⚽ Premier League 2025/2026 Discussion Thread ⚽

[joniboini]

I don't understand that Arne Slot only put Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold, and Robertson in the bench. As far as I know Liverpool only has the match in EPL, so Arne Slot doesn't need to worry about the players' condition. Even if Arne Slot wants to give more time to play for second team, it seems too many main players to put on the bench.

I don't think there's more to it other than preparing if an injury happens. He still rotates and subs in Diaz, etc, at the one-hour mark, so he's trying to give minutes to fringe players. It's not like he can suddenly field 11 academy players after they won the trophy due to not being registered or something else. It's probably a good opportunity to try new things too because the results don't really matter for them in the last 4 games or so.

[Oshio-man]

In the match between Brighton versus Liverpool currently in half time, Liverpool is winning by a score of 1:2, Elliott scored the first goal in 9 minute but it was equalized by Brighton's Ayari in the 32 minutes before Szoboszlai succeeded in putting the Reds ahead in the die minutes of halftime. I think the Brighton's goalkeeper was responsible for the second goal because he didn't position well or probably he was thinking that Szoboszlai will cross the ball but it ended at the back of the net. The second half has started now lets see if Brighton can get an equalizer or Liverpool extends the scoreline.

indeed Brighton is a strong team and they played Liverpool in the 45 minutes as if Liverpool will have their way to  win the match because they where leading the match with 1-0, The second half really favour Brighton because they equalized the goal to create another opportunity to defeated Liverpool 3-2.

[Justbillywitt]

When the season is about to end thats when the teams in relegation zone are always dangerous, stronger teams are not suppose to joke with them at that period of time. Manchester City really needed their match against Southampton, but they couldn’t win the match which really affected Manchester City, actually people expected Manchester City to win, but everyone were just surprised with the result of the match. Manchester City not winning against Southampton is the reason why they are in their current position. Southampton have nothing fighting for, but they tried to stop Manchester City from qualifying for the champions league.

Yes it is always advisable to avoid teams that have just relegated or are avoiding relegation because for the ones that have not relegated they can go just anything to stay in the league and that’s why they are very competitive in the last games. As for those already relegated once their players see the team they are up against they put in a shift of performance this to me is done for them to get a new club in the league and not fall with their present club. Aside Southampton who have up their game since they were relatgated there is also Leicester city who have won more games since been relegated than some months when their fate hasn’t been decided. So it is actually a player decision rather than the club

I get the point you are trying to make, but if so those players are really selfish and they don't have the club they are currently playing for at heart. They had to wait until they are relegated before bringing out their best performance, so that other clubs that are guaranteed to stay in the top flight can come for them. That's a smart move but the question is had those players in those other clubs they are aiming to come for them put up such bad performance as they did with their club, would they have survived and stay up? One thing I am sure is that you can't convince a scout with a two or three match performances. They have to analyse your performance throughout the season before deciding to come for you or not.

Southampton really fucked City up, I don't really know what to say that made Southampton performed that way against Manchester city.

Southampton have nothing fighting for, but they tried to stop Manchester City from qualifying for the champions league.

Well it was after the match that I started hearing that Southampton put up that performance against city to avoid equaling the premier league record of lowest points tally in a season. I think that was their aim and they got what they wanted.

[Altryist]

The possible means of Manchester City qualifying for the Champions League next season is in their hands if they win their two remaining matches, not lose or draw anyone, as they are the only teams that have two matches to play, while the rest clubs of the Premier League have a match to play as their last match of the season. Despite all of that, this season will not be recorded as a good season for Manchester City because they won no trophy. This is what hasn't happened in Manchester City for long. I believe Manchester City management will put in their best to make sure the right players are signed to the team so that there won't be a season without a trophy won

City have a tough match today, Bournemouth are a very stubborn team and to my surprise, they play very well even in matches that mean nothing to them. The season has been very tough for the network, but I haven't seen them without trophies for a long time and I thought they could win at least a cup. Because it is also very important for the players, for the team. But they somehow lost to Crystal Palace in the final, now they have only one task left, to return to the Champions League zone. You are right, everything is in their hands, they must win today, they are not considering other options. I think that if they do not get into the Champions League zone, Guardiola may even be fired.

