With Liverpool already crowned Premier League champions and the relegation battle wrapped up, attention now turns to the top-four race—arguably the fiercest battle of the 2024–25 season. As the clock ticks toward 4:00 PM BST on Sunday, May 25, five clubs will take the pitch knowing only two Champions League places remain.
Chelsea, rejuvenated by the creative brilliance of Cole Palmer, have mounted a late-season surge and now find themselves fifth on 67 points. For them, the equation is simple: beat Nottingham Forest at the City Ground and secure Champions League football. But it won’t be easy. Forest, just one point behind in sixth, know that a home win could launch them into Europe’s premier competition, completing an improbable turnaround. Both sides enter the match in form, and with so much on the line, this fixture is shaping up to be one of the day’s defining encounters.
Manchester City, sitting third with 69 points, require just a draw at Fulham to clinch their Champions League spot. On paper, it seems straightforward. But recent lapses in form have left Pep Guardiola’s side looking uncharacteristically fragile. Fulham may be out of the European conversation, yet Marco Silva’s team remains compact, hard-working, and capable of punching above their weight. If Fulham strike first, City could be dragged into an uncomfortable ninety minutes that might open the door for the chasing pack.
Aston Villa remain in the hunt, level on points with Chelsea but behind on goal difference. Their final-day challenge? Defeat Manchester United at Old Trafford and hope for a slip-up from either Chelsea or Newcastle. Under Unai Emery, Villa have become one of the most tactically sophisticated teams in the league—high-pressing, attack-minded, and led by the red-hot Ollie Watkins. However, winning away at Old Trafford is never routine, and their Champions League dreams may hinge on their ability to stay ruthless in front of goal and disciplined at the back.
Newcastle United head into the final day in fourth with 68 points and the luxury of control. Victory at home over Everton will guarantee a second straight season of Champions League football. Eddie Howe’s side have shaken off their winter inconsistencies and returned to form, powered by the brilliance of Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimarães. But Everton, safe from relegation and playing with freedom, are no easy target. Newcastle must stay focused to avoid a slip that could have massive implications.
As things stand, Chelsea and Newcastle hold the inside track. Wins for both would lock in the top five with Liverpool, Arsenal, and City. But a stumble from either opens the door for Aston Villa or Forest to make a late surge. The Europa League and Conference League remain valuable prizes, but the real focus is on a seat at Europe’s top table. That’s what will define legacies, shape budgets, and influence transfer targets.
Sunday promises a finale worthy of the chaos and brilliance the Premier League is known for. When the dust settles, some dreams will be realized, others dashed—and every second will matter.
