Preview

May

2026

Preview: Arsenal and PSG set for titanic Champions League final showdown

Arsenal face PSG in the Champions League final, on Saturday, in what promises to be a colossal showdown in Budapest.

The Gunners have made it to their first final in this competition since 2006. PSG, on the other hand, are the defending champions and are looking to become the second team in the Champions League era to successfully win-back-to-back titles.

PSG boast the most goals in the competition (44), while Arsenal have conceded the fewest goals (6). What a battle we have in store.

A resolute defence could be the difference for Arsenal

Arsenal’s success this season has been built on an impenetrable defence. The Gunners conceded just 27 goals across 38 Premier League matches on their way to winning the title.

Mikel Arteta’s men conceded just twice throughout the knockout stages and one former Arsenal goalkeeper believes David Raya will be the key component for the North Londoners on Saturday.

“If Raya plays well or continues the great form he has been in he gives Arsenal every chance to go and win the Champions League, without a question,” Graham Stack told the best sports betting app.

“And I just think it’s the belief he instils throughout the team as well. I think they’re so assured and so confident when they’re in front of him. What he brings to the team from that psychological point of view, he’s proven, and he’s been so consistent.

*Raya’s record in the Champions League this season*

“You look behind you, you’ve got Raya in goal, you’re thinking to yourself, I’m really confident we can get a result today. Because PSG are going to create chances. You saw them against Bayern, when they’re at it, they’re free-flowing, they will create chances, it doesn’t matter who they’re playing against.

If PSG wish to defend their title, they will have to get past Raya.

PSG eyeing back-to-back Champions League crowns

Luis Enrique’s side looked unstoppable early on, scoring 13 goals in their first three games in the competition. The Ligue 1 giants, however, only finished 11th in the league phase and had to make it through a playoff to reach the knockout stages.

Since then, AS Monaco, Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich were all put to the sword as PSG reached a second successive final.

History beckons for the Spaniard, who is aiming to join Pep Guardiola, Bob Paisley and Zinedine Zidane as managers to have won three European Cup/Champions League trophies.

With an attacking trio of Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué, it is no wonder PSG lead the way this season in terms of goals in the Champions League, scoring 44 in 16 games.

One thing is certain, this match is finely poised and should hopefully live up to the hype.

Team news

Achraf Hakimi will likely be missing for PSG, while goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier remains a doubt due to a thigh issue.

Arteta may have issues at right-back, as Ben White is definitely missing. Jurriën Timber has been absent for the previous eight weeks and it is highly doubtful he will be fit to start against the French side.

Prediction

Arsenal will enter the showpiece event buoyed by the fact they already have one trophy in the cabinet.

Winning the Premier League was the ultimate aim, but now Arteta has the chance to become the first Arsenal manager to win Europe’s premier club competition.

Enrique and PSG won’t part with the trophy easily, though, which sets up an intriguing matchup.

I’m going for a PSG win after extra-time.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026 takes place at the London Stadium this Sunday, as football’s biggest celebrity match celebrates its 20th anniversary – and this year, FotMob is the Official Live Score partner of the annual charity showpiece. Here, we reflect on the history of Soccer Aid and look ahead to this weekend’s encounter.

By Tom Hancock

A history of Soccer Aid for UNICEF in numbers

15

This will be the 15th edition of Soccer Aid for UNICEF, the first game having taken place back in 2006 at Old Trafford. Held biennially until 2018, Soccer Aid has been a yearly event since 2019.

As ever, the contest pits an England Aid XI against a Soccer Aid World XI (Rest of the World until 2016), with celebrities and former players representing both sides. The World XI are the reigning champions and have the edge overall, with eight wins to England’s six to date.

9

Paddy McGuinness holds the record for the most Soccer Aid appearances, having featured nine times over the years. The TV presenter and comedian, known for shows such as Take Me Out and A Question of Sport, is involved once again this time around.

David Seaman and Robbie Keane are tied on eight for the most Soccer Aid appearances by former footballers.

5

Two players are tied on a record five Soccer Aid goals: Love Island 2017 winner Kem Cetinay and ex-England striker Jermain Defoe, the latter of whom will play this year.

