Preview

May

2026

Preview: Pep bids farewell as City take on the Europa League winners

Having waved goodbye to their remaining chances of Premier League title on Tuesday night, Manchester City say farewell to Pep Guardiola against European adventurers Aston Villa.

By Ian King

It’s been a bad week for Manchester City, and a very good one indeed for Aston Villa

Losing a league title race and your generation-defining manager in the space of a few days makes this a difficult week for Manchester City. After ten years at The Etihad, Pep Guardiola is leaving, while a draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday night was enough to ensure that Arsenal could no longer be caught at the top of the Premier League table.

Aston Villa had a considerably better week than City, silverware-wise, brushing Freiburg aside to win the Europa League in style the following evening with a 3-0 win in Istanbul, their first European trophy since winning ’The Big Cup’ in 1982.

They go into this match in fourth place, and they can still be caught by Liverpool, who are three points behind them with a superior goal difference, but with everybody concerned having already qualified for next year’s Champions League and City already confirmed in second, it’s doubtful that either team will go hell for leather in this fixture.

A Manchester City home match against Aston Villa is almost always a home win

There was a time when Manchester City had a superb record against Aston Villa. Between May 2014 and February 2023, they met each other 15 times, with City winning 13 and the other two ending in draws. Their record has been patchier over the last three years, with Villa winning three of their last five meetings.

But all of these came at Villa Park. Manchester City have won every meeting between the two teams at The Etihad since Villa won 4-2 in a League Cup match in 2012, and they haven’t dropped a single point against them in the Premier League since losing 2-1 at home to them in April 2007.

They’ve only dropped ten points at home against Aston Villa in the entire Premier League era, and those three 19 years ago remain the only ones they’ve ever dropped against them at The Etihad.

John McGinn has been an outstanding player and captain for Aston Villa this season

Erling Haaland scored the last-minute equaliser at Bournemouth which ended up meaning very little in the week. It was his 27th League goal of the season and unless Igor Thiago has an incredible afternoon for Brentford at Anfield their final match – he’s five behind – Haaland will finish the season as the Premier League’s top scorer for the third time in the four years that he’s been playing in England. The 27 that he’s currently on is five more than he scored last season, and the same number as he scored in 2023/24. And a couple of goals would certainly be a fitting way to see Pep Guardiola off. A hat-trick would make it a round 30.

Given their European win in the week and the relative lack of importance of this match to Aston Villa, we might expect numerous changes to their team. But one player who we might expect to see is captain John McGinn, who has had an exceptional season for them, and who put in a true captain’s performance in the Europa League final. He’s matured into the position brilliantly, over the last two or three years.

Pep Guardiola isn’t the only person saying goodbye to Manchester City this weekend

Guardiola isn’t the only person leaving Manchester City at the end of this season. This is also the final curtain for both John Stones and Bernardo Silva at The Etihad, but with no injuries or suspensions, City will be at full strength for this match.

Unai Emery will likely rest a few players following their midweek exertions, and their main injury issue concerns goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who broke his finger in the warm-up of the Europa League final and may be replaced by Marco Bizot, whose last appearance for them came in their 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on the 12th April.

There’s little to suggest anything but a convincing win for Manchester City, to say farewell to their club-defining manager

Aston Villa have had an absolutely terrific season. They’d already secured Champions League football well before winning the Europa League. Unai Emery has done a superb job this season. A couple more seasons of this sort of thing and they’ll be getting promoted into the Big Six.

But I do expect them to be well-beaten on this occasion. Their record at this stadium is atrocious, and they’re expected to make changes to their team, while City will be at full strength. Were it not libellous, I would list the Villa players who I suspect might turn up with colossal hangovers.

This will be a highly sentimental occasion for Manchester City. Pep Guardiola has shaped the club into his image over his decade in charge, and he’s not the only long-time servant to be on his way. John Stones has been with the club for ten years, and Bernardo Silva for nine. Tears may be shed.

And in this environment, it’s difficult to see what sort of opposition an Aston Villa team who’ve done what they need to do for the season would be likely to put up. Professional pride counts for something, but this feels like it should be City’s day; a 3-0 home win to soothe what will doubtless be an emotional afternoon at The Etihad.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Liverpool host Brentford in Salah’s farewell game

Liverpool will finish a disappointing 2025/26 campaign with a home match against a Brentford side that can still qualify for Europe.

