I’m thinking about what the cherry was

Bournemouth’s hopes for European football came to an end with their loss against Manchester City on Tuesday. Despite finishing 11th with 53 points, the Cherries managed to secure their best Premier League finish, though that was only 46 points under Eddie Howe in 2016-17. The upcoming home match against relegated Leicester presents a chance for redemption, yet the team’s recent form has been troubling, with only two wins in their last 12 league matches. Surprisingly, Leicester is sitting in fourth place after a few home victories, bookended by a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest and wins over Southampton and Ipswich. It might not be the easy win supporters are hoping for, and there’s a somber vibe in the air reminiscent of a quiet Sunday afternoon. While this has been a solid season, one can’t help but wonder what could have been. There’s talk of Dean Huysen possibly moving to champion Liverpool, raising questions about whether the traditional farewell lap at the end of the season will be a thing of the past.

Bournemouth v Leicester, Sunday at 4pm (always BST)

Fulham’s Rodri’s role?

Manchester City’s season could have played out differently had Rodri not faced a serious knee injury against Arsenal. The team’s struggles without one of the league’s top midfielders are apparent. No one stepped up in his absence, and as a result, City risks losing out on Champions League qualification if they don’t secure good results against Fulham on the final day. Pep Guardiola faces challenges in the midfield before heading to Craven Cottage, especially as Mateo Kovacic will be sidelined due to a red card against Bournemouth. He had tried Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne in deeper positions for the FA Cup final, but that seems a mismatch for a tricky away game. Is it time for Nico Gonzalez, who lacks Premier League experience, or for the aging Ilkay Gündoğan? Maybe they’ll rely on Rodri instead. He made a brief appearance off the bench against Bournemouth, but starting him could be risky given his recent absence from play. Guardiola might just need him to deliver a critical performance from the bench.

Fulham v Manchester City, Sunday at 4pm

Potter stares at the tough summer

The neutral match was tough as Ipswich’s relegation was sealed, while West Ham’s season ended with a collective sigh of relief after avoiding the drop. Yet there’s uncertainty for Graham Potter, especially among Hammer fans. Since Avram Grant, Potter has had a dismal run of just four wins. His underwhelming demeanor seems to be mirrored in his team’s performances. To make matters worse, his record outshines that of Julen Lopetegui, who was dismissed earlier this year. A win against Manchester United didn’t mask what has been otherwise an indifferent season. With a loss to Ipswich, Potter faces doubts as summer approaches. Kieran McKenna has managed to keep the faith of the club’s hierarchy despite Ipswich’s struggles, searching for a silver lining before moving forward.

Ipswich v West Ham, Sunday at 4pm

Party in every corner of Anfield

Not many anticipated Crystal Palace’s visit as a precursor to this year’s community shield in August. Still, the unexpected trophy brings a joyous atmosphere to every corner of Anfield for the final day. Liverpool, having secured the title weeks ago, seems to have taken a vacation mentality, which they’ve humorously documented on social media amidst two defeats. The team is certainly not hungover from the celebrations after winning the FA Cup against Wolves. Fans are eager for the main event post-match, where Liverpool will lift the League Championship trophy in front of their supporters for the first time in 35 years. However, what sort of reception awaits Trent Alexander-Arnold?

Liverpool v Crystal Palace, Sunday at 4pm

United’s new dawn is still far away

Reuben Amorim enjoys Manchester United’s backing despite a grim 1-0 defeat in the Europa League final against Tottenham. Unfortunately, it appears his side isn’t at the bottom just yet, as Aston Villa arrives seeking their own Champions League spot. A 19th league defeat and a disheartening finish in 17th place loom ominously. With over a decade of dismal outcomes in the transfer market, Amorim might be in for a long summer ahead. The darkest moments are perhaps still to come, and at Old Trafford, dawn feels a long way off.

Manchester United v Aston Villa, Sunday at 4pm

Pickford launched into the loyalty of the Black Cat

Jordan Pickford might be the obstacle Newcastle needs to overcome for their Champions League aspirations. While he loves his time at Everton, his roots lie with Sunderland, the club he adored as a child. Newcastle fans tend to have a rivalry with him, which seems to elevate the competition. If a save from Pickford helps secure a spot in the Europa League for Newcastle, he’ll surely be celebrated back home in Wearside. Meanwhile, if Everton players lack motivation, David Moyes might need to rethink his strategy, especially with Alexander Isak on the field. It could shape into a notable matchup between the Swedish striker and the English goalkeeper.

Newcastle v Everton, Sunday at 4pm

Chelsea tests the forest nerve face

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea hasn’t enjoyed a win at City Grounds yet. This Sunday is crucial for the club, perhaps even more so than the upcoming conference league final against Real Betis. Nottingham Forest is still in the hunt for a Champions League spot, making the stakes high. Chelsea ownership might see themselves missing out on the Champions League for a third consecutive season, which isn’t exactly a comforting thought. As for Forest, they still have everything to gain, an edge that could intensify the atmosphere for both teams.

Nottingham Forest v Chelsea, Sunday at 4pm

Southampton’s meaninglessly final match

At St. Mary’s, Southampton’s match against Arsenal is perhaps the least meaningful of the weekend. They’re at the bottom of the table, and it seems only a loss could affect Arsenal’s net goal difference. A hot topic among Saints fans is the impending appointment of a new coach, with a well-regarded 32-year-old likely taking over soon. It’s clear that he should inspire more vigor in players than the previous coach, though it’s uncertain how much evidence there is of that potential. This final game against such a strong team could act as an audition for those players hoping to put a tough season behind them.

Southampton V Arsenal, Sunday at 4pm

Brighton should thrive at Spurs’ Party

Expect an odd atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Sunday as they celebrate what is arguably their worst finish in the Premier League era. The festivities may bring up speculation about a possible farewell to manager Ecogul. While their performance may not directly impact their standing, Brighton should arrive with a genuine shot at securing a spot in European competition next season. Securing eighth place is crucial for Hürzeller’s squad, especially with opportunities relying on various outcomes, including Chelsea’s fate in the Conference League final. Still riding high from a good performance against Liverpool, Brighton appears to be the stronger team and should look to finish on a high note.

Tottenham v Brighton, Sunday at 4pm

The wolf found a bite, what’s next?

After a rough start to the season, Wolves found themselves in a precarious position halfway through, managing only 16 points. But since then, their turnaround is commendable. Relegation fears have faded, and they sit comfortably in 13th place, matching wins with teams like Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. After a loss to Ipswich, appointing Bitter Pereira turned out to be pivotal, leading to a club record of six consecutive Premier League wins in March and April. While they have wobbled since, a win against Brentford this Sunday could cap off a solid campaign. However, what remains uncertain is whether they can build on this momentum next season or if they’re due for another tough road ahead, especially with their standout attacker, Matthews Cunya, likely leaving the club.

Wolves v Brentford, Sunday at 4pm