The Premier League Season ends this Sunday with the relegation dogfight front and centre, all three protagonists are on tv with Sky showing the Everton & Leicester games while BT Sport will be at Leeds. Aston Villa are also on Sky as they look to qualify for the Europa Conference League. This weeks preview is the Clubs Award edition with the Player of the Year (Top Boy), Most Promising Player (Looking Good) and Worst Player (Get out of My Club) awards handed out. Enjoy the preview and the football this Sunday:
Arsenal v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Arsenal
Top Boy – Martin Odergaard
Early in the season it looked like Saka would win this honour but his form has faded the last two months while Odergaard has maintained his influence on the team. We are finally seeing why Real Madrid bought him when just 16.
Looking Good – Reiss Nelson
Injuries and trust issues by Mikael Arteta cost him chances this season but since he scored the late winner versus Bournemouth he has seen more minutes, always looks a threat.
Get out of My Club – Rob Holding
Unfairly blamed by the media for the poor results in April but what is clear he is not good enough for a top four side.
Wolves
Top Boy – Ruben Neves
The heartbeat of the team and the one player who struck fear in the opposition this year, his final season was his best in the gold.
Looking Good – Hugo Bruno
Moulineux has been a dark place this season but the promotion to the first team for the young Spaniard has been a bright spark, industrious and energetic from left back.
Get out of My Club – Nathan Collins
Terrible last year for Burnley and somehow earned a move to Wolves, the Championship is the level he should be playing at but the wages are a issue, multiple loans during the course of his contract seem very likely.
PL Fixture Icons
Thierry Henry – The first top flight encounter between these clubs took place in December 2003 at Highbury, the home side swept past (3-0) Wolves. Arsenals record goalscorer helped himself to a brace, not many teams in the noughties could stop him!
Pedro Neto – Wolves only victory away at Arsenal came in November 2020 (1-2) and the win was marred by the horrific injury to Raul Jimenez. Neto grabbed the first goal after 27 minutes and his career has not kicked on over the last few years, big clubs were interested but recurring knee injuries have curtailed his progress.
Game Narrative
Wolves have conceded eight goals and scored none during their last two away games, it’s very hard to see that form improving. Arsenal will want to put on a show for the home fans to celebrate a excellent season.
The One to Watch – Daniel Podence
The nippy forward will without a doubt cause Gabriel issues with his movement, the dilemma will be how often he has possession of the ball.
Aston Villa v Brighton & Hove Albion
Aston Villa
Top Boy – Douglas Luiz
The promise has been fulfilled this season, sublime in possession, dynamic when tackling and becoming one of the best set piece takers in Europe.
Looking Good – Ollie Watkins
His performances since joining Villa have earned him a England call up but this year he progressed to a new level by establishing himself as a central striker. If this form continues he will be a serious contender for Euro 2024.
Get out of My Club – Ashley Young
It’s always been hard to watch Young play due to his awful attitude but this year age has caught up with him and when selected he has been a hindrance to his team.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Top Boy – Pervis Estupinan
Consistent performer, who doesn’t grab the headlines like Mitoma, MacAllister and Caicedo but has ensured Brightons left hand side is avoided by opponents.
Looking Good – Evan Ferguson
Not sure what he does outside of the penalty area but the boy can score, it seems right now he could become one of the top strikers in the Premier League.
Get out of My Club – Tariq Lamptey
A few years ago his path to the top seemed smooth but now midfielders are picked to play right back over him, the writing is on the wall!
PL Fixture Icons
Matt Targett – Four minutes into injury time back in October 2019, the left back scored the winner at Villa Park (2-1). Targett now at Newcastle has barely played this season as Eddie Howe preferred centre back Dan Burn out on the left, it feels like his top flight days are coming to a end.
Solly March – Brightons first away win over Villa came in November 2020 (1-2) and current player March scored the winner. Injury has ended his season and he never got a chance to redeem himself after the FA Cup Semi Final penalty miss.
Game Narrative
All the emphasis is on Aston Villa to win so they secure European football next season, the tactics will be spot on from Emery but the execution by the players is the question mark. Brighton are secure in their league position but full of hungry young players, any gaps left by the hosts will be punished by the Seagulls. If Spurs and Brentford’s score lines are positive and reach the players, anxiety could be the key narrative.