By Graham Ruthven

European ambition

If Brentford are to play European football next season, their route to the continent will have to go through Merseyside with Keith Andrews’ side facing a final-day showdown against Liverpool at Anfield.

For Liverpool, the end of the season can’t come quickly enough. Arne Slot’s team have endured a disappointing 2025/26 campaign which has put the Dutchman under serious pressure.

Liverpool still need a point to make sure of their place in the top five and next season’s Champions League, although a defeat might still be enough for the Reds depending on other results.

Brentford, however, need three points to stand any chance of climbing above Brighton and Chelsea to qualify for next season’s Europa League or Conference League depending on how the final weekend of the campaign shakes out.

No matter the outcome, the Bees have enjoyed a remarkable season which started amid fears of relegation. Andrews and his players have already proved a point by even being in continental contention.

Key players

Mohamed Salah will play his final game as a Liverpool player assuming Slot doesn’t drop him from the starting lineup following a social media post that made a thinly-veiled swipe at the Reds manager.

The Egyptian has scored three goals in his last seven appearances and could sign off a glittering nine-year period on Merseyside with one last goal in front of the Anfield faithful.

Dominik Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s star performer this season, notching 13 goals and assists over the course of the Premier League campaign. He will pose a threat in and around the box, and from set pieces.

Andy Robertson is another Liverpool icon who will play his final match for the club although Milos Kerkez could start ahead of the Scotland international at left back.

Only Erling Haaland has scored more Premier League goals than Igor Thiago this season and the Brazilian forward, who was called up to the Seleção’s World Cup squad this week, will pose a physical threat for Brentford on Sunday.

Mikkel Damsgaard has been Brentford’s creator-in-chief, leading the Bees for assists and Big Chances this season. The Bees need the Dane in top form at Anfield.

Caoimhin Kelleher will face his former team after a disappointing outing against Crystal Palace last weekend in which the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper was partially at fault for both goals conceded.

Team news

Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Wataru Endo are all sidelined through injury and are working to regain their fitness in time for next season when Liverpool will be expected to perform more consistently.

Florian Wirtz is an injury doubt while Salah’s place in the starting lineup is in doubt after the Egyptian winger’s social media post after the defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.

Kevin Schade could return to the Brentford team after dropping to the bench for the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace while Rico Henry is unavailable through injury.

Fabio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo are also expected to miss Brentford’s trip to Merseyside to take on last season’s Premier League champions.

Prediction

We think this season might just have one last let down in store for the Anfield faithful: Liverpool 1-1 Brentford.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Festive atmosphere expected as Palace host newly-crowned champions Arsenal

Arsenal’s 22-year wait for a Premier League title ended on Tuesday night with Manchester City’s draw against Bournemouth, so they will be free to fully enjoy the last day of the league season.

By Neel Shelat

Crystal Palace preparing for their first European final

Crystal Palace have had a low-key Premier League season which will see them finish in the bottom half of the table, though well clear of the relegation zone. Their performances have been pretty good for the most part, but the division’s worst chance conversion record has left them seven places below their xG table position going into the final matchday of the season.

More importantly, though, the Eagles have been saving their best for the UEFA Conference League. They embarked on their first-ever continental campaign after winning the FA Cup, their first-ever major trophy last season, and have managed to go all the way to the final. The showdown against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig is firmly their main priority in the last week of the season.

For the moment, though, fans are sure to be in full voice to give the team a great send-off and bid farewell to departing head coach Oliver Glasner, who will yet have the chance to build on his legendary status on Wednesday night.

One more big game to go for Arsenal

The full-time whistle in Bournemouth, which confirmed Arsenal’s Premier League coronation on Tuesday, sparked scenes of jubilant celebrations in North London, with fans and players alike soaking in the glory until the early hours of the morning. While the party atmosphere among supporters is unlikely to die down anytime soon, the squad will have to refocus and prepare for a continental final of their own.

Before challenging Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain for the European crown next weekend, though, the Gunners will get the opportunity to soak in the glory of their hard-fought league title victory on Sunday. The low-stakes nature of the occasion is likely to make the match itself quite celebratory, but all the anticipation will build for the trophy lift after the full-time whistle.

