Premier League Matchday 38: Manchester City prepare to destroy Arsenal’s dreams

With the 2023/24 Premier League season coming to a close on Sunday afternoon, one of Manchester City or Arsenal will claim the title.

With that in mind, read on as we look at some key stats and talking points ahead of this weekend’s final round of matches.

The clash between Arsenal and Everton screams ‘home banker’ but anyone who thinks the result is a foregone conclusion would be well advised to be careful.

Everton have won five and drawn one of their last ten league meetings with the Gunners and will fancy their chances of overcoming the odds again this weekend.

If Man City quickly put their game to bed against West Ham United, Arsenal’s title hopes will be over and motivation levels could suffer.

Brentford vs Newcastle United has taken on added significance this weekend with the visitors in danger of missing out on European qualification.

They need to win at Brentford and hope Chelsea lose to Bournemouth to ensure they play in either the Europa League or the Europa Conference League (UECL) next term.

If Newcastle miss out on sixth place, they must finish above Manchester United and then hope Man City win the FA Cup final to earn a place in the UECL.

With sixth place within reach, Man United must focus on improving Newcastle’s result when they visit Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

The Red Devils would qualify for Europe if they finish above the Magpies regardless of what happens in the FA Cup final against Man City.

However, the recent head-to-head match between Brighton and Man United does not paint a pretty picture, with the Seagulls winning the last four league meetings between these two sides.

Barring an unlikely change in goal difference between Luton Town and themselves, Nottingham Forest will be playing in the Premier League next season.

They will be grateful for the three-point cushion, with Burnley vs Nottm Forest’s record showing they haven’t won at Turf Moor since September 2003.

Forest will never have a better chance of ending this run given how poor the Clarets have been during their miserable season in the top flight.

A draw between Chelsea and Bournemouth would see the former finish sixth – not a bad result considering how their season has gone.

The Blues would be hoping Man City win the FA Cup to ensure they are awarded second place in the Europa League.

If Chelsea finish sixth and Man Utd beat City at Wembley Stadium, they would drop into the Europa Conference League.

It would be fair to say that Crystal Palace and Aston Villa have defied expectations in the Premier League this season, albeit to varying degrees.

Villa have secured Champions League qualification, while Palace head into their final game with a chance of finishing in the top 10.

If Adam Wharton produces another midfield masterclass for Palace this weekend, the clamor for him to get an England call-up could become deafening.

Unless you’re a die-hard home team fan, Liverpool’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers could be one to avoid this weekend.

Reds fans will no doubt be in an emotional froth as manager Jurgen Klopp takes charge of the team for the final time.

Having won just one Premier League title and just one Champions League during his time with the club, the rest of football will be wondering what all the fuss is about.

Luton Town vs Fulham is unlikely to provide momentum outside of Bedfordshire with little to rely on the outcome of the game.

The Hatters need a miraculous combination of results to avoid relegation and only the most optimistic fan will believe it will happen.

Only once in Premier League history have all three promoted teams been directly relegated again (1997/98). That number will double on Sunday.

Manchester City vs West Ham United

Another new record is likely to be set when Manchester City and West Ham United meet at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

A win for City over the Hammers will cement their status as the first English team in history to win the league title four years in a row.

Man City have won their last eight games by a combined score of 30-5, while West Ham have struggled for form. On that basis, City look set to enjoy another title-winning party.

Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur fought out a thriller in the reverse fixture, with the London club scoring twice in stoppage time to claim victory.

They will be hoping to complete the double against a side that have conceded 101 goals this season – the worst record in Premier League history.

The Blades have been absolutely miserable this season and it could be difficult to make a bid to win promotion from the Championship next term.