Nottingham Forest’s historic Champions League dream remains alive as they prepare for a crucial showdown against Chelsea, while Liverpool are set to finally lift the Premier League trophy in front of their home fans.
As the Premier League season concludes on Sunday, Forest and Chelsea are among five clubs competing for the last three top-five spots, alongside Manchester City, Newcastle, and Aston Villa.
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa travel to face struggling Manchester United, whose woes deepened after their Europa League final loss to Tottenham midweek.
Nottingham Forest have staged a remarkable revival under Nuno Espirito Santo. Once battling relegation last season, they have become the first Premier League team to double their points tally from one season to the next. Although they must beat Chelsea and hope for other results to qualify for the Champions League, Forest have already secured European football for next season. Nuno says his team is embracing the pressure and excitement ahead of the big match.
Liverpool will finally celebrate lifting the Premier League trophy at Anfield after clinching their first league title in 30 years earlier this month. Their previous title celebration in 2020 was behind closed doors due to Covid restrictions. This Sunday’s match against Crystal Palace promises a memorable party. One uncertainty remains over how fans will farewell Trent Alexander-Arnold, who recently announced a likely move to Real Madrid amid a mixed reception from supporters.
Old Trafford faces a somber atmosphere as Manchester United host Aston Villa. United’s recent 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final caps off a dismal league campaign, set to be their worst finish since 1974. Ruben Amorim’s Villa, despite historically struggling at Old Trafford, enter the match motivated by a chance to reach the Champions League. United, disjointed and lacking motivation, have little to play for.
Fixtures for Sunday (all 1500 GMT):
Bournemouth vs Leicester
Fulham vs Manchester City
Ipswich vs West Ham
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
Newcastle vs Everton
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
Southampton vs Arsenal
Tottenham vs Brighton
Wolves vs Brentford