Defoe has scored in each of the last two editions of Soccer Aid but was almost caught by Carlos Tevez last year, the former Manchester City and Manchester United star bagging four goals – the most in a single edition – as the World XI recorded a thrilling 5-4 win, finishing with an all-time high FotMob rating of 9.9.

Locked in 🤝

We’ve teamed up with FotMob as the Official Live Score Partner of Soccer Aid for UNICEF 📈

Relive 20 years of Soccer Aid – historical data from every match now available, only on @FotMob ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/zsWN0crSpn
— Soccer Aid (@socceraid) April 29, 2026

13

Singer Olly Murs has played in seven Soccer Aids but has yet to find the net. His total of 13 shots is the highest without scoring a Soccer Aid goal.

Murs is in the England squad once more for 2026; will it be a case of eighth-time lucky for the 2009 The X Factor runner-up.

5.14

You’re pretty much guaranteed to see the net ripple over and over again at Soccer Aid, with the 14 matches to date averaging 5.14 goals between the two teams – and the last two both seeing nine goals scored. In fact, only once have there been fewer than three goals in the game: in 2020, when England won 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Goalkeepers can be expected to face a lot of shots, then – though none have kept as many out as Julio Cesar, the ex-Brazil man making a Soccer Aid-high seven saves in 2019.

5.93

The highest Expected Goals (xG) tally on record at Soccer Aid is a whopping 5.93 by England on their way to a 3-2 win in 2016 – during which they had 31 shots. TV personality Mark Wright opened the scoring before Jermain Defoe bagged an ultimately decisive brace.

England also posted the lowest Soccer Aid xG output on record: 0.68 as they lost 4-2 in 2023.

16

Actor Owen Cooper is poised to become the youngest player in Soccer Aid history, having only turned 16 in December.

Assuming he plays, the Adolescence star will smash the record currently held by fellow actor Chris Fountain – who made his Soccer Aid debut in 2008 aged 21.

1

TV presenter Ben Shephard holds the ignominious honour of being the only player ever to be sent off in Soccer Aid.

A veteran of seven Soccer Aids, Shephard was shown a red card for a second bookable offence in 2016 by ex-Premier League referee Howard Webb.

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026 Preview

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026 will see the usual array of celebrity faces and former professional footballers take to the pitch.

Among the stars representing England are ex-pros Steph Houghton, Sol Campbell and Wayne Rooney, singer Olly Murs, and actors Tom Hiddleston and Damson Idris. Members of the World XI squad include Edwin van der Sar, Clarence Seedorf and Lukas Podolski, alongside the likes of actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Westlife member Nicky Byrne and legendary jockey Frankie Dettori. Full squads are available in the line up tab for the game.

Likewise, in the dugout, former Tottenham and Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp will manage England, with eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt taking charge of the World XI – having captained the team on five previous occasions.

A number of players will make their Soccer Aid debut this year. As well as the aforementioned Owen Cooper, ex-England rugby union international Joe Marler, Irish actor and comedian Chris O’Dowd – who have been named as goalkeepers for England and the World XI respectively – Euro 2012 winner Jordi Alba and two-time Women’s World Cup champion Ali Krieger are all gearing up for their first taste of Soccer Aid.

Meanwhile, one active player is set to take part: former Man Utd and Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic, who made 34 Serie A appearances this season for Sassuolo.

England are chasing just their second win in eight editions of Soccer Aid – and their first at the London Stadium, having triumphed at Old Trafford four times, and Wembley and Stamford Bridge once apiece. The World XI have been victorious at all four of those grounds, as well as the Etihad Stadium.

The referee for Soccer Aid 2026 has yet to be announced, though ex-EFL official Rebecca Welch has overseen the last two editions.

(Images from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano battle it out for European glory

Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano face each either for a chance to make history in the Conference League final at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig.

By Ross Kilvington

Neither team had never reached a major European final, let alone win one, prior to the competition this season.

Oliver Glasner will want to end on a high with Crystal Palace

Glasner will take charge of his final match in charge of Palace against Rayo after he announced back in January that he was departing this summer.

Since taking over the Eagles in February 2024, the Austrian has presided over the most successful era in Palace’s modern history.

Not only did Palace win the FA Cup last year after a stunning 1-0 victory over Manchester City, but they also won the Community Shield a few months later.

Although this season hasn’t quite gone to plan from a domestic viewpoint, the European adventure has been a welcome distraction.

