Seven things still to play for on last day of Premier League season
Premier League
By
Mirror
| Jul 26, 2020
The title race has long been over, but there’s still plenty to play for on the final day of the Premier League season.
Only three clubs - Liverpool, Manchester City and Norwich City - cannot move up or down the table after Sunday’s games.
There are still two Champions League spots up for grabs, and neither of the two Europa League qualifications has yet been claimed. At the bottom, it’s yet to be determined who will be joining Norwich in the Championship next term.
On top of that, there are club records and individual prizes up for grabs. We’ve taken a look at some of the major things that will be decided on the final weekend.
A three-way battle for the Champions League
Had Manchester City’s appeal against their two-season ban from European competition been unsuccessful, Manchester United, Chelsea and Leicester City would all already have booked their place in the Champions League.
As it is, only two of the three can make it - and each team knows that a final-day victory would guarantee them a seat at Europe’s top table.
Had Manchester City’s appeal against their two-season ban from European competition been unsuccessful, Manchester United, Chelsea and Leicester City would all already have booked their place in the Champions League.
As it is, only two of the three can make it - and each team knows that a final-day victory would guarantee them a seat at Europe’s top table.
Aston Villa’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal in midweek means their fate is in their own hands ahead of the 38th round of fixtures.
Level on points with Watford but with a superior goal difference, victory over West Ham United would almost keep Dean Smith’s side in the Premier League unless the Hornets better their winning margin by at least two goals.
Given that Watford face Arsenal, that seems unlikely. Hayden Mullins and his players will hope that Villa come unstuck at the London Stadium - if they do, Watford will only need to better their result to survive.
Bournemouth are still in the mix for now, but only just. The Cherries must defeat Everton at Goodison Park and hope Villa and Watford both lose.
Wolves or Tottenham for Europe?
Seventh place will only bring with it a Europa League qualification spot if Chelsea beat Arsenal in the FA Cup final. To guarantee a place in continental competition, a top-six finish is necessary.
Wolverhampton Wanderers hold a one-point advantage heading into the weekend, but Tottenham Hotspur have the easier assignment: while Nuno Espirito Santo’s side take on Chelsea, Spurs face out-of-form Crystal Palace.
Jose Mourinho’s men will qualify for the Europa League if they better Wolves ’ result.
Golden Boot up for grabs
With Leicester’s Champions League hopes up in the air, Jamie Vardy won’t be thinking too much about the Golden Boot right now.
The 33-year-old is the favourite to finish as the Premier League’s top scorer, having already found the net 23 times this term.
That puts him two goals clear of Southampton ’s Danny Ings, who takes on Sheffield United, and three in advance of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who will hope for at least a hat-trick against Watford.
Golden Glove a two-way tussle
There are only two players in contention to win the Golden Glove, which is awarded to the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets.
Burnley ’s Nick Pope and Manchester City’s Ederson are level on 15 shut-outs each heading into the final weekend.
Pope will be tasked with keeping out Brighton and Hove Albion, while Ederson is unlikely to be too troubled by Norwich. Could well end up being shared.
Liverpool eye points record
Liverpool are unable to set a new English top-flight points record, but they can register more than any other team in the club’s history.
The current record is technically 97, which was achieved by Jurgen Klopp’s side last season.
However, Liverpool amassed 68 in 1978/79, which converts to 98 when you use the three-points-for-a-win system. The Reds will move on to 99 with victory over Newcastle United.
De Bruyne vs Henry
Kevin De Bruyne has provided 19 assists so far this season, which puts him one behind the all-time Premier League record of 20, set in 2002/03 by Thierry Henry, who also found time to score 24 goals that campaign.
A home game against Norwich means it’s plausible that the Manchester City playmaker could climb above Henry in the rankings.
Expect the record-chasing De Bruyne to be selfless in order to be selfish on Sunday.