Team news

Arsenal academy graduate Edward Nketiah won’t feature on the pitch as he is on Crystal Palace’s injury list alongside Cheick Doucouré and Chris Richards, who suffered an ankle ligament injury in the last match. Defenders Maxence Lacroix, Chadi Riad and Borna Sosa are all doubts and could be rested ahead of the Conference League final.

Arsenal have had to deal with injuries throughout this season, but are close to full fitness at the end. Benjamin White is out, but Mikel Merino returned to first-team training after close to four months on the sidelines. Jurriën Timber has also been training as he recovers from a groin problem, though Dutch national team coach Ronald Koeman recently described his status as “not rosy”.

Prediction

With nothing material to gain but a lot to lose in terms of potential injuries for both teams in this match, a quiet contest should be expected. Still, even a rotated Arsenal should have the quality to cap their Premier League campaign off with a win.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: West Ham fighting for survival as Leeds visit the London Stadium

With the title wrapped up relegation takes centre stage on the Premier League’s final day – and West Ham United have one final chance at home to save themselves from yet another drop to tier two.

By Karl Matchett

Have the Hammers missed their chance?

West Ham have already been relegated down to the Championship – or the old Division One – twice since the advent of the Premier League. But their last demise was 15 years ago and only lasted one campaign; since returning in 2012 they’ve finished in the top half six times, played in Europe in five different seasons and even won their first major honour since 1980, with the Conference League title just three years ago.

Yet since then they’ve gone through three managers, have won fewer league games each year and, this term, their poor decisions have caught up with them. Nuno Espírito Santo oversaw a return to form between mid-January and mid-March to give the Hammers a chance, but he was also in place before September was out – overseeing a run of two wins in 16.

That’s what has done the damage for West Ham and for all that those February and March wins got them back in the conversation to stay up, they look to have run out of steam. Defeats recently to Brentford and Newcastle were, in truth, wimpish – no defensive resilience, no big push to get a crucial result. They’ve a final chance left but finding a performance from nowhere is a big ask.

Farke lays down the gauntlet

On the other hand, Leeds have gone from strength to strength as the season wore on – they’ve only lost four times in the league since 29 November. Once safe they could have tailed off, but no; Daniel Farke has his side unbeaten in eight and is challenging both players and board alike to show they can compete even higher next term – and should have him at the helm. Leeds can still finish as high as 11th – that would be their highest in a non-Covid season since 2002.

Recent form

For a positive spin, West Ham have only lost two of their last ten at home. But they simply must win and they only have three wins in the last eight at the London Stadium. Leeds have drawn six of their last seven away from home.

Team news

Adama Traoré is West Ham’s only absentee. Nuno must stick with the 3-4-3 that flopped against Newcastle or go for broke back to 4-2-3-1 with Taty Castellanos back in the side.

Leeds are probably without all of Anton Stach, Noah Okafor, Jayden Bogle, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Pascal Struijk and Ilia Gruev.

Key player

Taty has been a good signing for West Ham and in midfield Mateus Fernandes has been genuinely very good. But you feel it’s Jarrod Bowen who must provide the magic if a great escape is to happen. On total numbers he ranks top 5% among wingers for shots in the league this term, top 3% for big chances and top 5% for successful dribbles – but it all needs to come together in one 90 minutes.

Prediction

West Ham to get something from the game but it’s ultimately not enough to save themselves: West Ham 1-1 Leeds.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Brighton need a result against Man United on final day

Michael Carrick’s tenure as official head coach of Manchester United starts with a strangely irrelevant game – but opponents Brighton and Hove Albion still have European football to fight for.

By Karl Matchett

It’s a job well done for the former midfielder at Old Trafford, even as it’s now only a job getting started. Carrick certainly rescued the Red Devils from mediocrity to claim a Champions League place, with third a guarantee before the final day.

One eye on the future

Casemiro has played his last game for Manchester United, as confirmed by Carrick, so in defence, the manager might be considering looking at who his preferred partnership will be going forward. Discussions have no doubt taken place already over where he wants to strengthen across the summer transfer window, meaning a final chance this term for some to impress.

Is Ayden Heaven to be a go-to starter? Has Lenny Yoro missed the boat entirely? Will Harry Maguire, fresh from World Cup squad distress, still be a leaned-on figure for next term and beyond? Nothing is definitive over one game, but with little at stake, that’s where Carrick’s mind must now turn for United’s future. Senne Lammens has earned the gloves but ahead of him still sits confusion.