After coming through one round of qualifying, Palace won just three of their six group stage matches to finish tenth in the standings.

Aggregate wins over Zrinjski, AEK Larnaca, Fiorentina and Shakhtar Donetsk has set up this clash against Rayo in Germany.

Glasner will be desperate to go out on a high, but he is facing a team looking to write their own fairytale story on Wednesday evening.

Rayo Vallecano looking to make history of their own

How Rayo Vallecano are in this position is anyone’s guess. The Vallecas Stadium – Rayo’s ground – is in derelict condition, owner Raúl Martín Presa has a strained relationship with the supporters and the club doesn’t even have an online ticketing system.

On the pitch, however, things have clicked ridiculously well over the previous 12 months. Finishing eighth in LaLiga in 2024/25 saw Rayo secure qualification for the Conference League and they haven’t looked back since.

Four wins from six in the group stage ensured progress into the last 16. Since then, aggregate victories over Samsunspor, AEK Athens and Ligue 1 side Strasbourg has taken Los Franjirrojos into a maiden European final.

Whatever happens, this is a season Rayo will never forget. If they beat Palace, at least one trophy will be heading back to Madrid this season after both Real and Atlético failed to win any silverware…

Team news

Glasner will definitely be without Cheick Doucouré and Eddie Nketiah for the final, while several other players are doubtful.

Chris Richards and Borna Sosa are just two who might not be involved, but Adam Wharton could play a part, despite coming off against Arsenal with an ankle injury.

Luiz Felipe will be absent for Rayo due to injury. Elsewhere, Carlos Martín and Ilias Akhomach remain doubtful for arguably the biggest game in Rayo’s history.

Prediction

This one is rather tough to call. While Palace may have been among the favourites to win the tournament since qualifying for the group stage, Rayo have gotten stronger and stronger as the competition has progressed.

Extra time is certainly on the cards, and I reckon Palace will just edge this one on penalties, giving Glasner the perfect send off in the process.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Thun, Torreense, Belgrano, and more: Surprise champions around the world in 2025/26

As the 2025/26 season draws to a close, a number of clubs around the world have achieved shock successes in recent weeks.

By Neel Shelat

🇨🇭 Newly-promoted Thun dominate Super League

Perhaps the biggest and certainly the most emphatic shock of the season came in Switzerland, where second-tier champions FC Thun raced away at the top of the Super League.

Having returned to the top flight after five years away, survival was the only thing on Thun’s minds at the start of the season. They only brought in a handful of players in the transfer window, barely spending over €1 million on transfer fees. Absolutely no one could have even dreamt that this small-town club would go on to be crowned champions — not even the club’s own staff, as it turns out, since the players’ contracts included no championship bonuses!

While their season got off to a decent start, they were only third in September and had already been eliminated from the cup by third-tier FC Breitenrain. However, as the big-hitters struggled for consistency, Thun found themselves at the top midway through the campaign. The 128-year-old club did not look back since, stringing together a 10-match winning streak that sent them 16 points clear by mid-March. Mauro Lustrinelli’s side ran out of gas thereafter as they lost six of their last eight matches of the campaign, but they couldn’t care less after confirming their first-ever major trophy in early May.

It has been a season of surprises in Switzerland, as St. Gallen claimed their first major honour since 2000 by defeating second-tier Stade Lausanne Ouchy in the cup final.

🇵🇹 Second-tier Torreense shock Lisbon giants

Over in Portugal, a second-tier side did manage to win the Taça de Portugal for the first time ever.

SCU Torreense last played in the top flight in 1991/92 and call a stadium that has a capacity of under 2,500 home, but that did not stop them from going the distance in the cup. They were certainly helped by a favourable draw, as Casa Pia (whom they are currently meeting again in the promotion/relegation play-off) were the only top-tier team they faced en route to the final. After overcoming third-tier AD Fafe in the semi-final, Torreense set up a date with Lisbon giants Sporting CP.

The underdogs landed the first blow from a corner six minutes in, but Sporting dominated thereafter. Colombian striker Luis Suárez scored the inevitable equaliser after half-time, but Torreense remained dogged in defence and took the game to extra time.

