What fans expect in match 38 of 2024/25 Premier League season

Sports
Okezie Omorogie
May 24, 2025
47

The 2024/25 Premier League attackers. Photo Credit- Sky Sports

As the 2024/25 Premier League season hurtles toward its climax on Sunday, May 25, 2025, all 20 teams will take the field at 4:00 PM (GMT) for a dramatic finale. With Liverpool crowned champions weeks ago and Southampton, Leicester City, and Ipswich Town relegated, the spotlight falls on the race for Champions League spots, individual accolades, and emotional farewells. From a fire-like atmosphere at Nottingham Forest to trophy celebrations at Anfield, here are six things fans can expect in Matchweek 38.

A fierce battle for Champions League spots

The race for the top five, securing Champions League football is the headline act. Liverpool (1st) and Arsenal (2nd) have locked in their spots, but Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Aston Villa, all tied at 66 points, are joined by Manchester City (68 points) and Nottingham Forest (65 points) in a five-way tussle for the remaining three tickets. England’s strong UEFA coefficient ensures the fifth-placed team also qualifies, intensifying the stakes.

Mohamed Salah’s golden boot and record chase

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is poised to claim his fourth Premier League Golden Boot, leading with 19 goals, two ahead of Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak (17 each). Salah’s 13 assists also put him one shy of Andy Cole and Alan Shearer’s 1993/94 and 1994/95 record of 46 goal contributions (goals plus assists) in a season.

Anfield’s title party and Trent’s farewell

Liverpool’s final game against Crystal Palace is less about the result and more about celebration. Having clinched their 20th English title with four games to spare, equalling Manchester United’s record, Arne Slot’s side will lift the Premier League trophy in front of a raucous Anfield. The mood is festive, with fans planning trophy parades, but a bittersweet note looms: Trent Alexander-Arnold’s confirmed move to Real Madrid, announced with three games left.

Graham Potter’s fight for West Ham survival

West Ham’s Graham Potter faces a make-or-break trip to relegated Ipswich Town, with his job on the line. Since replacing Julen Lopetegui in January, Potter’s 4 wins in 18 matches (22% win rate) is the club’s worst since the 2010/11 relegation. Sitting 14th with 42 points, West Ham are safe but lack fan goodwill.

Manchester City’s quest for redemption

Manchester City, dethroned by Liverpool after four straight titles, face Fulham away in a bid to secure a top-five finish. Sitting 6th with 65 points, City’s seven wins in eight games, led by Phil Foden (5 goals in 7) and Erling Haaland (5 in 5), signal a late surge. Their 4-0 loss to Tottenham and five defeats in nine earlier sparked “end-of-dynasty” talk, but a runners-up spot is possible.

Tottenham’s Post-Europa League hangover

Tottenham, fresh off their Europa League triumph over Manchester United (1-0), face Brighton at home in a “cognitive dissonance” match. Their 17th-place finish (38 points) is their lowest in the Premier League era, yet the trophy sparks “post-Europa League party” vibes. Brighton, 10th with 53 points, eye 8th for a potential Conference League spot.

Conclusion

The final fixtures all kickoffs at the same time, ensures drama, with fans splitting attention across different sports media channels. Fans predicts “party vibes” at Anfield and tension at St James’ Park, while the top-five race’s present unprecedented openness. Individual battles with Salah’s records, Haaland’s chase, and Isak’s breakout, add spice. With over 30 points separating first and 18th, the season’s lack of title or relegation drama shifts focus to Europe, making Matchweek 38 a thrilling fixture.