The One to Watch – Facundo Buonanotte
Eighteen years old and it shows how he plays with no care in the world but apart from the youthful confidence he has the skills to pay the bills. His touch is first rate and looks effortless when gliding past defenders.
Brentford v Manchester City
Brentford
Top Boy – Ben Mee
The best value transfer of the season, signed on a free from Burnley it was expected he would be a good squad player but has far exceeded expectations. Mee should be in the England squad considering Harry Maguire is still selected.
Looking Good – Mathias Jensen
Fans were calling for him to leave this time last year but this season he has taken on Eriksens creative role and proven a asset with his long throws.
Get out of My Club – Josh DaSilva
This one hurts as he is such a talented footballer with the ball but his out of possession traits cause Brentford issues, this summer maybe a time to cash in on him.
City
Top Boy – Erling Haaland
The Premier Leagues Top Scorer has enabled City to become the complete team, the treble seems a certainty.
Looking Good – Jack Grealish
Prior to the World Cup Grealish was still struggling to command a starting spot, then once domestic football resumed something clicked for him.
Get out of My Club – Joao Cancelo
The Portuguese international is still technically a City player and the one time fan favourite is not wanted by the fans anymore. Prior to the loan move his attitude stunk and without him the team has rose to new performance levels.
Fixture Icons
Before Brentford were promoted to the Premier League in 2021 they had not faced Manchester City in the league since March 1951. The game was at Griffin Park and the hosts won 2 nil with Fred Monk (penalty) and Billy Sperrin scoring the goals.
Game Narrative
Whoever Pep selects on Sunday will follow the City way, the emphasis rests on Brentford to disrupt the passing flow and in their home be the alpha male. Qualifying for Europe is a possibility if results go the bees way but also they can achieve the double over the champs, the stands will be buzzing and this is a sneaky good game possibly.
The One to Watch – Kevin Schade
It’s the time for the young German to grab his first Brentford goal and if Kyle Walker is playing the foot race between the two will be amazing to watch.
Chelsea v Newcastle United
Chelsea
Top Boy – Thiago Silva
Silva is 38 years old and has played 34 league games this season, he is a Rolls Royce of a defender, it’s a shame he didn’t come to play in England sooner.
Looking Good – Conor Gallagher
Underrated by his club and country but the fact of the matter is he’s one of the most promising midfielders in Europe, with his energy and tidy ball skills he always makes his mark on games.
Get out of My Club – Christian Pulisic
Always injured, cannot play in one position at a high enough level and wasteful when he makes it on the pitch, cashing in on the American seems very likely.
Newcastle United
Top Boy – Kieran Trippier
The captain does not just wear the armband he is the architect of anything positive the team does on the field, the best signing of the new era has created the winning culture.
Looking Good – Aleksandar Isak
The clubs record signing took his time to settle in but now proving why he cost so much, next season promises to be massive for him.
Get out of My Club – Anthony Gordon
Jacob Murphy and Joe Willock have outperformed the former Everton man, it doesn’t look good going forward for him either as the club will be shopping for full internationals in his position.
PL Fixture Icons
Dan Petrescu – The Romanian utility player was mainly used at right back but he was on hand to cover any absences elsewhere on the pitch when required. He scored the only goal in December 1995 just before half time (1-0) against Newcastle to give the Stamford Bridge faithful a happy Saturday.
Papiss Cisse – Wednesday 2nd May 2012 is a special date in this fixture, it was the first and only time Newcastle left Stamford Bridge with three points. It was all due to Cisses brace (0-2) with the second goal a gem, no way any player should be shooting where he did.
Game Narrative
This promises to be a tough watch for supporters, both clubs seasons are over and the availability of numerous key players is up in the air. Goals may flow but more due to the standard of talent than excellence.
The One to Watch – Ruben Loftus-Cheek
It’s widely rumoured Ruben will be leaving this summer, it will be fitting if he plays Sunday and puts on a show. He has been at the club since he was eight years old and now needs to go somewhere where he will be considered one of the first names on the team sheet.
Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest
Crystal Palace
Top Boy – Marc Guehi
Solely picked due to playing more games than his teammates, fundamentally struggles but tries every week which should be commended.
Looking Good – Eberechi Eze
Surprisingly selected by England as Southgate usually asks for a larger body of work but the talent is there. Roy Hodgson has shown belief and Selhurst Park is reaping the rewards.