The decisive moment came in the final period, when substitute forward Ismaïl Seydi burst into the box and spun away from a defender, who dragged him down. Club captain Stopira — who had received a call-up to Cape Verde’s World Cup squad earlier in the week — stepped up to take the spot-kick and made no mistake, winning a first-ever major trophy for Torreense in their only cup final after 1957.

🇵🇹🏆 There’s been a major upset in the final of the Taça de Portugal where second division Torreense have beaten the might of Sporting CP after extra time!

Torreense haven’t played in the Portuguese top flight since 1992!

Just look at those stats! 👀 pic.twitter.com/nmt3vGKQNo
— FotMob (@FotMob) May 24, 2026

🇦🇷 Belgrano beat record champions River Plate

Argentina’s switch to a playoff format to crown the Liga Profesional champions in 2025 was a controversial decision, but you won’t catch a Belgrano fan complaining about it anymore. That is because El Celeste have won their very first major national honour in 121 years of existence at the end of the 2026 Apertura playoffs, having finished fifth in their group at the end of the league phase.

After dispatching Talleres and Unión in the first two rounds, Belgrano faced a tough semi-final against last year’s cup runners-up, Argentinos Juniors. They conceded seven minutes in and looked on course to bow out, but a stoppage-time equaliser from substitute striker Nicolás Fernández took the game to extra time and penalties, where they eventually triumphed. The tougher test was yet to come, though, as 36-time Argentine champions River Plate awaited them in the final.

Belgrano conceded first again and equalised quickly this time, but were on the back foot on the whole. So, their dream was well in danger when they went 2-1 down at the hour mark. However, Fernández turned the game around by netting an 86th-minute equaliser from the penalty spot before quickly putting his side in front, sealing a historic result with another cameo off the bench.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Hearts hold on to SWPL lead

Hearts suffered heartbreak in the Scottish Premiership when they lost to Celtic on the final day and failed to end the Old Firm’s Premiership duopoly, but the club did go on to claim a first top-flight league title since 1959/60 in the Women’s Premier League.

Eva Olid’s side weren’t well-placed to win a first major honour for the women’s team when they were fourth at the split, trailing the three Glaswegian powerhouses. However, seven wins in the subsequent eight matches saw them jump up to first and get the chance to seal the title on the penultimate matchday at home against record champions Glasgow City.

A goalless draw took the title race to the final day, as Rangers closed the gap to two points. A superior head-to-head record meant that Hearts only needed a draw against arch-rivals and previous title winners Hibs to be crowned champions, but they suffered a 2-0 defeat. Thankfully, Glasgow City did them a big favour by thrashing Rangers 6-0, ensuring the trophy stayed in Edinburgh.

🗺️ Elsewhere

The A-League Men’s newest team Auckland FC, who won the Premiership on debut last time out, created history by becoming the first non-Australian team to be crowned champions on Saturday. They followed it up with yet another momentous achievement in winning the inaugural edition of the OFC Pro League with what was effectively a reserve team.

Over in North America, Club América won the second edition of the CONCACAF W Champions Cup after defeating three NWSL big-hitters, completing the double just days after ending a streak of Gran Final losses in Liga MX.

In India, a truncated Super League season culminated in a five-way title race that went down to the final day before Kolkata giants East Bengal claimed their first major honour since 2003/04.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Spurs host Everton in final bid to secure their Premier League future

Tottenham host Everton in the final weekend of the Premier League season in what is undoubtedly Spurs’ biggest game of the campaign.

By Matt Smith

Tottenham sit just two points above the relegation zone, but due to their superior goal difference over West Ham, even a draw should be enough to ensure survival.

Mathematically, Everton do stand a chance of finishing in the European places, but it’s incredibly unlikely.

When these two sides met earlier in the season, Tottenham secured an emphatic 3-0 victory away at the Toffees, with Micky van de Ven bagging a brace.

Team news

As they have done all season, Tottenham have a host of injury troubles heading into this game.

Ben Davies, Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero all remain on the sidelines.

Dominic Solanke could be available, but it feels unlikely that he will start.

For Everton, Idrissa Gueye remains a doubt, while Jarrad Branthwaite and Jack Grealish remain on the treatment table.

Tottenham’s survival chances

If West Ham fail to win this weekend, Tottenham will secure a place in next season’s Premier League. A draw for the Hammers won’t be enough regardless of Spurs’ result, as West Ham sit two points behind.

