⚽ Premier League 2025/2026 Discussion Thread ⚽

[Mate2237]

Who is going to take the remaining CL spots after Liverpool and Arsenal? This is the question we are asking ourselves lately.

I see Newcastle as a clear favourite for one of those spots. No matter they lost to Aston Villa like that I don't think they will lose their focus. Manchester City would also squeeze through thanks to having a high quality squad. In this case there is only 1 spot left... For that place, I'm hesitant between Forest and Aston Villa. I mean Emery's team are in much better condition now. But will Nuno Espírito Santo just give up that easy? 

Yeah, I'm also ruling out Chelsea. 

It feels to me third spot is reserved for City, while 4th and 5th are the remaining spots available at this moment. There are a few teams competed for those two spots.  My prediction says Chelsea and Newcastle are gonna secure their spots for UCL.
Villa is good, but putting their chance to be a big lower than Chelsea and Newcastle.

I'm ruling out Nottingham from UCL spot competitions as they're running out of fuel now.

ruling out Forest the most consistent team in the premier League this season is not a good one tell me you're joking about it because with all that Forest has done you are saying that they are running out of fuel did you see there game against Tottenham yesterday that is a team that is serious with their performance so forest is making it to the champions League next season.


Chelsea that you are saying that has more chances of qualifying for the champions League is around 6th thesame points with Aston Villa which is in 7th place so this weekend it likely that they are going down the more if they don't win their game because every week Chelsea has to struggle to win games

[Adbitco]

Manchester City started off their season so badly but what brought them up to the position they're currently sitting isn't just that they're lucky, but after they crashed out of the champions league competition they step up their games knowing fully well that if they don't do well to qualify there is no hope for them qualifying for the EUFA champions league next seasin so they began to take up necessary points and have been wining their Premier League games since unlike Chelsea.

I'm not even sure you know exactly what you're typing or you think most people here don't actually follow the games across the leagues? I wonder how exactly you came up with the notion that Manchester City started off this season so badly or you think we don't check records?
Manchester City started off this season by winning the Community shield against Manchester United and started the League with a win over Chelsea, Ipswich, West Ham, Brentford, a draw against Arsenal and Newcastle . Won Fulham, Wolves and Southampton before they had the first league loss of the season. How can a team that secured 23 points out of 27 points in 9 games have a bad start to the season?

In fact, Manchester City started the season with their good performance and even looked like they were ready to defend the title. But the problem occurred after several matches, yes they had problems with key player injuries so that affected them.

And the impact is quite long because they have not been able to return to their best game, one of which is they lost their touch in the midfield and also the front line, not to mention the back line which they did not experience in the previous season. If we look at their goal record and compare it to the previous season, we will see a significant difference.

Yeah, with the way they started and was at the summit of the league back then in August/September, not just being in the summit, they were winning games convincingly and Haaland looked like he was again going to run away with the golden boot trophy and Manchester City on their own was going to defend the title and further break their own record and reset it again. So I thought and if I'm not mistaken, some people thought so too, them boom the inevitable started happening, series of losses and the decline began, most of us thought it was a fluck and they would bounce back sooner but it even became worse. I just hope they fix it after this season.

[SmartCharpa]

Nice to see Burnely and Leeds come back to the PremierLeague they dont deserve to fall into relegation the last seasons, they try always to play a good football, and they were not in defensive mode all the games, is quite healthy for the league to replace teams like this Southampton and Leicester with this two.

In the other hand, what a disaster season for Spurs.

Congratulations to Burnley and Leeds for returning to the Premier League for the next season. Burnley was the only team from previous season's relegated teams to return to the Premier League. I think Leeds were relegated in the previous two seasons with Norwich and other clubs, but that doesn't matter right now. Leeds is finally back in the Premier League after losing against Southampton last season. I wish Leeds could have been promoted last season since Southampton is worse this season.

However, Southampton must improve the squad when they return to the Championship, they have just 2 wins, 5 draws, and 26 defeats since being promoted to the Premier League, with (-54) goals. I don't think they can survive in the championship with this performance since it is very poor and cannot help them in any way, the same as Leicester City, who won the title last season.

[pawel7777]

Man City 2-1 Aston Villa

Big win by Man City. The winning goal was scored in the stoppage time, but the City fully deserved that win.
This was the only match of round 34, the rest to be played tomorrow. The pressure is on for Nottm Forest, Newcastle, and most of all, for Chelsea, who are now outside of the top 5 (the Champions League zone) with two points behind.

Chelsea is playing Everton at home and are a clear favourite, but Everton have proven they are capable of stealing points from better teams, so nothing is certain.

