Author: Soorya G
The last games before the final week of an exciting Premier League season will be played during the week, as the four league teams that have yet to play 37 games will complete the 37th round of fixtures this season. Chelsea will take on Manchester United at Manchester’s iconic Old Trafford Stadium, while league champions Manchester City will face Brighton, who have secured qualification for European soccer with two games to spare. It was a wonderful season for the Seagulls and for coach Roberto de Zerbi, who took his team to the European Cup competition with fantastic soccer throughout the campaign.
Meanwhile, Manchester United only need a point from their last two games to confirm their place in the Champions League next season. Chelsea, who have had one of their worst seasons in recent times, will want to end the season in the best possible way, considering that they will certainly finish in the bottom half of the table, while Manchester City will be hoping to break the 90-point mark once again to win their fifth Premier League title in six years.
Manchester United initially found themselves in a dangerous situation at the start of the season, but ended up becoming one of the most consistent teams in the league, reaching third place, a position they held for a significant period of time. However, the team went through a difficult spell, which not only saw them miss out on third place, but also put their chances of qualifying for the Champions League in jeopardy, as arch-rivals Liverpool came into form in the second half of the season.
Liverpool have put pressure on United’s Champions League plans, but the recent draw against Aston Villa should have eased Ten Hag’s mind, as his side need just one point from their remaining games. However, Chelsea won’t be ready to concede the point easily, as the team will probably go in with a “nothing to lose” mentality.
Team news
Although Chelsea are the only team in a position to rotate, managers are unlikely to field anything other than their strongest team.
Line-ups:
Man United: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Lindelof, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho; Martial;
Chelsea: Kepa; Chalobah, Silva, Fofana; Azpilicueta, Fernandez, Kovacic, Hall; Gallagher, Havertz, Sterling;
Key players
Bruno Fernandes will be Manchester United’s creative engine and the most likely source of goals in Rashford’s absence, making him the most important player for Erik Ten Hag.
Raheem Sterling could be responsible for the visitors’ victory against United. The striker has a lot of experience and is also in sensational form.
Forecasts
United will win
The Red Devils start as big favorites against a Chelsea team that is in mid-table and hasn’t been in its best form.
Fernandes scores
The Portuguese midfielder has been the team’s best player since his arrival and will be looking to score the goal that will guarantee access to the Champions League.
Enzo to impress
Argentina’s record signing will be eager to make a statement against a big team and could turn the game around.
Manchester City-Brighton
Two teams that have had extremely good seasons at their own level will face off in what promises to be an exciting battle. Manchester City won another league title, while Brighton achieved a fantastic result with a wonderfully talented team. Both teams played attacking soccer, and an exciting contest awaits them.
Team news
Pep Guardiola rotated heavily against Chelsea at the weekend and, although the same may be repeated as the FA Cup and Champions League finals approach, the neutral spectator expects both managers to use their best squads.
Line-ups:
Man City: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias; Stones, Rodri; Gundogan, De Bruyne, Mahrez, Foden; Alvarez;
Brighton: Steele; Gross, Dunk, Colwill, Estupinan; Caicedo, Gilmour; Enciso, Allister, Mitoma; Ferguson;
Key players
Ilkay Gundogan was in superb form in the final stages of Manchester City’s title-winning campaign. As his departure seems imminent, he will be eager to give the visiting fans a farewell present.
Alexis Mac Allister launched himself into the stratosphere after a fantastic season for club and country. He could well be the difference between the two teams on Wednesday.
Forecasts:
Brighton to surprise City
The Seagulls have picked up some big wins this season and, against a relaxed Manchester City, a big turnaround could be on the cards.
Mahrez will score
The Algerian is considered the best African player to have played in the Premier League and will be looking to confirm that with an excellent performance.
Mitoma to shine
The striker has been one of the discoveries of the season. Excellent with the ball at his feet, he could cause City’s defense some problems.