A draw for Tottenham will lead to three points above West Ham, meaning Nuno Espírito Santo’s side would need to win. However, due to the Hammers having a goal difference of -22 compared to Tottenham’s -10, they’d need to win by 12 clear goals.

Either way, Spurs will be looking to secure all three points just to guarantee their survival and end the season on somewhat of a high.

Everton’s recent form shatters European hopes

There was a point when it looked as though Everton could find themselves finishing in the European places this season. Over the last few weeks, their chances have unravelled, and a European finish is almost impossible.

Over the last five matches, Everton have picked up just two points, leaving them in twelfth position heading into the final game. A win could see them climb up to eighth, the final Europa Conference League spot, but they’d need a nine-goal difference swing on Chelsea.

Relegation battle Richarlison

Brazilian forward Richarlison thrives in these situations, playing a crucial role in helping this weekend’s opponents, Everton, stay up previously. Richarlison has scored twice in his last three games for Spurs, and he’ll be expected to start in the centre forward position this weekend.

The former Everton man is exactly the player you want in a relegation battle, putting everything on the line to help the team. It’s a chance for Richarlison to make himself a hero, and there is no doubt he will be up for the challenge.

Prediction

It’s difficult not to see Spurs getting at least a point, considering Everton’s season is practically over. We’re going for a 2-1 victory to Spurs.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Sunderland and Chelsea chase European qualification on final day

So, here we are, the Premier League ends, not with a bang but a whimper. The title race didn’t go down to the final day but there is still some narrative left, though. Both Sunderland and Chelsea can still qualify for European football.

By Alex Roberts

What a return to the Premier League it’s been for Sunderland. Many had them to go straight back down, but Régis Le Bris has done a sensational job, and the future couldn’t be brighter at the Stadium of Light.

As for Chelsea, the complete opposite can be said. Enzo Maresca walking away, the disastrous Liam Rosenior experiment, and no Champions League football is a quick summation of their season. Xabi Alonso has his work cut out.

One door closes, another one opens

This game needs to be the end of a largely disappointing era at Stamford Bridge. BlueCo’s failure to qualify for the Champions League for three of the four seasons they’ve been in charge is a damning inditement of their leadership.

After a “period of reflection”, the powers that be decided to hire Alonso, which is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, we’ll just have to wait and see if Chelsea’s power-hungry sporting directors live up to their word.

There are also questions about whether Chelsea even want to win this game. For Europa League qualification, they’ll need to do just that, and hope Man United beat Brighton in their game, a spot in the Conference League may not be as helpful as a one-game-a-week season for Alonso’s first season. We guess time will tell.

A fairytale ending?

It feels like forever ago that Sunderland were in League One, with that David Brent-esque executive hoping to get the fans “pumped” with Darude, Sandstorm as the club fell apart. Now they’re back where they belong.

Sitting in tenth with 51 points, a win here would see Sunderland leap frog Chelsea, and although qualification for Europe will depend on how Brentford fare against Liverpool. Their home form is poor, though, with just one win in their last five.

Sunderland are a club on the up, with proper owners, a highly skilled head coach, and a set of players that have built a great bond with the fans. European qualification may not happen, but they’re on course to finish above Newcastle, and that’s almost as important!

Team news

Sunderland defender Omar Alderete will have his fitness assed ahead of kick-off after going off in the 23rd minute of last weekend’s 3-1 win over Everton.

Romaine Mundle (thigh), Bertrand Traoré (knee) and Simon Moore (wrist), are all missing through injury, while Dan Ballard will serve the final match of a three-game suspension after his controversial red card against Wolves at the start of May.

João Pedro was left out of Chelsea’s squad for their 2-1 win over Tottenham due to a ‘knock’ but the more likely case is a broken heart after being sacrificed for an already broken Neymar in Brazil’s World Cup squad. He could be back for this one.

Roméo Lavia is touch-and-go, again, while Estêvão (thigh), Jesse Derry (head) and Jamie Gittens (thigh) are all out for Chelsea. It’ll be interesting to see what formation Calum McFarlane plays with Alonso’s imminent arrival.

Prediction

We reckon Sunderland are gonna have a major case of ‘wanting it more’ at the Stadium of Light on Sunday. It’s unlikely Chelsea will be too fussed either way, so, 2-1 to the home side.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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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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