Get out of My Club – Joachim Andersen
Treats every game like a UFC fight, once Palace recruit another centre back he will be the one who is dropped and his ego will lead to him wanting to leave, at that point the fans will realise how bad he is!
Forest
Top Boy – Brennan Johnson
All the media love right now is aimed towards Morgan Gibbs-White but the man Forest relied upon all season has been Johnson, without his goals and presence they would have been relegated.
Looking Good – Taiwo Awoniyi
This guy is so strong and which shocked me knows where the goal is too, if he can stay fit for a whole season then he will win the top title next year.
Get out of My Club – Jonjo Shelvey
Reportedly had a training ground fight with Steve Cooper and not played since, during that time the team achieved PL safety. The board will be trying to work out how they wiggle out of his two year contract.
PL Fixture Icons
Sundays meeting will be the third time these clubs have met at Selhurst Park, Forest hold the upper hand with a win in April 1995 (1-2) while the first meeting in 1992 was a draw (1-1). The Forest hero’s in 1995 were Bryan Roy and former Palace player Stan Collymore.
Game Narrative
The pressure is off both teams and it’s very likely squad players will be on show at Selhurst Park. The best young players for both clubs Eze, Gibbs-White and Olise have hectic summers with international games looming, the fans could be robbed of their presence Sunday, which could mean this is a very boring game.
The One to Watch – Odsonne Edouard
He scored two goals on his debut in 2021 coming off the bench but has flattered to deceive since, with two years left on his deal it maybe time to cash in on him, his value will only drop going forward. Sunday could be a showcase occasion for the Frenchman.
Everton v Bournemouth
Everton
Top Boy – Alex Iwobi
This season has been a breakthrough one for Iwobi, he has been given the chance to show he is not just pacy, strong footballer but one who can create via a killer pass or cross.
Looking Good – Amadou Onana
The Belgian looks unstoppable at time but needs to refine his final third skillset, without a doubt he will become a top player in time.
Get out of My Club – Neal Maupay
The move to Everton has been a disaster and it wouldn’t be a surprise wherever he goes next he performs well, sometimes a relationship just doesn’t work whatever you try.
Bournemouth
Top Boy – Phillip Billing
The complete midfielder is the jewel in the crown for Bournemouth and undoubtedly the player who opponents look to disrupt first. Without his workrate, astute passing and goals the Cherries may have gone down.
Looking Good – Dominic Solanke
At times this season we have seen glimpses of the player who won the Golden Ball at the Under 20 World Cup in 2017.
Get out of My Club – Lloyd Kelly
Outstanding in the Championship but the club captain found it tough in the Premier League, with the new owners looking to invest further this summer he will fall further down the pecking order.
PL Fixture Icons
Tom Cleverley – The former Manchester United trainee had one of his best days in a blue shirt in April 2016 as he scored the opener and assisted the winner (2-1). Cleverleys contract at Watford is expiring this summer and it’s likely he will be looking for a new club, suitors maybe hard to find for a 33 year old used to PL wages.
Bournemouth have only won once at Goodison Park and it was the last time they played there in July 2020 (1-3), the goal scorers were Joshua King, Dominic Solanke and Junior Stanislas. The victory didn’t prevent relegation and if they win this time it will be their opponents going down.
Game Narrative
The game will not be won in the first fifteen minutes but the hosts will look to set the tempo from kick off by hassling Bournemouth in possession and if a goal is scored they will gladly accept. Set pieces are key as always for Everton but doubly so Sunday as the visitors are very poor defending them. Survival is in The Toffees hands and if they cannot perform against a on the beach Cherries they deserve to go down.
The One to Watch – Demarai Gray
It’s very likely the winger will play down the middle due to Calvert Lewins absence, he has shown this season he can admirably perform as the number nine and his ball progression will be vital in maintaining pressure on Bournemouths defence.
Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur
Leeds United
Top Boy – Rodrigo
The clubs top scorer has been the one bright spark within a terrible campaign, always seems like he will score.
Looking Good – Wilfried Gnonto
Tremendously talented winger, on his day leaves fullbacks crying but too often has struggled to impact matches but that’s due to Leeds being so poor and not able to feed him the ball in the right areas.
Get out of My Club – Illan Mesler
Looks so out of his depth and in a way the club done him wrong but continuing to select him, when it was clear performing in the Premier League was too much for the young keeper. Dealing with crosses was his kryptonite and opponents feasted off that weakness.