Europa or Conference?

Brighton have much more at stake – they could be in the Europa League next season, the Conference League or nothing at all. A result is required and even a point might not be enough if Chelsea and Brentford both find big final day performances. Whisper it, but in a very specific scenario where Aston Villa slip to fifth, Bournemouth lose, and Brighton win to go sixth, that position would mean Champions League football for the Seagulls!

Fabian Hürzeler has turned matters around significantly, going from a mid-season winless slump to a new contract – and he’ll want that to start by securing continental football next term. Brighton have only lost three at home this term and concede fewer than one per game on average at the Amex – a big last effort could make next year an exciting one to look forward to.

Recent form

One defeat in eight from the end of February to the end of April put Brighton back in contention, but it’s one win and two defeats in their last three – or three wins on the bounce at home if you’re an optimist.

United have only lost once in eight all told and once in nine on the road – but have also only one win in their last four away from home.

Team news

Kaoru Mitoma is out and right-back Mats Wieffer is the doubt for Brighton.

Benjamin Šeško is United’s only injury worry, with Matthijs de Ligt out after surgery and missing the World Cup.

Key player

From the perspective of Brighton needing a result, Mitoma’s absence is big – much is now needed from Yankuba Minteh, the team’s other dribble-merchant with speed. He ranks in the Premier League’s top ten percent for wingers by successful dribbles per 90, but also for touches in the box and successful crosses. They’ll need a few to pose a regular goal threat.

Prediction

The Seagulls to spoil Carrick’s big day and get a south coast party started in anticipation of some tremendous trips next term: Brighton 2-1 Man United.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Real Madrid playing for pride as they host Athletic Club in final game

Real Madrid welcome Athletic Club to the Bernabéu on Saturday evening as both teams end their LaLiga campaigns.

By Ross Kilvington

Los Blancos will end 2025/26 without a major trophy, while Athletic Club are on track for their lowest finish since ending the 2017/18 campaign in 16^th place.

Can José Mourinho bring the good times back at Real Madrid?

With nothing to play for but pride in the final league game, thoughts turn to the 2026/27 season.

It is looking increasingly likely that José Mourinho will return for a second spell at the Bernabéu, 13 years after he left first time around. Reports are stating he will sign a two-year deal with his former club.

Make no bones about it, this isn’t the same Mourinho which guided Porto and Inter Milan to Champions League titles. Nor the same manager who won a third Premier League title with Chelsea and guided a post-Fergie Man United side to three trophies.

Although leading Benfica to an unbeaten league season, Mourinho’s side could only finish third. There is no doubt that Madrid and Florentino Pérez require a big personality to get the dressing room back onside, but is Mourinho the right answer?

Only time will tell. A big summer awaits the 15-time European champions as they look to return to the summit of Spanish football.

Athletic Club are undergoing change of their own

This summer, Ernesto Valverde is stepping down as manager. The 62-year-old has managed Athletic Club on three different occasions and the clash against Madrid will be his 504^th and final game in the dugout.

His greatest achievement was leading Athletic Club to the Copa del Ray trophy in 2024 and he will be replaced by former Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzić.

Terzić won the German Cup during his first spell at Dortmund, before coming close to Bundesliga and Champions League glory across his second stint, finishing runner-up to Bayern Munich in 2023 and Madrid in 2024 respectively.

It’s a bold appointment, especially considering the 43-year-old hasn’t managed in two years, but will it pay off?

Although only three points separates Los Leones with Getafe in seventh, who hold the final European spot, it looks as though San Mamés won’t be seeing any continental action next season.

Perhaps this could be a blessing in disguise for Terzić.

Team news

In what is Álvaro Arbeloa’s last game in charge of Madrid, he will be without several players. Éder Militão and Rodrygo are long-term absentees and will also miss the World Cup.

Elsewhere, Ferland Mendy, Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos, Arda Güler and Andriy Lunin will also be unavailable.

For Athletic Club, Nico Williams, Unai Egiluz, Oihan Sancet, Dani Vivian and Beñat Prados remain absent ahead of the trip to the Bernabéu.

Prediction

Both managers will be looking to end the season on a high and seal all three points. Madrid won the reverse fixture 3-0 in December and Arbeloa will be desperate to end with a victory.

