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English Premier League Predictions - Matchday 38, final day battle for Europe

Simon Lewis

Editor

Last updated: 22 May 2026

Simon Lewis 22 May 2026

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Man City to maul Villa in Pep’s farewell.
Liverpool to score a bundle against Brentford.
Sunderland and Chelsea to scrap out a draw.
Brighton to secure Europa League spot by beating the Red Devils.

Expired

Manchester City beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final (Getty Images).

English Premier League Predictions - 24 May 2026, Matchday 38

English Premier League Predictions - 24 May 2026, Matchday 38
Manchester City vs Aston Villa
Liverpool vs Brentford
Sunderland vs Chelsea
Brighton vs Manchester United

Manchester City vs Aston Villa

City came so close to taking Arsenal to the last day, but despite an exceptional season with two Cups in the trophy cabinet they haven’t lived up to the standards of their treble-winning season. They have matched Arsenal with just five defeats in the League, so I can’t see them slipping up at home in what will be Pep’s last match at the wheel.

Villa have had a great season, winning the Europa League and with a Champions League spot secured, but after lifting the Europa League trophy midweek I don’t see them having any gas in the tank to challenge a City side who are undefeated at home in the League this season, and who lost just two at home in Europe.

City have netted 75 times at home this season in 26 matches, so I’m backing them for three or more goals to send Pep off with a bang.

Liverpool vs Brentford

Brentford’s only success in five matches was a 3-0 home win over relegation-zoned West Ham, so I don’t see them threatening a Liverpool side that has underperformed and that will be wanting to sign off the season at home on a bright note.

Liverpool have lost just once at home in their last eight matches, while Brentford are without a win on the road in five matches, scoring just three goals and losing three of those matches. Liverpool have scored 24 times in their last 10 matches, so I’m backing them to bury Brentford and keep a clean sheet.

Sunderland vs Chelsea

Chelsea are hanging onto 8th place and a spot in the Conference League next season, although a better result than Brighton on this last matchday would lift them into the Europa League spots. However, another defeat could open the door for Brentford or Sunderland to snatch the spot from Chelsea.

Both sides come into the match on the back of a win in the League, with Sunderland undefeated in three matches while Chelsea have lost two of their last four matches. Chelsea have just one point in four matches on the road, while Sunderland have just four points from their last six matches at home.

With both sides in such poor form I’m backing them to stumble to a low-scoring draw.

Brighton vs Manchester United

United have secured third place after a great run-in, winning 10 of their last 15 matches, with just two defeats. Brighton have a lot to play for, as they’re in 7th place which would see them into the Europa League next season, but if results go against them they could miss out even on the Conference League.

The home side have won seven of their last 11 matches, although they have lost two of their last three, but the final match of the season is always unpredictable. At home they have won three on the bounce, losing just three of their last 15, so they will give United a tough time.

United have won just three of their last 10 matches on the road, so I’m backing the more motivated and in-form Brighton to sneak a win - after all, they have won three of their last five home matches against United, losing just once

Verdict

English Premier League

Wins for Man City, Brighton and Liverpool, while Sunderland and Chelsea to play out a draw.

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Brighton Win

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