Spurs
Top Boy – Harry Kane
Quite simply without his goals Tottenham would have been like Chelsea this season, the England captain has ensured Spurs maintained a top half finish.
Looking Good – Emerson Royal
We all scoffed at him when the stories came out about how much he spent on private training but that dedication to become the best he can be has been fruitful during the second half of the season.
Get out of My Club – Hugo Lloris
It’s shocking how quickly a sportsman’s powers can vanish due to age and the Frenchman is without a doubt a shadow of the keeper he once was.
PL Fixture Icons
Eric Cantona – When you have scored a hat trick and assisted another goal in a fixture, you are bestowed legendary icon status, Cantona did just that in August 1992 (5-0). Not long after that feat he left Elland Road.
Teddy Sheringham – Sheringham was a double threat, deadly in front of the goal but also a master assister. Just prior to EURO96 in May of that year he showcased the skills which would make him Alan Shearers right had man by setting up all three goals (1-3), the recipients of his passing were Chris Armstrong and Darren Anderton (2).
Game Narrative
Leeds have proven to all observers they are poor defending in general and now face Harry Kane who can score from no service at all. BT Sport viewers will see two nervous teams for differing reasons play in front of fans who will be constantly biting their nails. One thing for certain is this match will possess the most amount of drama among the three fighting for survival.
The One to Watch – Weston McKennie
The Americans long throw is almost like a quarterbacks Hail Mary play and he will chucking those in at every opportunity Sunday. With Tottenhams centre of defence porous those long bombs will be Leeds best chance of scoring.
Leicester City v West Ham United
Leicester City
Top Boy – James Maddison
The form he showed before the World Cup cemented his England squad spot and it must be related that his injuries this year have coincided with Leicesters awful performances and results.
Looking Good – Tete
The Brazilian started well but found the relegation dogfight difficult to navigate form wise, definitely has shown enough for Foxes fans to get excited about next year whatever division they are in.
Get out of My Club – Youri Tielemens
At one time the Belgian was linked with big money moves and it was shocking when they did not occur, seems now the issue was character based. Has shown no fight over the last few months, just going through the motions and the annoying factor for Leicester is when his contract expires he will still be playing in one of europes top divisions.
Hammers
Top Boy – Declan Rice
Every game he plays at nine out of ten levels minimum and will be sorely missed when he leaves, anything positive which happens involves Rice.
Looking Good – Lucas Paqueta
Even in February I was leaning towards him being in the “get out of my club” category, somehow he has flipped form 180 degrees and with Rice surely leaving should become the clubs franchise player.
Get out of My Club – Maxwell Cornet
Injuries have not helped but when he has made it onto the pitch he seems disengaged and uninterested, the exit door seems very likely.
PL Fixture Icons
Ian Marshall – Whether Marshall was playing centre back or striker he was a disruptor and made himself known to everyone in the stadium. October 1997 saw him playing striker and popping up with the winning goal inside the last ten minutes (2-1).
Julian Dicks – The Terminator copped a lot of abuse from opposing fans due to his look and way of playing but on the flip side meant he was loved by his supporters. February 1995 saw the left back score and assist to ensure his team won (1-2).
Game Narrative
The Leicester fans will not accept the same defensive stance executed away at Newcastle on Monday when facing West Ham, they need goals and wasting any time not penetrating or probing will see the support turn. It’s mindset rather than formation that will aid them Sunday. West Ham will field a strong side so the players remain in a structure before the Europa Confrence final on the 7th June.
The One to Watch – Harry Souttar
Imperious on his return to the team Monday night, he will need to play like that again versus West Ham and with his ability attacking dead balls could be the unlikely hero if he scores.
Manchester United v Fulham
United
Top Boy – Marcus Rashford
When Rashford runs with the ball it’s one of the most beautiful sights in English football, graceful but with purpose and this season he has rediscovered his goal touch.
Looking Good – Aaron Wan-Bissaka
The poster boy of a price tag weighing down a player and prior to the January transfer window the talk was he may go back to Palace on loan. This calendar year has shown he belongs at Old Trafford and is the heir apparent to Kyle Walkers role in the England squad.
Get out of My Club – Harry Maguire
Concentration is Maguire Achilles Heel, he’s guaranteed to make a error every game and has lost the trust of the manager and supporters. If they do not cash in on him this summer then his worth will drop even more dramatically by the next window.