[Antotena]

Man City 2-1 Aston Villa

Big win by Man City. The winning goal was scored in the stoppage time, but the City fully deserved that win.
This was the only match of round 34, the rest to be played tomorrow. The pressure is on for Nottm Forest, Newcastle, and most of all, for Chelsea, who are now outside of the top 5 (the Champions League zone) with two points behind.

Chelsea is playing Everton at home and are a clear favourite, but Everton have proven they are capable of stealing points from better teams, so nothing is certain.

How fast Manchester City went back to to the top of the table staying at the third place, very lucky I must say even though they dominate the game, Aston Villa were relentless in this game but I expected Manchester City to win this game since it's in their home Etihad and most importantly, Manchester City will do anything to finish the season among the top 4 otherwise it will be a catastrophe failure on Guardiola end as one the best to not qualifying to Champions League later.

I almost forget Aston Villa are playing in the Premier League because they seems to be that tough team that gave it all in the Champions League but couldn't do better in the same domestic league that brought them here in the first place. I even expected them to win this match since they are no longer in Champions League after eleminited from there, their focus should be how they can get a place for next season but they are not unbothered about it.

[KingsDen]

Man City 2-1 Aston Villa

Big win by Man City. The winning goal was scored in the stoppage time, but the City fully deserved that win.
This was the only match of round 34, the rest to be played tomorrow. The pressure is on for Nottm Forest, Newcastle, and most of all, for Chelsea, who are now outside of the top 5 (the Champions League zone) with two points behind.

Chelsea is playing Everton at home and are a clear favourite, but Everton have proven they are capable of stealing points from better teams, so nothing is certain.

Although I had earlier predicted that Manchester city will make top 4 of the English Premier League this season, but in tonight's match, I really needed Aston Villa to win. They actually need to try again in the champions league as the one they appeared after several years was a success upto the quarter finals. Aston Villa deserves a slot.

There might be many new names as Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest are still much in the race.

[Pokapoka124]

Liverpool didn't take their foot of the gas all season long to win this early and they are going to be crowned champions as early as April, which goes to show how dominant they were all year long. Normally you do not see this many changes this quickly but this time we have seen them do very well. If Liverpool ends up being champions this early, then the question remains, how are they going to be next season?

We all know Trent Alexander Arnold is gone, VVD and Salah signed a new contract but that doesn't mean we are going to see them play as good, why? Because they are given a new contract and it took a while for them to get it so they may not have the motivation to be as good. If we are going to see them play well, then maybe they can win again? Depends on how other teams play of course, so it's a very important deal.

Liverpool have been very impressive this season, they had the potential of achieving a treble this season but could not fulfill that goal. Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League, FA Cup and losing in the finals of the Carabao Cup. They deserve to win the league title because they have put in work and determination towards it.

[LGD2Business]

Manchester City scored in the 90+4th minute. It was an incredible end to the game. Doku firstly with a dribble, then with an assist at the back post. Pep rejoiced as if they were champions. The Aston Villa game was expected to be very tough, they managed to win it. They're probably very sad about their losses during the season.
By the way, I think the penalty was very simple, but Ruben should have paid more attention. Such mistakes by defenders can be very costly. Today City dodged a bullet.

[Pokapoka124]

Leeds United
Burnly

Congratulations to them for making sure to return to the EPL.  After only 2 matches left, these 2 teams were sure to be unstoppable, so they were guaranteed promotion to the EPL. Meanwhile, 1 other team is still waiting for the paly off match. This match will be played by the teams in third to sixth place in the Championship. Who will qualify with the two of them? Currently there are Sheffild United, Sunderland,
Bristol, and Coventry.

Source: https://www.premierleague.com/news/4292600

Congratulations to Leeds United and Burney! I love their determination, some other teams will get relegated and decline further that they cannot return to the Premier League in the next four years but they have put in work and determination to return to the EPL next season. For the 3rd position I think Sheffield United have what it takes to achieve it and they will.

[dzonikg28]

Man City 2-1 Aston Villa

Big win by Man City. The winning goal was scored in the stoppage time, but the City fully deserved that win.
This was the only match of round 34, the rest to be played tomorrow. The pressure is on for Nottm Forest, Newcastle, and most of all, for Chelsea, who are now outside of the top 5 (the Champions League zone) with two points behind.

Chelsea is playing Everton at home and are a clear favourite, but Everton have proven they are capable of stealing points from better teams, so nothing is certain.

Although I had earlier predicted that Manchester city will make top 4 of the English Premier League this season, but in tonight's match, I really needed Aston Villa to win. They actually need to try again in the champions league as the one they appeared after several years was a success upto the quarter finals. Aston Villa deserves a slot.

There might be many new names as Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest are still much in the race.