Don’t be surprised, however, if Valverde manages to escape Madrid with a point or three in what is his final game in charge of Athletic Club.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Champions Barcelona close their season with trip to Valencia

Valencia host Barcelona on Saturday of the final weekend of the season as the home side look to climb into the European places.

By Matt Smith

Barcelona’s campaign is over when it comes to having something to play for, after they were crowned champions earlier this month.

It didn’t go well for Valencia the last time these two sides met, back in September, with Barcelona securing a 6-0 victory. In fact, it’s been pure dominance for Barcelona across the last three meetings, scoring 18 goals during that period.

Team news

Valencia will be without Eray Cömert due to suspension, while Mouctar Diakhaby is ruled out due to injury. Lucas Beltrán, Dimitri Foulquier, José Gayà, and Renzo Saravia are all doubts for the home side.

Lamine Yamal remains out injured for Barcelona, while Fermín López is also unavailable. Barcelona could see Marcus Rashford, Frenkie de Jong, and Ferran Torres all available after their recent issues.

Valencia’s late European charge

Over the last few weeks, Valencia have started to climb the table after an inconsistent start, with just one loss in their last five games. Carlos Corberán’s side are in with a chance to qualify for Europe heading into the final day.

If Getafe even secure just a point against Osasuna this weekend, then Valencia’s European dreams are over. They are also relying on Rayo Vallecano failing to win, so there is a lot that has to go their way for Valencia to finish in the Europa Conference League spot.

Lewandowski’s farewell

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski recently confirmed that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season, with his contract at Barcelona expiring. Hansi Flick will likely hand Lewandowski some minutes in what is his farewell game, and he’ll be backing himself to score due to his strong record against Valencia.

Lewandowski scored nine goals in his last six matches against Valencia, including three in the last three meetings. The 37-year-old doesn’t have the legs to bang in the number of goals we’ve seen from him previously, but he’ll still be missed at Barcelona.

Rashford’s final audition?

There’s been a lot of talk in the media about Marcus Rashford’s future, with the English forward currently on loan at Barcelona. It has not been confirmed whether he will sign a permanent deal in Spain, and the game against Valencia could be his final audition.

The Manchester United loanee didn’t start, or even come off the bench, in Barcelona’s previous match. Flick might want to get one final look at him before they make a decision. Rashford will certainly have a point to prove in this game, as he is at an interesting point in his career.

Prediction

There is a little more riding on this game for Valencia, but their record against Barcelona of late suggests it could be a difficult evening. We are going for a 3-1 Barcelona victory.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Aston Villa out to relive European glory against first-time finalists Freiburg

Freiburg are the underdogs in their first-ever European final as they take on English side Aston Villa, who were last crowned champions of Europe back in 1982.

By Neel Shelat

Freiburg fighting for a first major title

Freiburg have firmly established themselves as a Bundesliga club in recent years, having spent all but one of the last 17 seasons in the German top-flight. The Baden-Württemberg-based club will celebrate their 122nd birthday at the end of this month, but are still searching for their first major honour.

The closest Freiburg came to lifting a trophy was in 2022, when they played their only major final to date. They took on RB Leipzig in Berlin with the DFB Pokal at stake, going all the way to penalties before falling short. There would be no fairytale end to Christian Streich’s long tenure at the club, as he left at the end of the subsequent season after completing 12 years in charge of the senior team and 29 years at the club altogether.

*Freiburg finished seventh in the Bundesliga this season*

Assistant coach Julian Schuster took on the challenge of succeeding the legend and very nearly led the team to a first-ever Champions League qualification in his debut season. Now, he has earned a second shot at making history at the end of a very impressive Europa League campaign.

Aston Villa keen for a coronation in a period of success

Aston Villa will come into this match in high spirits having sealed Champions League qualification in the Premier League with a dominant win over Liverpool on the weekend. So, regardless of how this match goes, they will enjoy a fourth-successive European campaign next term.

Four is not an entirely lucky number for Villa, though, as they have lost each of their last four major finals. They did win their only continental final in the European Cup in 1982, which remains their last major honour discounting League Cups (which they also haven’t won in three decades).

Team news

Freiburg will be without dynamic attacker Yuito Suzuki due to his collarbone fracture. Defensive midfielder Patrick Osterhage is expected to be back fit, while Max Rosenfelder and Daniel-Kofi Kyereh recently featured for the second team upon returning from injury.