Fulham
Top Boy – Palhinha
No one knew what to expect when he arrived but he left his mark instantly and consistently on any player he tackled, recording 45 more challenges than any other Premier League player. The glue which binds Fulham together, without him they struggle.
Looking Good – Antonee Robinson
Relies on his speed when defending but the most impressive factor of his season has been his crossing, it’s no surprise bigger clubs are looking at him.
Get out of My Club – Neeskens Kebano
Like a lot of players in this bracket they excel in the Championship but sink in the Premier League. Another issue for him is the playing style Marco Silva adopted this term, out of possession work is not what Kebano likes and Fulham thrived on it this term.
PL Fixture Icons
Fulham took the game to United when they visited Old Trafford for the first time in the Premier League in August 2001 but ultimately losing the game (3-2). Future Red Devil Louis Saha scored both goals for the visitors while Ruud Van Nistelrooij (2) and David Beckham made sure the hosts did not lose.
Game Narrative
United will surely be cautious with the FA Cup final looming next Saturday, Antony and Luke Shaw suffered injuries on Thursday night, they will need all hands on deck when taking on City at Wembley. Fulham’s motivation will be to redeem themselves after the events in the Cup game earlier this season, they played so well that day but their discipline let them down. As a spectacle it could be quite passive at times and in years to come could be the definition of final day football.
The One to Watch – Aleksandar Mitrovic
This season has been his best in the Premier League and he want to cap it off with one final goal, Old Trafford is not a bad place to do it.
Southampton v Liverpool
Southampton
Top Boy – James Ward-Prowse
He tried really hard to keep the Saints up but was let down by his teammates, coaches and owners. Anything positive achieved by Southampton has his finger prints on it!
Looking Good – Romeo Lavia
He will not be following Southampton into the Championship, all the big clubs want to recruit him. It’s not hard to see why, when he has played he leaves his mark on the midfield battle, one thing that needs to improve is his attacking involvement vis assists or goals.
Get out of My Club – Paul Onuacha
The team does not play to his strengths and with Russell Martin coming in , next seasons version will defiantly not want a tall target man with a poor touch.
Liverpool
Top Boy – Mo Salah
Numerous other attacking players have arrived but the Egyptian has maintained his grip on the marquee mantle at Anfield. Anything Liverpool does when in the attacking third involves Salah.
Looking Good – Darwin Nunez
Many pundits thought Nunez would out perform Haaland this season after the Community Shield but that was proven wromg quickly. The Uruguayan has not scored many goals related to the chances created but he is getting into those positions and this bodes well for a stellar second season.
Get out of My Club – Fabinho
Recruited to link the team together with his array of passing but he seems to prefer collecting yellow cards. The Brazilian slows down the midfield too often and seems very likely to be a victim of the squads rebuild.
PL Fixture Icons
The last match between these clubs at the Dell ended up three all and with this fixture going on hold for a season at least those attending Sunday would love a thriller like that again. Liverpool went three up via Michael Owen (2) and Sami Hyppia, Vladimir Smicer assisting every goal. The final seventeen minutes saw the home side come back thanks to Marian Pahars (2) and Tahar El-Khalej.
Game Narrative
It will be a sad day at St Mary’s and they will not want to lose but the players owe the supporters maximum effort. Going out in a blaze of glory should be the attitude especially as Liverpool can cut through you even when you sit back in a low block.
The One to Watch – James Ward-Prowse
This is the captains farewell performance and he want to sign off with a Roy of the Rovers type display.
Premier League Player Power Rankings
It will take a big final day display for the rankings to change but those in the top four all have it in their locker to perform at a level which could see it occur. Harry Kane especially loves a final day of the season goal, having equalled the record last year (9 goals) he will want to pull clear of Les Ferdinand & Andrew Cole:
- Martin Odergaard non mover
- Erling Haaland non mover
- Harry Kane non mover
- Mo Salah non mover
- Marcus Rashford non mover
- Kaoru Mitomo non mover
- Jack Grealish non mover
- Bakary Saka non mover
- Kevin de Bruyne non mover
- Moises Caicedo non mover
When watching matches this weekend remember the recently departed Tina Turner once said “I never said well I don’t have this and I don’t have that. I said I don’t have this this yet but I’m going to get it”. Once this final weekend finishes fans, players and management will be turning their attention to next season and what they are going to get.