I had a feeling that Manchester City wouldn't let this one go. They failed in so many instances and it is of course never happening deliberately, but I think this was probably the most important game of the season apart from any games in the Champions League.

Aston Villa has had a remarkable run in their home stadium, but they are not that good if they don't play at home. They are still strong enough to beat a team like Manchester City that already got knocked out a couple times this season, but they haven't been beaten in a while now.

They still haven't reached their minimu goal, which is Champions League qualification (who would have thought someone will ever say that), but this game was crucial and a loss would have gotten them into deeper trouble than they are already in.

[Amphenomenon]

Although I had earlier predicted that Manchester city will make top 4 of the English Premier League this season, but in tonight's match,

Pep Guardiola and his men were happy for their win tonight especially after thinking the match would have ended in a 1- 1 draw before their extra time win.

I really needed Aston Villa to win. They actually need to try again in the champions league as the one they appeared after several years was a success upto the quarter finals. Aston Villa deserves a slot.

There might be many new names as Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest are still much in the race.

Aston villa did well this season in the Champions League and I understand why anyone would want to see them next season there again but to be honest, I think if they can qualify for the Europa League it would be better for them, since they would more likely win that trophy and finally lift a European trophy after so many years.

With their performance this season in the Champions League, defeating Bayern Munich and PSG at home, it shows that they would not really have top opposition in the Europa League in order to lift the trophy, if they can be consistent.

[Franctoshi]

Man City 2-1 Aston Villa

Big win by Man City. The winning goal was scored in the stoppage time, but the City fully deserved that win.
This was the only match of round 34, the rest to be played tomorrow. The pressure is on for Nottm Forest, Newcastle, and most of all, for Chelsea, who are now outside of the top 5 (the Champions League zone) with two points behind.

Chelsea is playing Everton at home and are a clear favourite, but Everton have proven they are capable of stealing points from better teams, so nothing is certain.

Manchester City is resistedly paving their way to the Champions league by trying to secure the 5th spot in the Premier League table, whereas the situation has become more tougher for Chelsea now to qualify after Nottingham Forest trashed Tottenham Hotspur in encounter yesterday, which could have kept Chelsea in the 5th place if it happens that Nottingham were unable to defeat Tottenham Hotspur. So, most likely that Chelsea have lost their spot by not being able to win their previous to matches before their last weekend game.

As it stands so, City will never give Chelsea that chance to climb ahead of them.

[kawetsriyanto]

Man City 2-1 Aston Villa

Big win by Man City. The winning goal was scored in the stoppage time, but the City fully deserved that win.
This was the only match of round 34, the rest to be played tomorrow. The pressure is on for Nottm Forest, Newcastle, and most of all, for Chelsea, who are now outside of the top 5 (the Champions League zone) with two points behind.

It isn't a big win, Man City only won the match with a narrow score. True, Man City scored the winning goal in injury time. 

Man City deserves to win the match, they really dominated the match. I don't know why Aston Villa performed rather badly in this match, I saw unfamiliar starting lineup. Emery put Watkins, Asensio, and Donyell Malen on the bench. IMO, these players performed quit well for Aston Villa recently, it is just surprising to see them on the bench. 

Man City is in the top 3 now. But Nottm Forest, Newcastle, and Chelsea still can overtake Man City again. It surely depends on the result of the next matches.

Chelsea is playing Everton at home and are a clear favourite, but Everton have proven they are capable of stealing points from better teams, so nothing is certain.

I see no reason that Everton can defeat Chelsea in this match. Although it is not impossible that Everton can steal points but I am optimistic that Chelsea can get full points in this match.

[Oluwa-btc]

Who is going to take the remaining CL spots after Liverpool and Arsenal? This is the question we are asking ourselves lately.

I see Newcastle as a clear favourite for one of those spots. No matter they lost to Aston Villa like that I don't think they will lose their focus. Manchester City would also squeeze through thanks to having a high quality squad. In this case there is only 1 spot left... For that place, I'm hesitant between Forest and Aston Villa. I mean Emery's team are in much better condition now. But will Nuno Espírito Santo just give up that easy? 

Yeah, I'm also ruling out Chelsea. 

It all depends on the next fm5 fixtures you get me? Nottingham Forest would scale through they have fixtures they should win if they're focused  the only major threat comes from Chelsea.  Seemed scary before now but Pep Guardiola and his side will make it to another Champions League football competition. I fear more for clubs like Newcastle and Chelsea and Aston Villa. Newcastle could make it,  I see it's toughest for Chelsea amongst these three. The swith in morale with these Chelsea squad blows my mind,  they need to wise their ass up.

