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As the 2024/25 Premier League season races toward the finish line, Matchweek 36 promises to be one of the most pivotal weekends of the entire campaign. From Champions League chasers to clubs battling for European qualification, and even a few looking to restore pride, every fixture has something riding on it.
Let’s dive into the most compelling storylines ahead of this weekend’s Premier League action.
⚔️ Bournemouth vs Aston Villa: Emery’s Tactical Test
Saturday, May 10 – 12:30 PM (UK)
Vitality Stadium
Aston Villa’s path to the UEFA Champions League is narrow—but still open. A win against a surging Bournemouth side would move them within striking distance of the top five, especially with Newcastle and Chelsea facing each other the next day.
Unai Emery’s team is in fine form, with seven wins in their last nine, but Bournemouth are unbeaten in five and boast a league-high 65 shot-ending high turnovers. That high press could punish Villa, who take calculated risks playing out from the back.
With Youri Tielemans out injured, Morgan Rogers and Douglas Luiz must take on added responsibility to break Bournemouth’s press and create those vital transitions. When these two met earlier this season, it was a fierce, chaotic 1-1 draw marked by 13 yellow cards. Expect fireworks again.
⚡ Newcastle vs Chelsea: Top-Five Showdown
Sunday, May 11 – 12:00 PM (UK)
St. James’ Park
Make no mistake—this is a must-win for both clubs. Newcastle and Chelsea are neck-and-neck on 63 points, and with Aston Villa breathing down their necks, there’s simply no room for error.
Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon returns to full fitness and will look to stretch Chelsea’s defense, while the Blues are buoyed by Cole Palmer’s scintillating form—his penalty and all-round display against Liverpool last week highlighted his growing influence.
Pedro Neto and Palmer are expected to target Kieran Trippier’s flank, which has been vulnerable this season. Newcastle won the EFL Cup fixture at home, but this is higher stakes. A draw helps no one; a loss could be fatal in the Champions League race.
🧠 Nottingham Forest vs Leicester City: Possession or Pressure?
Sunday, May 11 – 2:15 PM (UK)
The City Ground
Forest may have the “easiest” matchup on paper, but things rarely go to plan in the Premier League. Leicester snapped their losing streak last weekend, and Forest are struggling to convert possession into chances—failing to produce more than 1.0 xG in each of their last four matches.
Forest thrive on counter-attacks, not dictating tempo. But on Sunday, they’ll need to control the game, especially against a Leicester side with the second-most goals conceded (76) in the league. If Forest can shake off the pressure, this East Midlands derby is theirs to lose.
🔝 Manchester City vs Southampton: Routine or Resurrection?
Saturday, May 10 – 3:00 PM (UK)
St. Mary’s Stadium
City’s so-called “crisis season” could still end with silverware. A win over Southampton moves them to 67 points, potentially leapfrogging Arsenal depending on their result at Anfield. Southampton, already relegated, are unlikely to trouble Pep Guardiola’s side.
With five wins in their last six, City have rediscovered their rhythm. Expect rotation, but also expect control, dominance, and likely three points.
🔥 Liverpool vs Arsenal: Red Alert at Anfield
Sunday, May 11 – 4:30 PM (UK)
Anfield
This match once looked like a title decider—now it’s Arsenal trying to cling to second place. With City gaining ground, the Gunners must find form fast. A defeat at Anfield would heap pressure on their remaining fixtures.
Liverpool have already sealed the title, and Arne Slot has promised squad rotation, which could open a window for Mikel Arteta. Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka will look to take full advantage if Liverpool’s midfield again lacks cohesion.
🚀 Brentford vs Ipswich Town: Eyes on Eighth
Saturday, May 10 – 3:00 PM (UK)
Portman Road
Brentford are surging, and Ipswich are reeling. The Bees have scored 10 goals in their last three games and are eyeing eighth place with ambition. Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo are in sensational form, and Ipswich’s leaky defense (10 home losses in their last 11) is ripe for the picking.
Expect Brentford to swarm early and maintain control. If they win, they’ll be in prime position heading into a crucial clash with Fulham next week.
⚖️ Fulham vs Everton: Must-Win for Silva’s Side
Saturday, May 10 – 3:00 PM (UK)
Craven Cottage
Fulham are bottom of the mini-league chasing eighth, and anything but a win here might end their European hopes. They’ve taken just six points from the last five games, while Everton are winless in nine of their last ten under David Moyes.
This fixture is Fulham’s best chance before they face Brentford and Man City in the final two weeks. No room for error.
🔄 Wolves vs Brighton: A Battle of Styles
Saturday, May 10 – 3:00 PM (UK)
Molineux Stadium
Brighton have one win in their last seven and face a Wolves side who won six in a row before a narrow loss to City. Vítor Pereira’s side sit deep and counter quickly, while Brighton excel in fast transitions. Ironically, this makes Molineux a tough destination for Brighton’s game model.
Brighton’s top-eight hopes hinge on this one.
⚒️ Manchester United vs West Ham: Reset Required
Sunday, May 11 – 2:15 PM (UK)
Old Trafford
United will likely rotate after their Europa League second leg, while Graham Potter’s West Ham side are desperate for a win to ease growing fan frustration. The Hammers are winless in eight and sit just five points off the drop zone.
It’s not pretty, but a surprise win here could breathe life into Potter’s rebuild.
🦅 Spurs vs Crystal Palace: A Shot at History
Sunday, May 11 – 2:15 PM (UK)
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Crystal Palace can equal their best-ever Premier League points tally (49) with a win against a weary Spurs side. After Europa League exertions, Ange Postecoglou may rest starters, giving Palace a golden chance to steal a win and take momentum into their FA Cup final.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Season Hinges on Matchweek 36
Every game this weekend matters—from title implications to top-five drama and European dreams. With multiple direct duels and tactical tests, Matchweek 36 could very well define how we remember the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a fantasy football tactician, this is the weekend you won’t want to miss.