The 2025-26 Premier League season reaches its conclusion on Sunday with all ten matches kicking off simultaneously, and while Arsenal have already been crowned champions for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday, the final afternoon remains packed with European drama, relegation anxiety, and high-profile farewells.
Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley are already confirmed for the Championship, but they could be joined by either Tottenham Hotspur or West Ham United depending on Sunday’s results. The European picture is equally unsettled, with places in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League still to be confirmed across several clubs.
Here are the five matches where the most can change.
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years will result in a trophy lift after the match at Selhurst Park. With the title already secured, manager Mikel Arteta is expected to rotate his squad and allow key players to rest ahead of the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on May 30 in Budapest. A rested, relaxed Arsenal side could be vulnerable to a Palace team playing at home in front of their own supporters.
Brighton vs Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes, named the Premier League Player of the Season, has the chance to break the competition’s all-time assists record on the final day. However, United’s injury concerns in midfield could hand Brighton an opportunity. Chelsea must win at Sunderland and hope Manchester United defeat Brighton to secure Europa League qualification, meaning this match carries indirect consequences far beyond Old Trafford.
Liverpool vs Brentford
Liverpool are in pole position to secure fifth place and Champions League qualification, needing just a point against Brentford to confirm their spot. The match also marks Mohamed Salah’s farewell at Anfield after he confirmed he is leaving the club. Brentford, chasing European football themselves, will not make it easy for a Liverpool side that has been inconsistent in recent weeks.
Manchester City vs Aston Villa
Aston Villa capped a remarkable campaign by defeating Freiburg 3-0 to lift the 2026 UEFA Europa League title, arriving at City as continental champions with nothing left to prove. Manchester City, meanwhile, carry the disappointment of surrendering the league title and face the additional emotion of Pep Guardiola stepping down as manager, confirmed just days ago. Villa have the freedom and the quality to spoil the occasion.
Sunderland vs Chelsea
Sunderland could cap a remarkable return to the Premier League by qualifying for Europe, sitting just a point behind Chelsea heading into the final round. Chelsea, who have appointed Xabi Alonso as their new coach, must win at the Stadium of Light to secure Europa League qualification and hope results elsewhere go their way. Sunderland’s home form this season makes this anything but straightforward for a Chelsea side whose consistency has wavered throughout the campaign.