[sotelorene]

The possible means of Manchester City qualifying for the Champions League next season is in their hands if they win their two remaining matches, not lose or draw anyone, as they are the only teams that have two matches to play, while the rest clubs of the Premier League have a match to play as their last match of the season. Despite all of that, this season will not be recorded as a good season for Manchester City because they won no trophy. This is what hasn't happened in Manchester City for long. I believe Manchester City management will put in their best to make sure the right players are signed to the team so that there won't be a season without a trophy won

City have a tough match today, Bournemouth are a very stubborn team and to my surprise, they play very well even in matches that mean nothing to them. The season has been very tough for the network, but I haven't seen them without trophies for a long time and I thought they could win at least a cup. Because it is also very important for the players, for the team. But they somehow lost to Crystal Palace in the final, now they have only one task left, to return to the Champions League zone. You are right, everything is in their hands, they must win today, they are not considering other options. I think that if they do not get into the Champions League zone, Guardiola may even be fired.

That is really a tough match for Manchester city though Manchester city can or will be seen as the favorite but that doesn't mean they can win Bournemouth so easily because Bournemouth on the hand is quite inform this season they have defeated so many big teams and drew some. Manchester city would have went home with a trophy this season but Crystal palace took it from and I will blame mamoush for missing the penalty even though penalty can be missed but not in that kind of match and situation and I was wondering why they didn't give Haaland to play, it is obvious they are so unfortunate this season and I hope they make today count for them.

[Btcdeybodi]

In the match between Brighton versus Liverpool currently in half time, Liverpool is winning by a score of 1:2, Elliott scored the first goal in 9 minute but it was equalized by Brighton's Ayari in the 32 minutes before Szoboszlai succeeded in putting the Reds ahead in the die minutes of halftime. I think the Brighton's goalkeeper was responsible for the second goal because he didn't position well or probably he was thinking that Szoboszlai will cross the ball but it ended at the back of the net. The second half has started now lets see if Brighton can get an equalizer or Liverpool extends the scoreline.

Unfortunately, Liverpool failed to win the match (FT: Brighton 3-2 Liverpool). They were only leading with 1 goal in the first half of the match, but they were conceded 2 goals in the second half. Brighton deserves to win because they played with a better motivation and they made more attempts in scoring goals. They also have a better accuracy, they made 12 shots on target, meanwhile Liverpool only made 5 shots on target. Well, I think Liverpool has a worse defense in this match. I don't understand that Arne Slot only put Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold, and Robertson in the bench. As far as I know Liverpool only has the match in EPL, so Arne Slot doesn't need to worry about the players' condition. Even if Arne Slot wants to give more time to play for second team, it seems too many main players to put on the bench.

Liverpool has already won the title so i don't see anything wrong in Arne Slot giving some second XI players the opportunity to play against Brighton, it will help to identify players who can perform for the team ahead of next season. You know, one of the problem with some teams is not giving their second XI the privilege to feature in matches that is why when the major players goes on injury, it becomes a problem to find a suitable player from the second XI simply because they are not featured in matches regularly. Arne Slot was just being experimental so it's no big deal and the lose do not matter much. Brighton also took advantage of the fact that some of Liverpool's major players were not featured and seized the opportunity to record a win that moved them to the 8th position in the league table.

[Distraction]

The last matches of Week 37 are going to be played tonight.

• Crystal Palace - Wolves (nobody cares as both have no target to achieve  )

• Manchester City - Bournemouth (this is the one people will care about)

Why? Because Guardiola must win this match to go back in top 5. A win here will help them rise up to the 3rd place. This will help them finish the task of joining the Champions League easier on the last week of the season.

I guess they'd beat Fulham away too after that to finish it.