Midfield is the area of concern for Aston Villa, since Boubacar Kamara is out and Amadou Onana’s status is uncertain.

Key players

Freiburg’s all-time top-scorer Vincenzo Grifo is a creative threat too, so the 33-year-old Italian will be a key figure in his side’s attacking play. Young starlet Johan Manzambi will be keen to support him from midfield, especially given Villa’s absences. Centre back Mathias Ginter could also chip in from a set-piece, though his defensive work will be much more necessary.

*H2H Europa League top scorers comparison*

Ollie Watkins has found a rich vein of form at just the right time, with four goals and two assists in the last three games. Morgan Rogers is Aston Villa’s main attacking threat besides him, so the two will hope to combine on the biggest of nights. At the back, Emiliano Martínez shot-stopping — and potentially penalty-killing — could make the difference.

Prediction

Freiburg are a well-drilled and cohesive side and certainly know how to put up a tough fight on the big stage. Four-time Europa League winner Unai Emery will have to bring out his side’s best, but a penalty shoot-out may well be on the cards.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Chelsea and Spurs contest season defining London Derby

Tenth-placed Chelsea host the relegation-threatened Spurs currently sat two points clear of the relegation zone.

By Filip Mishov

European football vs. Premier League safety, the stakes are high going into the London derby

Chelsea’s disappointing campaign continued as the Blues produced an underwhelming performance in Saturday’s FA Cup Final, but Calum McFarlane‘s squad still boasts a chance to partially salvage the season by securing European football for next term, before Xabi Alonso takes over in the summer. However, Reece James & co. must end their seven-match (1D, 6L) winless run in the Premier League to make that happen and leave London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, nervously looking over their shoulders going in to Sunday’s final round of games. Something which might even earn a few plaudits from the Stamford Bridge crowd.

Spurs are in pole position to secure safety after West Ham’s dreadful defeat at St. James’ Park over the weekend, and Roberto De Zerbi‘s squad theoretically need only a point from the final two matches to finish just above the relegation zone, due to their vastly superior goal difference.

The Lilywhites are on a four-match (2W, 2D) unbeaten streak, but are without a victory at Stamford Bridge since 2018, which is Tottenham’s only away win against Chelsea in the Premier League era. João Pedro scored the winner when the two sides met at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier in the season.

Key players

Reece James returned to Chelsea’s starting XI at Wembley Stadium, slotting in a midfield role alongside Moisés Caicedo and even though the captain couldn’t help the Blues avoid a defeat, the 26-year-old’s comeback is a big boost. The England international is the joint-highest-rated player (7.27) player in the squad and only behind Enzo Fernández in accurate long balls per 90 (2.6), while just the Argentine (10) and Pedro Neto (11) are ahead of him for big chances created (8).

Conor Gallagher is evolving into one of De Zerbi’s favourites and the energetic midfielder has started in each of the past five matches under the Italian coach, averaging a FotMob rating of 7.44. The 26-year-old found the back of the net against Aston Villa, earning him the Player of the Match award at Villa Park. The Chelsea academy product will play a pivotal role against his boyhood club at Stamford Bridge.

Team news

Levi Colwill is a doubt after completing back-to-back 90-minute appearances for the first time since his return from a long-term injury and the centre-back’s playing time will be managed carefully, something confirmed by the interim head coach. Roméo Lavia picked up a knock and missed the FA Cup final and the Belgian midfielder is also a doubt, while Jesse Derry, Estêvão and Jamie Gittens are all injured.

Guglielmo Vicario is fit and available for the trip to West London, leaving De Zerbi with a big decision to make about whether to drop the in-form Antonín Kinsky and recall the first choice goalkeeper, while James Maddison is also in contention, unlike Dominic Solanke who is not expected to return until Sunday, for the final match of the season.

Prediction

With a top-six finish potentially leading to the Champions League next season, a position that is still mathematically achievable, Chelsea desperately need a win or risk finishing the season in the bottom half of the table, while Spurs are on the brink of securing safety and might even settle for a draw, given their abysmal record at Stamford Bridge and superior goal difference (-9 to West Ham’s -22) in the relegation battle. I expect a low-scoring draw in this London derby.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Man City can afford no slip ups at Bournemouth

It’s a must-win game for Manchester City at the top of the Premier League tonight, as they travel to play a Bournemouth team with more than one reason to want to topple them.

