, teams with a clear objective on the final day often outperform those with little to play for. Everton, however, are unlikely to make it easy.

Can Fulham Frustrate a Goal-Shy Manchester City?

Manchester City comfortably dispatched AFC Bournemouth 3-1 midweek, thanks largely to the latter’s open setup. But the trip to Craven Cottage offers a completely different challenge.

Marco Silva’s Fulham side are far more compact and organised. Their approach may stifle City’s attack, much like in the recent FA Cup final where Guardiola’s side struggled to find rhythm.

Erling Haaland’s form since returning from injury has been concerning, and if he doesn’t rediscover his sharpness, a low-scoring stalemate is plausible. City only require a point to confirm Champions League qualification, but among the five teams vying for it, they arguably face the trickiest opponent.

Victory is anticipated, yet City are not over the line just yet.

Will Anfield Be England’s Happiest Stadium on Sunday?

At Anfield, Sunday’s atmosphere promises to be joyous. With the Premier League trophy presentation scheduled after the match, Liverpool supporters are sure to revel in the occasion.

Crystal Palace fans are also in celebratory mood, fresh from a triumphant weekend, making this match a rare “happy-ending” encounter for both sides. It could result in a wide-open, entertaining game full of goals and flair.

Such matches often take on an “end-of-term” vibe, with relaxed defending and exuberant attacking play. A high-scoring affair is not out of the question – even a surreal 5-5 draw.

The only incentive, statistically speaking, lies with Mohamed Salah. Two more goal contributions would secure him a new Premier League record.

Nothing may be at stake in terms of league standings, but it could still be a classic.

Can Southampton Avoid an Unwanted Record?

This match holds more weight than it may seem. Interim manager Simon Rusk will be hoping Southampton can replicate their surprise 0-0 result against Manchester City and steer clear of a Premier League low.

That point pushed them beyond Derby County’s infamous 11-point tally, but Southampton have now lost 29 matches – equalling the record for most defeats in a single campaign, alongside Ipswich (1994/95), Sunderland (2005/06), Derby (2007/08), and Sheffield United (2020/21).

A 30th loss would set a new low, and likely reignite debate over whether this has been the worst season in Premier League history.

Avoiding defeat won’t be easy. Arsenal, even without Mikel Arteta due to a one-match touchline ban, are unlikely to be as wasteful as City were with 26 shots and 1.82 Expected Goals (xG) in their goalless draw.

Will Ipswich Finally Give Home Fans Something to Cheer?

Kieran McKenna’s analysis of Ipswich’s season will likely spotlight their poor home form. Despite competitive performances early on, they’ve managed just one home win in the Premier League this season – a 2-0 triumph over Chelsea on 30 December.

That statistic puts them in dubious company, tied for the fewest home wins in a season with Derby (2007/08) and Sunderland (2005/06).

This weekend offers a last chance to change that narrative. The fans at Portman Road certainly deserve a final positive note to end a difficult campaign.

Can Spurs Use Europa League Momentum to Make a Statement?

Following their Europa League final victory, celebrations for Tottenham Hotspur surely continued late into the night. As a result, Ange Postecoglou may opt to rest key players for the final Premier League outing.

This is welcome news for Brighton & Hove Albion, who need only a point to secure eighth place and an outside chance of Europa Conference League qualification.

However, with fresh optimism surrounding Spurs, Postecoglou might use the occasion to demonstrate the club’s long-term vision. After Wednesday’s win, he affirmed his commitment: “I don’t feel I’ve completed the job yet. We’re in the Champions League, and we need to add experience. I want to build a team that can succeed for years.”

Though the Europa League was won playing a style that contradicted his typical attacking philosophy, this match offers an opportunity to showcase “Ange-ball” at its best.

Riding high on momentum, Spurs may turn their final fixture into a springboard for a new era.

Will Wolves Finish Strong and Avoid a Disappointing Finale?

Vitor Pereira’s tenure at Wolves has been impressive, with 32 points earned from 21 matches since taking charge. At one stage, they were posting top-five form.

However, three consecutive defeats have taken the shine off their resurgence. A fourth on Sunday could leave a slightly sour taste and dent optimism heading into the summer.

Transfer speculation surrounding Matheus Cunha – reportedly a target for Manchester United – adds a further layer of uncertainty.

Ending the season with four straight defeats would be a setback. A strong showing is needed to maintain the positive atmosphere Pereira has fostered.

How Can Bournemouth Improve Their Home Form?

A midweek loss at the Etihad ended Bournemouth’s dreams of European football. Now, focus turns to building for next season – particularly improving performances at Vitality Stadium.

Andoni Iraola’s side began well, winning three of their first five home games, including against Arsenal and Man City. But since beating City on 2 November, they’ve only recorded four home wins – all achieved without conceding.

This pattern suggests a problem: Bournemouth perform well as underdogs but struggle when expected to dominate. They need to develop a more proactive approach to break down defensive teams like Leicester City, who defeated them 1-0 earlier this season.

Addressing this inconsistency will be key to their 2025/26 success.