[Agbe]

The last matches of Week 37 are going to be played tonight.

• Crystal Palace - Wolves (nobody cares as both have no target to achieve  )

• Manchester City - Bournemouth (this is the one people will care about)

Why? Because Guardiola must win this match to go back in top 5. A win here will help them rise up to the 3rd place. This will help them finish the task of joining the Champions League easier on the last week of the season.

I guess they'd beat Fulham away too after that to finish it.

City has to watch out for Bournemouth because even though Bournemouth is to fighting for a European place in the league they are a very good side when going against big opposition like Manchester City so city should take this game with all level of seriousness and should not underestimate Bournemouth because doing what happened to city in the fa cup is like to repeat but citu has to get all three points going into the last match day

[DaNNy001]

In the match between Brighton versus Liverpool currently in half time, Liverpool is winning by a score of 1:2, Elliott scored the first goal in 9 minute but it was equalized by Brighton's Ayari in the 32 minutes before Szoboszlai succeeded in putting the Reds ahead in the die minutes of halftime. I think the Brighton's goalkeeper was responsible for the second goal because he didn't position well or probably he was thinking that Szoboszlai will cross the ball but it ended at the back of the net. The second half has started now lets see if Brighton can get an equalizer or Liverpool extends the scoreline.

Congrats to Brighton on their win against Liverpool, I was expecting Liverpool to win but I had a feeling that the game might not go according to plan... Liverpool are already the winners of the EPL, winning the match yesterday wasn't really going to add anything or subtract anything from what they have achieved in the EPL this season.. Brighton played quite well it was a deserved win for them.

[AirtelBuzz]

In the match between Brighton versus Liverpool currently in half time, Liverpool is winning by a score of 1:2, Elliott scored the first goal in 9 minute but it was equalized by Brighton's Ayari in the 32 minutes before Szoboszlai succeeded in putting the Reds ahead in the die minutes of halftime. I think the Brighton's goalkeeper was responsible for the second goal because he didn't position well or probably he was thinking that Szoboszlai will cross the ball but it ended at the back of the net. The second half has started now lets see if Brighton can get an equalizer or Liverpool extends the scoreline.

Brighton Team shone the most in this match because in my opinion they handed Liverpool their fourth defeat of the season. Brighton Football Club and Liverpool Football Club fought tirelessly in this match, even though Brighton were behind twice in this match, they came right back. Due to the historic win against Liverpool, it seems at the moment that, there is also a possibility that Brighton could qualify for European football next season. Furthermore it was noted in this match that Arne Slot rested several players, If those players hadn't taken a break, they would have been able to compete more properly against Brighton.

[Zaguru12]

I get the point you are trying to make, but if so those players are really selfish and they don't have the club they are currently playing for at heart. They had to wait until they are relegated before bringing out their best performance, so that other clubs that are guaranteed to stay in the top flight can come for them. That's a smart move but the question is had those players in those other clubs they are aiming to come for them put up such bad performance as they did with their club, would they have survived and stay up? One thing I am sure is that you can't convince a scout with a two or three match performances. They have to analyse your performance throughout the season before deciding to come for you or not.

That’s true to some extent, for me I think such Characters or players should be looked at, but sometimes the performance of the clubs already relegated do not only reflect on the players improving themselves but also the clubs playing against them usually just underestimate them since they are already relegated and that’s how they steal points off the big clubs during this period.

For the players yes you are right many of them were actually been scouted right from the first half of the season due to their impressive performance but individual performance doesn’t reflects on the entire team success that’s why there had work usually doesn’t save the club. For example this season Ipswich has Delap who has been excellent and is been targeted by Manchester United so even after the team got relegated he still needed to show his top performance to completely woe his suitors

[Princess Leah]

I get the point you are trying to make, but if so those players are really selfish and they don't have the club they are currently playing for at heart. They had to wait until they are relegated before bringing out their best performance, so that other clubs that are guaranteed to stay in the top flight can come for them. That's a smart move but the question is had those players in those other clubs they are aiming to come for them put up such bad performance as they did with their club, would they have survived and stay up? One thing I am sure is that you can't convince a scout with a two or three match performances. They have to analyse your performance throughout the season before deciding to come for you or not.

That’s true to some extent, for me I think such Characters or players should be looked at, but sometimes the performance of the clubs already relegated do not only reflect on the players improving themselves but also the clubs playing against them usually just underestimate them since they are already relegated and that’s how they steal points off the big clubs during this period.

For the players yes you are right many of them were actually been scouted right from the first half of the season due to their impressive performance but individual performance doesn’t reflects on the entire team success that’s why there had work usually doesn’t save the club. For example this season Ipswich has Delap who has been excellent and is been targeted by Manchester United so even after the team got relegated he still needed to show his top performance to completely woe his suitors

It's so unfair that some of the relegated teams had to wait till almost the end of the season before they start performing well, it's a big slap to the coach since he receives all the blames and most times get sacked and start hoping to get signed by another club, I think players should start being held accountable for their poor performance cause I wonder why they couldn't do well when they had opportunity to and escape relegation.

 Well I understand that football is all about team work and not all players are thrash but when majority are not performing well it affect the ones that put efforts to make the team successful, just like the example you gave which is Delap, he didn't allow the teams awful performance affect his individual form and performance and the reward for that would be getting scouted and signed by a better team.

[yudi09]

The last matches of Week 37 are going to be played tonight.

• Manchester City - Bournemouth (this is the one people will care about)

Why? Because Guardiola must win this match to go back in top 5. A win here will help them rise up to the 3rd place. This will help them finish the task of joining the Champions League easier on the last week of the season.

For Bournemouth, if they are able to win against Manchester City, it no longer has an effect, such as pursuing a position to get into the European League because Bournemouth's total points are only 59 (won twice, including against Manchester City and Leicester City).
The total points of the team occupying the European League position are 65 points occupied by Nottingham Forest and the total 65 points belong to Nottingham until the 37th match.

Nevertheless, the Manchester City vs Bournemouth match is a match that can determine the success of Pep Guardiola and Manchester City as a team that already has a big name and the value of this match also determines whether Manchester City will play in the Champion League next season. Other than that I don't think it has any value.

[ILuckyGuyI]

Crystal palace won Manchester city In the FA cup and it's something that's throwing me off, is Manchester city that bad now? They couldn't score a single goal, this isn't what Manchester city used to be. They were the best in a lot of football seasons and have dominated a lot of clubs in the EPL but right now I don't know what their problem is currently...I hope that they get better next football seasons

Manchester City are really that bad this season. I mean they played the middle season really badly. That ended their hopes of winning the PL. Later we saw the FA Cup trophy slipping away.

Every big club can have this kind of bad times sometimes of course. I think Guardiola will come back stronger next season.

Very tough games, and they will be tougher now that City lost the FA Cup final, i am sure the players will be dispirited and Pep would have to choose the right words to lift them again for the remaining two games. If City fail to qualify for the CL, it will cap off their terrible season and it could prolly affect their transfer business in the summer, every great player wants to play in the CL and they would want to move to a team that can offer that.

In fact, not that tough games anymore.    That's why I said I'd have a good laugh if they fail. Bournemouth and Fulham both have nothing to achieve now. Not a European competition target or so. Manchester City shouldn't fail in any of these games.

[skarais]

~~~

For Bournemouth, if they are able to win against Manchester City, it no longer has an effect, such as pursuing a position to get into the European League because Bournemouth's total points are only 59 (won twice, including against Manchester City and Leicester City).
The total points of the team occupying the European League position are 65 points occupied by Nottingham Forest and the total 65 points belong to Nottingham until the 37th match.

Nevertheless, the Manchester City vs Bournemouth match is a match that can determine the success of Pep Guardiola and Manchester City as a team that already has a big name and the value of this match also determines whether Manchester City will play in the Champion League next season. Other than that I don't think it has any value.

Manchester City are worried about dropping points again in the match against Bournemouth, but I agree that Manchester City are the favorites to win the match. Pep Guardiola must instruct his players to give their best and win the match, so that Manchester City will increase their chances of being safe in the Champions League zone.

I don't know what will motivate Bournemouth to stop Manchester City, but even if they win there is nothing that will get them into the Europa League. Bournemouth will certainly not feel pressured into this game, while Manchester City will be playing under pressure. Pep Guardiola's main objective is to qualify for next season's Champions League, but they need to secure 6 points from their remaining 2 games.

[LGD2Business]

Manchester City must win this game. That's what Pep said after they lost the FA Cup final. They need to win both league games to qualify for the Champions League. That's what they are focused on. Bournemouth have no claim in the league. I think they will have a motivation problem in this game. Manchester City are totally focused on winning this game. I think Manchester City, who have had goal problems in recent matches, will win this match by scoring at least 2 goals.

[Callido]

The last matches of Week 37 are going to be played tonight.

• Crystal Palace - Wolves (nobody cares as both have no target to achieve  )

• Manchester City - Bournemouth (this is the one people will care about)

Why? Because Guardiola must win this match to go back in top 5. A win here will help them rise up to the 3rd place. This will help them finish the task of joining the Champions League easier on the last week of the season.

I guess they'd beat Fulham away too after that to finish it.

City has to watch out for Bournemouth because even though Bournemouth is to fighting for a European place in the league they are a very good side when going against big opposition like Manchester City so city should take this game with all level of seriousness and should not underestimate Bournemouth because doing what happened to city in the fa cup is like to repeat but citu has to get all three points going into the last match day

Bournemouth is a team you just have to expect some fascinating moments, their performance comes and goes, especially against big teams. Bournemouth drew Chelsea, won Newcastle also defeated Nottingham Forest, they stand a likelihood of making tonight's game tough for Man City. I'm not going to underestimate the home side competing for the Champions League spot, i give them the honor of delivering all three points in this game.

[Velvet78]

I assume the toughest game to predict on the final week will be Forest - Chelsea.    Because both of them are still in the competition for a Champions League spot. Chelsea are one step ahead though.

I saw Chelsea being given over 2.00 odds for the win. Considering they also need to win, I think it could be given a chance. Forest are in worse shape recently. Chelsea should be better to handle this kind of critical moments.

[Adbitco]

In fact, not that tough games anymore.    That's why I said I'd have a good laugh if they fail. Bournemouth and Fulham both have nothing to achieve now. Not a European competition target or so. Manchester City shouldn't fail in any of these games.

As bad as it may seem for Manchester City they still have the upper hand against Aston Villa as it stands if they can get 4 points from their remaining two games, a win and a draw or a draw and a win, which will be 4 points will be enough for them to be in 5th position at least. Aston Villa has 66 points with a game left while City has 65 points with two games left. The interesting part now is, City has 15 more goals than Aston Villa and there's no way Aston Villa can score 15 goals in one game. Manchester City needs at least 4 points from their remaining two games, unless they mess it up then it's their own loss.

[makishart]

I assume the toughest game to predict on the final week will be Forest - Chelsea.    Because both of them are still in the competition for a Champions League spot. Chelsea are one step ahead though.

I saw Chelsea being given over 2.00 odds for the win. Considering they also need to win, I think it could be given a chance. Forest are in worse shape recently. Chelsea should be better to handle this kind of critical moments.

Chelsea - Forest have to be the final match to get one UCL spot. I'll take safe bet for myself, which is btts. Not a fan to bet on one team, and seem both clubs to scores each other.
IMO, Chelsea a bit stronger than Forest considering how Forest has fallen. Blues can have greater chance as long as no more experiment come from Chelsea. 2.00 looks so damn big for Chelsea, but they obviously have greater chance here.

Still waiting for the official line up. Enough to use it as a way to determine the best bet to be taken.