[mamesso]

~Snip~

It all depends on the next fm5 fixtures you get me? Nottingham Forest would scale through they have fixtures they should win if they're focused  the only major threat comes from Chelsea.  Seemed scary before now but Pep Guardiola and his side will make it to another Champions League football competition. I fear more for clubs like Newcastle and Chelsea and Aston Villa. Newcastle could make it,  I see it's toughest for Chelsea amongst these three. The swith in morale with these Chelsea squad blows my mind,  they need to wise their ass up.

Nottingham are having a fantastic season in the EPL, their impressive form throughout the season has put them in an elite position in the league table. Several big teams have fallen victim to their ferocity, Tottenham and Man United were defeated in two meetings in the EPL, Liverpool were also humiliated at Anfield and Man City had to go home empty-handed after losing 1-0 at Nottingham.
They just need to maintain their performance in the last 5 matches to secure their position in the top 5, if this scenario happens, then Chelsea's chances of qualifying for the UCL next season are very small.

[Velvet78]

It all depends on the next fm5 fixtures you get me? Nottingham Forest would scale through they have fixtures they should win if they're focused  the only major threat comes from Chelsea.  Seemed scary before now but Pep Guardiola and his side will make it to another Champions League football competition. I fear more for clubs like Newcastle and Chelsea and Aston Villa. Newcastle could make it,  I see it's toughest for Chelsea amongst these three. The swith in morale with these Chelsea squad blows my mind,  they need to wise their ass up.

Nice image showing this fight clearly. Thanks for sharing. 

Chelsea are lucky to preserve the 6th position with the same points as Aston Villa this week. Manchester City played a really tough game home but still managed to beat Emery's students by a last minute goal.

When it comes to your comment on Forest yeah, Chelsea seems like the most serious threat. But it is on paper so let's see. If they continue to keep winning again they will prove me wrong about them not to finish in top 5.

[X-ray]

Chelsea are lucky to preserve the 6th position with the same points as Aston Villa this week. Manchester City played a really tough game home but still managed to beat Emery's students by a last minute goal.

When it comes to your comment on Forest yeah, Chelsea seems like the most serious threat. But it is on paper so let's see. If they continue to keep winning again they will prove me wrong about them not to finish in top 5.

Chelsea were not lucky enough with their current position. They might be a bit lucky after Villa missed points, but they should be at the 3rd. They missed too many points against weak teams, and have only hard fixtures to come until the end of season.

I'm totally doubting them in grabbing a spot to play in UCL next season. They may be playing for the Europa League if they always rely upon their luck to win the game. I identify them, Villa and Nottingham to compete for the 5th spot of UCL.

[Volgastallion]

Chelsea and Aston Villa have by far the worst fixture ahead, Newcastle have some other very dificult matches but not that bad.

I dont know how this is gonna end, City with the win from yesterday against Villa took a long breath and they can know think in a more proper way, the pressure for the team has decrease a lot, but they cant rest at all, they still need some points to clinch the champions League spot.

[ILuckyGuyI]

Chelsea and Aston Villa have by far the worst fixture ahead, Newcastle have some other very dificult matches but not that bad.

I dont know how this is gonna end, City with the win from yesterday against Villa took a long breath and they can know think in a more proper way, the pressure for the team has decrease a lot, but they cant rest at all, they still need some points to clinch the champions League spot.

I didn't know about that before. Those games look really tough ones.    I doubt Chelsea more than Aston Villa to survive such fixture honestly.

And I'm saying this because of an unreliable performance by Chelsea lately. One shouldn't be misled by their win vs Fulham for example. It was a really hard comeback...

I expect Manchester City and Newcastle to finish in top 5. But hard to guess the last one.

[WatChe]

After losing 2 times in a row, Nottingham Forest finally returned to winning ways by beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1. There are only a few matches left, so I hope Nottingham Forest can maintain their position in third place until the season really ends. And besides, Nottingham Forest still has a match schedule in the FA Cup, they managed to reach the semifinals and their opponent is Manchester City, hopefully Nottingham Forest gets the best results.

And regarding Tottenham Hotspur, they have really performed badly this season. And seeing how Spurs are currently performing, in their last 5 matches they have only been able to win one match, it is likely that in the following week their position will drop again because apart from the point difference with West Ham being quite thin, only one point, but in the following week Tottenham Hotspur will face a fairly tough opponent, Liverpool, so there is a possibility that Tottenham Hotspur will lose points again in that match.

Manchester city has replaced Nottingham Forest at number 3rd position, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United have played one game less compared to Manchester United. Both Nottingham Forest and Nescastle can improve there rankings if they win there next games. A loss at this crucial phase of EPL means the club is not going for next champions league. After losing to Man City, Aston Villa now need to win all of there remaining matches so that they might have the chance to qualify for UCL.