Preview

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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May

2026

Preview: Leaders Arsenal take on relegated Burnley

Arsenal can take another big step towards the Premier League title by beating an already relegated opponent at home.

By Graham Ruthven

Foregone conclusion?

Everything points to a comfortable Arsenal win when Burnley visit the Emirates Stadium on Monday to face the team many now believe is destined to win this season’s Premier League title.

Mikel Arteta’s side have won their last three league games and can go five points clear of Manchester City with a fourth successive victory. The finish line is well and truly in sight.

Burnley, on the other hand, are only playing for pride following their relegation back to the Championship. The Clarets are without a win in their last 11 league outings.

And yet the pressure of the title race could stiffen Arsenal. It wasn’t so long ago that the Premier League table toppers were struggling to find fluidity due to the anxiety that built up over a number of matches and culminated in the shock home loss to Bournemouth.

Arsenal can’t take anything for granted. It would be easy to get caught up in the anticipation of what might follow only two games from now, but Arteta and his players still have work to do.

Key players

Bukayo Saka looks like his old self again. Having endured a season of persistent injuries and patchy form, the winger has registered three goal contributions in his last three games for the Gunners. He is peaking at the right time.

Martin Ødegaard is another Arsenal player who hasn’t always been able to perform at his best this season. However, the Norwegian’s cameo off the bench against West Ham was crucial to his side snatching an important victory.

Declan Rice remains Arsenal’s heartbeat in central midfield. He has created more Big Chances than any other Arsenal player in the Premier League this season, underlining his importance.

At the back, Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba are Arsenal’s defensive foundation while David Raya is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers around, especially after his one-on-one save from Mateus Fernandes last weekend.

*Our best rated Arsenal players in the Premier League*

Zian Flemming will pose the biggest threat to the Arsenal backline. Not only has the Dutch forward notched an impressive 10 league goals this season, he can handle himself physically in and around the box.

Jaidon Anthony could be another attack-minded player capable of doing harm to the Gunners from his usual position on the left wing of the Burnley frontline.

To stand any chance of an upset in North London, goalkeeper Max Weiss will surely have to be a brick wall to prevent the Arsenal attack from finding the back of the net in a critical match in the title race.

Team news

Riccardo Calafiori is a doubt for Monday’s match after coming off at half time of the win over West Ham with Ben White now sidelined through injury until the end of the season.

Myles Lewis-Skelly could keep his place in central midfield considering his recent form in that area of the pitch while Viktor Gyökeres is a good bet to start as the Gunners’ centre forward once more.

Jordan Beyer, Josh Cullen and Connor Roberts all missed Burnley’s 2-2 draw against Aston Villa and are expected to be unavailable for the trip to the Emirates Stadium.

Prediction

This might not be the game that springs a surprise in this title race. We expect this one to go with form and for the Gunners to send a marker to Man City ahead of their game against Bournemouth on Tuesday night: Arsenal 2-0 Burnley.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Sevilla host Real Madrid in penultimate round

Real Madrid travel to Sevilla as the home side look to cement their place as a LaLiga club heading into next season.

By Matt Smith

Sevilla are in an interesting position, still able to be relegated despite three wins on the bounce, while they could also snatch a place in the Europa Conference League.

There’s little on the line for Madrid except to try and end the season in a positive way after a tumultuous few weeks.

Team news

Sevilla are set to be without Marcão and Manu Bueno, while Isaac Romero is a doubt as he requires a late fitness test. Other than that, Sevilla should have a fully fit squad against Madrid.

Meanwhile, Madrid have a host of injury troubles to contend with. Rodrygo, Arda Güler, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy and Federico Valverde are all missing, while Dean Huijsen and Andriy Lunin are doubts.

Worrying times for Madrid

As mentioned, it’s been a worrying few weeks for Madrid, not only on the pitch but also off it. President Florentino Pérez came out and produced a fiery press conference, while Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni were involved in an altercation in the dressing room.

Results haven’t been good enough on the pitch, and the Madrid supporters have been getting frustrated. Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior were both on the receiving end of jeers from supporters during their victory over Real Oviedo earlier this week.

Sevilla turn things around when it matters

It was looking like an incredibly disappointing season for Sevilla until they started to turn things around over the last few weeks. They’ve now won three games on the bounce, and there’s a small chance they manage to qualify for Europe.

It’s rare that a side can be relegated and qualify for Europe with just two games remaining, but considering their recent form, finishing in the top seven is looking more likely at the moment. Despite Madrid’s difficulties, it certainly won’t be easy for Sevilla, especially considering they haven’t beaten them since 2018.

Mbappé has a point to prove

It was a hostile atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu earlier this week, with Mbappé booed as he went to warm up and booed a little more as he entered the pitch. The French international saw the funny side, smiling as he took in the abuse, something which might have riled up the supporters a little more.

Despite the fans’ disappointment with Mbappé, it is hard to argue with the numbers he has produced this season. The former Monaco man will know he has got the ability to prove people wrong, and it is an opportunity for him to do that against Sevilla.

Prediction

This game might mean a little more to Sevilla, so we’re going for a 2-1 victory to the home side.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: West Ham head to Newcastle in survival bid

West Ham United have two games left to save their Premier League status, starting with a long trip north to play Newcastle United at St James’s Park.

By Ian King

West Ham’s task for this fixture is very straightforward

Two games left, two points to make up. West Ham United’s – to say the least – controversial 1-0 home defeat against Arsenal last Sunday left them in the bottom three, but they’re still very much in the survival game as a result of Spurs’ failure to beat Leeds United at home the following evening.

Their task for this match is straightforward. Win, and Spurs have to get something from their trip to Chelsea on Tuesday night to avoid being in the bottom three for the final round of matches next Sunday. Fail to win, and Premier League survival will depend on them getting a better result than Spurs on the final weekend of the season, while an away win for Spurs in their rescheduled match at Stamford Bridge would send them down.

Four points from their last two games have eased the pressure on the Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe a little, but there remains the feeling that this has been a bit of a lost season for them. They’re in 13th place with two games to play, and a top half finish is just about the best that they can hope for now.

West Ham’s recent record against Newcastle isn’t great

West Ham have only won three of their last 13 Premier League meetings with Newcastle, a run going back to 2019, but there are a couple silver linings for them ahead of this weekend’s meeting. Two of those three wins have come at St James’s Park, while they also won the meeting between the two teams at The London Stadium earlier this season fairly convincingly.

Fans who don’t care about the result and are only interested in entertainment will be hoping for a little of the spirit of 1960 to leak into this match. The clubs met twice in that calendar year, with Newcastle winning 5-3 at The Boleyn Ground in February and the two teams playing out a 5-5 draw at St James’s Park the following December.

Jared Bowen has a straightforward route out of a potential bit of family drama

It’s that time of the season when big personalities matter, and few have a bigger one at West Ham than Jarrod Bowen. Not only is he their captain and top scorer this season, but he’s married to the daughter of their most famous fan.

Bowen will face quite the dilemma this summer, should West Ham go down. Stay, and at 29 years of age he could be impacting his England chances. Go, and he might have some explaining to do to his in-laws. The best solution to this for him is to score or create the goals to keep them up, and the good news for him on that front is that he is plenty capable of doing that.

The match is also a homecoming for Callum Wilson, who transferred to West Ham from Newcastle last summer, but he’s been largely limited to appearances from the bench this season and a place in their first XI for this fixture would be a surprise.

Harvey Barnes is on the fringes of a call-up for England’s World Cup squad this summer and he was included for their March friendlies. Two goals in his last two Newcastle games indicate that his form is tacking in the right direction, and strong performances in his final two remaining games would strengthen his claim to getting the nod from Thomas Tuchel, come the end of the season.

West Ham have few injury concerns ahead of this key fixture

West Ham haven’t had that awful a time of things with injuries, compared to others. They have one injury concern ahead of this match. Adama Traore has tight quadriceps, and faces a late fitness test; a return to the performance he put into their FA Cup match against Leeds United would be most welcome, should he be available. Other than him, their only injury concern is veteran goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who’s been out since September with a back injury.

Newcastle’s injury issues are largely of the longer-term variety. Lewis Miley, Emil Krafth and Tino Livramento won’t play again this season. Fabian Schär may return for the final weekend of the season, but he’s highly unlikely to be ready for this match.

The relegation scrap seems most likely to go to the wire

We’re at the point of the season at which fine margins are everything, and the late drama at The London Stadium last weekend has impacted West Ham United. Two points behind Spurs and with an inferior goal difference, they really need to win both of their final two matches to give themselves a better than average chance of staying up. Defeat coupled with a Spurs win at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday would send them down. Defeat coupled with a Spurs draw would render their chances of survival mathematical only, on account of that inferior goal difference.

Newcastle’s season isn’t quite over yet. But Eddie Howe does have something to play for – his job, essentially – and a top half finish, which is achievable, would lift a little bit of the pressure on both the manager and the players. They’ve improved since the return of Bruno Guimarães in the middle of April, but they’ve been wildly unpredictable all season and their motivation levels for this match are almost impossible to gauge.

Newcastle’s recent win over Brighton was the first time they’d scored more than once in a Premier League game since the start of March, and with West Ham having failed to score in three of their last four matches, there’s little to suggest that this game will be a thriller. A 1-1 draw gives the Hammers a decent chance of still being in the game by the last weekend of the season.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Man United welcome Forest with Bruno Fernandes eyeing Premier League history

Nottingham Forest are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Manchester United, holding them to a 2-2 draw earlier in the season.

By Filip Mishov

Old Trafford set for United’s last home game of the season

United’s bleak performance at the Stadium of Light last weekend exposed a lack of depth, as the Red Devils failed to impress on both sides of the pitch after Michael Carrick made five changes to the starting XI, with Sunderland accumulating a higher xG (1.25 to 0.62) and United failing to create a single big chance. They are, however, on a four-match (3W, 1D) unbeaten run and know a single point in this game will be enough to clinch a top three finish only behind Man City and Arsenal.

Forest earned a hard-fought draw against Newcastle through Elliot Anderson‘s late equaliser last time out, with their Premier League safety secured for a fourth consecutive season by other results later in the round of games. Manager Vítor Pereira has ultimately accomplished the main goal set by the demanding Evangelos Marinakis. Forest are now on an eight-match (4W, 4D) unbeaten run in the league and could theoretically still finish in the top half of the table if they can repeat last season’s victorious performance at the Theatre of Dreams.

Key players

Casemiro is set to bid an emotional farewell at Old Trafford, as the Brazilian is expected to be named in the starting lineup after getting a much-deserved rest last weekend. The 34-year-old will be sorely missed in Manchester United’s midfield, not only for his defensive contribution, but also for his experience, leadership and attacking output as well. The defensive midfielder has scored more goals this season than he has anywhere in his career (with nine goals) and is only behind Bruno Fernandes in the average FotMob ratings in the United squad this season (7.36 to Brunno’s 8.0).

Interestingly enough, Forest’s Elliot Anderson is the preferred candidate to replace the departing Casemiro, but his 100 million price tag and interest from the other side of Manchester are an issue. The England international is the most sought-after midfielder in the Premier League and his goal against Newcastle was additional proof of his all-around qualities. Comfortable both in and out of possession, the 23-year-old is the cornerstone of Forest’s squad, leading the side in terms of accurate passes per 90 (54.6), chances created (49) and defensive contributions per 90 (13.8), making him the highest-rated player (7.49) in the squad (7.49).

Sunday might be Anderson’s final audition to convince the United hierarchy that he is worth the money to replace Casemiro and slot in alongside Kobbie Mainoo.

Team news

Matthijs de Ligt, Benjamin Sesko, Manuel Ugarte, and Casemiro and all missed the match at the Stadium of Light last weekend, but the latter two are back in contention, giving Michael Carrick plenty of options to choose from.

Forest’s extensive injury list is worrying, but Ibrahim Sangaré, Morgan Gibbs-White and Dan Ndoye are back in training, which is a much-needed boost.

Prediction

Manchester United have more than enough incentive to win on Sunday, with this being Casemiro’s swansong at Old Trafford, Bruno Fernandes still chasing the Premier League’s single-season assist record, and Carrick closing in on a permanent contract by clinching a top-three finish.

Even though I do not think that Nottingham Forest will make it easy for them, I expect United to what is Forest’s longest unbeaten league run since the 1995/96 season.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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