Izuchukwu OkosiThe final day of the Premier League is upon us and the places for European competitions will be settled this evening.
Only Liverpool (champions) and Arsenal (runners up) are the only teams guaranteed of Champions League football for next season.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPrime Business Africa presents the previews of the games on the final Matchday of the 2024/2025 season and prediction for the top 7 places.
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
Champions-elect Liverpool will face Crystal Palace in today’s game at Anfield.
The Reds will lift the Premier League trophy in front of their fans – something they were unable to do when they last won it five seasons ago during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Liverpool are undefeated in 16 of their last 17 matches in the league against Crystal Palace. Arne Slot’s men have lost two of their last three games after they were confirmed as league winners.
Following their FA Cup triumph, Palace beat Wolves 4-2 last weekend. Both sides will play the Community Shield on August 10.
PBA Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Crystal Palace
Man United vs Aston Villa
Manchester United were defeated in the Europa League final by fellow Premier League strugglers, Tottenham Hotspur last Wednesday.
The news coming out from the club of late barring plans for a new stadium has not been palatable.
A victory for United will be a scant consolation for the fan base.
Crystal Palace will be forgiven to believe that they are now in the ‘big league’ after lifting the FA Cup.
Newcastle United vs Everton
Newcastle United were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal in their last Premier League game which puts their Champions League qualification in doubt.
This is because the chances of teams in the top 8 are dicey and would be decided this evening.
Newcastle will hope to finish in top three by beating Everton and seeing top four rivals lose theirs.
PBA Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Everton
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest
Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi is definitely out of Nottingham Forest’s game against Chelsea as he recuperates from a surgery.
Callum Hudson- Odoi is back to fill fitness is expected to start his former club.
Chelsea is also in the fight for European places albeit have a Conference League final against Real Betis on Wednesday.
Nottingham Forest are desperate to get back to European football after four decades and this has the trappings of the most exciting game on the final day. A draw is enough for Chelsea.
PBA Prediction: Chelsea 3-3 Nottingham Forest
Southampton vs Arsenal
Southampton are already relegated and are only playing for pride.
They will face Arsenal who are hurting over their missed Champions League glory at the semifinals of the Champions League.
From a Nigerian perspective, Joe Aribo may not be preferred for a starting place
PBA Prediction: Southampton 1-3 Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur vs Brighton
Ange Postecoglou is expected to name an unchanged starting XI this evening against Brighton.
The ‘second season’ master of trophies could have a team play their best football in recent history after their Europa League triumph over Manchester United.
Brighton hopes to play in the Conference League as they are currently in 8th position.
PBA Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Brighton
Wolves vs Brentford
Wolves won their last six Premier League games to confirm their safety.
Wolves’ manager Vitor Pereira will be without no fewer than five players but the likes of Nelson Semedo, Jose Sa and Joao Gomes may start as they return to full fitness.
Matheus Cunha who has been linked with a move to Manchester United may start from the bench.
PBA Prediction: Wolves 1-1 Brentford
Bournemouth vs Leicester
Relegation bound Leicester City have scored at least two goals in their three Premier League games with seven points won from a possible nine.
The Foxes will not feature Jamie Vardy who played his left game for the club lady week, scoring 200 goals in 500 appearances.
Bournemouth lost their second consecutive game in the Premier League last weekend bit the Cherries are keen to finish in a relatively good position.
PBA Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Leicester City
Fulham vs Man City
Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey are expected to start in Fulham’s last game of the season on Sunday evening.
This could be another routine win for City who have scored at least twice in their last 18 meetings with Fulham.
City had a torrid start to the season but have turned the corner.
PBA Prediction: Fulham 1-3 Man City
West Ham vs Ipswich
West Ham United wanted a better season like other Premier League sides but it is has not quite worked out.
United lost 2-1 to Nottingham Forest last weekend, unable to consolidate on the win over Man United in their previous game.
Ipswich may have been relegated but they have different reasons to play for a win.
A player like Liam Delap would be keen to prove to prospective suitors why he is best candidate for a summer acquisition over other striker targets.
PBA Prediction: West Ham 2-2 Ipswich Town.
Top 7 Predictions
1. Liverpool (champions)
2. Arsenal (runners up)
3. Manchester City
4. Newcastle United
5. Chelsea
6. Nottingham Forest
7. Aston Villa
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