By Ian King

It’s do or die for Manchester City tonight, and Bournemouth have more than one reason to want to try and trip them up

It’s crunch time, then, at the top of the Premier League table. Manchester City have now won both of the domestic cups this season, but the league title remains out of their reach, and although Arsenal only edged a 1-0 win against Burnley last night, at this point of the season that’s all you have to do. Fail to beat Bournemouth, and Arsenal are the champions for the first time in 22 years. Coming on top of reports that Pep Guardiola is to leave the club at the end of this season, it’s been a difficult 24 hours for the blue half of Manchester.

And Bournemouth will be more than up for this. Not only do they still have a chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League (though the permutations are too complex to go into here), but this evening also marks Andoni Iraola’s final home game as their manager before departing for (as yet unknown) pastures new. They come into this match off the back of a 16-game unbeaten run, the longest that any club has managed in the Premier League this season.

Bournemouth’s record in this fixture is abysmal, though they did manage to edge it last season

The good news for Guardiola is that Bournemouth’s record in this fixture is historically, famously abysmal. These two clubs have met each other previously 25 times before – strangely, the first of these meetings was as late as 1987 – and of these, City have won 22, drawn two and lost one.

The slightly better news for Andoni Iraola is that the one win that Bournemouth have ever managed in this fixture came last season, with the Cherries winning this very fixture 2-1 in November 2024. City beat them twice last season after this at the Etihad, in the league and the FA Cup, but their last meeting at the Vitality Stadium resulted in a Bournemouth win.

Antoine Semenyo has made light work of moving to an elite level club

Cup Final-winning goalscorer Antoine Semenyo has made light work of moving to an elite level club. He’s bounced back to form following a bit of a dip in February and March, and has scored in each of his last two appearances for them. The goalscoring outlet that he has given City beyond Erling Haaland has been one of the key factors in keeping them in the title race for as long as they’ve managed and this is, of course, his first return to the Vitality Stadium since his January move north.

*Semenyo scored 10 of his 16 Premier League goals for Bournemouth this season*

Bournemouth also have an in-form attacking player. Junior Kroupi has scored four times in his last six appearances for Bournemouth and has attracted reasonably strong match ratings in recent weeks, although his performance in their last match at Fulham was a little more tepid than we’d seen in previous weeks. His recent run means that he’s now overhauled Semenyo as their top scorer for the season, and he could break Semenyo’s heart tonight.

Manchester City came through the FA Cup final pretty much unscathed

All the Manchester City injury chatter before the FA Cup final concerned Rodri, but he came through his return unscathed before being withdrawn midway through the second half. The only other small concern they had was over Omar Marmoush, who was withdrawn at half-time against Chelsea, but this was confirmed as a tactical switch and he should be available again tonight.

Things aren’t quite as straightforward for Bournemouth. Ryan Christie was sent off in their last match at Fulham and both are suspended for this one. With a three-match ban for his red card, Christie won’t play for them again this season. Tyler Adams and Lewis Cook could return for this one (though Cook has to be considered doubtful, given that he hasn’t played since February), but Bournemouth will be missing Julio Soler with a thigh injury, while Alex Jimenez remains suspended by the club.

Bournemouth have as much to play for as City tonight, but City have the big match pressure experience

There was a time when you’d look at a fixture like this and consider a Manchester City win pretty much inevitable, but there are plenty of good reasons that this might not be the case tonight. Bournemouth have a lot to play for, with European qualification on the line, and that’s before we even look at a desire for the home fans to give a positive goodbye to their manager and put one over on the starboy who left them in pursuit of the elite level of the game in January.

It’s also reasonable to say that City haven’t been the team they were again, this season. That feeling of the crushing inevitability of them winning match after match – which manifested itself most obviously in their record in this exact fixture – has been missing again this season, most obviously in the way in which they re-seized the initiative in the title race by beating Arsenal in the middle of April before scrambling to a 1-0 win at Burnley and then conceding a near-fatal three goals in 13 minutes at Everton in the game after that.

Bournemouth have been unbeaten for not far short of half the entire Premier League season. That’s a record which cannot be overlooked. If Pep Guardiola is the generational coach that he’s universally claimed to be, then he should be able to get his expensively-assembled collection of star players up for this match, at this of all times. But there are too many good reasons why this could go wrong for them, so I’m going for a 1-1 draw, and for the title race to be over with a game to spare.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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