Nottingham Forest’s historic Champions League dream remains to be alive as they brace for a dramatic showdown in opposition to Chelsea, whereas Liverpool will lastly get their fingers on the Premier League trophy.
HT Picture
Because the English top-flight season involves an finish on Sunday, Forest and Chelsea are amongst 5 golf equipment chasing the three remaining high 5 spots, together with Manchester Metropolis, Newcastle and Aston Villa.
Unai Emery’s Villa journey to face troubled Manchester United, whose distress was compounded by their Europa League closing defeat in opposition to Tottenham in midweek.
AFP Sport picks out the principle speaking factors forward of this weekend’s motion.
Nottingham Forest have loved a exceptional renaissance however they are going to nonetheless finish the season with regrets in the event that they fail to succeed in the Champions League.
The 2-time European champions final performed within the continent’s high membership competitors in 1980/81.
They’ve been resident within the high 5 for many of the season however have misplaced momentum in latest weeks and should now beat rivals Chelsea and hope Villa or Newcastle drop factors.
Although they might fail to qualify for the Champions League, Forest at the very least have the consolation of understanding they’ve secured European soccer subsequent season.
They completed simply outdoors the relegation spots final season however have roared again underneath Nuno Espirito Santo, changing into the primary group in Premier League historical past to double their factors tally from one season to the following.
Forest supervisor Nuno stated his group have been relishing the problem in opposition to Chelsea regardless of the extreme stress.
“One thing we are enjoying is preparing for a big match, so why not enjoy it? Everyone is enjoying it here,” he stated.
Liverpool’s gamers will ultimately have the possibility to elevate the Premier League trophy in entrance of their very own followers after their match in opposition to FA Cup winners Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The champions received their first English league title for 30 years in 2020 however have been compelled to rejoice behind closed doorways on account of Covid restrictions.
If the response at Anfield to their trophy triumph final month sealed with a 5-1 win in opposition to Tottenham is something to go by, Sunday’s social gathering will likely be one to recollect.
One unknown is how the supporters will bid farewell to home-grown defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who seems destined for a transfer to Actual Madrid after saying his departure earlier this month.
The England worldwide was booed throughout final week’s 2-2 house draw in opposition to Arsenal and didn’t play within the subsequent 3-2 defeat at Brighton.
Reds boss Arne Slot says he has not but made up his thoughts what function Alexander-Arnold could have however stated he “deserved” to be a part of the celebrations.
“This should be a day that everybody is going to enjoy,” stated Slot. “It’s been 35 years, everybody is waiting for this moment and I think we’ve set the example against Tottenham.”
It’s tough to foretell what the temper will likely be like at Outdated Trafford on Sunday, when Manchester United host high 5 contenders Aston Villa.
United, who misplaced 1-0 to Tottenham within the Europa League closing on Wednesday, are destined for his or her lowest league end since they have been relegated in 1974.
Ruben Amorim’s males have been desperately poor this season, successful simply six league video games for the reason that Portuguese took over from the sacked Erik ten Hag in November.
Villa have received simply twice at Outdated Trafford within the Premier League period however will go there with a spring of their step, understanding a win would give them an opportunity to qualify for subsequent season’s Champions League, relying on outcomes elsewhere.
They’ve little to worry in opposition to a United group who’re disjointed, toothless and missing in motivation, with nothing to play for.
Fixtures
Sunday
Bournemouth v Leicester, Fulham v Manchester Metropolis, Ipswich v West Ham, Liverpool v Crystal Palace, Manchester United v Aston Villa, Newcastle v Everton, Nottingham Forest v Chelsea, Southampton v Arsenal, Tottenham v Brighton, Wolves v Brentford
jw/smg/dmc
Manchester United
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR