Premier League

Manchester City are confident they will win the race to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, but Forest may delay confirmation of the deal until after June 30 for financial reasons. (Source: Ben Jacobs)

Newcastle United are open to selling midfielder Sandro Tonali alongside fullbacks Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento. (Source: Chronicle Live)

But Manchester United will not be moving for Tonali, having decided the Italy international is simply too expensive. (Source: Fabrizio Romano)

Man Utd manager Michael Carrick has made it clear he would welcome the return of winger Marcus Rashford, who has left Barcelona after the La Liga champions declined to pursue a permanent transfer. (Source: The Sun)

Officials from Liverpool traveled to New York to watch Lille’s Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi in action. Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain are all interested in the 18-year-old. (Source: Santi Aouna)

Bayern Munich are also chasing Bouaddi, who is rated at up to $93 million (€80 million, £69 million). (Source: Nicolò Schira)

Bradley Barcola has asked to leave Paris Saint-Germain over a lack of starts. Arsenal and Liverpool are both keen but Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd are all being informed of the situation. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Liverpool are ready to sell midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones to fund a move for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, who could cost around $134 million (£100 million). (Source: Alan Nixon)

Midtjylland center back Lee Han-beom, 23, is attracting interest from Chelsea and Liverpool, while the South Korea international is also on the radar of Brighton & Hove Albion, Leeds United and Newcastle. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Crystal Palace and Tottenham are both ready to battle PSG for the signature of 21-year-old Lens center back Ismaëlo Ganiou. (Source: SportsBoom)

Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy is being considered by Aston Villa and Tottenham. In mainland Europe, the likes of AC Milan, Atlético Madrid and Fenerbahçe are among his admirers. (Source: Patrick Berger)

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe wants a young striker this summer to replace Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa. (Source: Football Insider)

La Liga

Raphinha is prepared to consider an exit from Barcelona this summer after manager Hansi Flick failed to offer him assurances over his role following the arrival of Anthony Gordon. A move to Saudi Arabia could become an option. (Source: El Nacional)

Brahim Díaz is determined to remain at Real Madrid this summer and will only consider leaving if the club inform him he is no longer wanted. (Source: Fabrizio Romano)

José Mourinho is encouraging Real Madrid to reconsider a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández amid concerns that his top target, Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United, is leaning towards joining Man Utd. (Source: Mundo Deportivo)

In exchange for not triggering their buy-back clause this summer, Real Madrid have secured another purchase clause for winger Víctor Muñoz as he prepares to swap Osasuna for Newcastle. The option will only be valid for 12 months. (Source: AS)

Barcelona are looking at Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi as a possible alternative to Atlético Madrid striker Julián Alvarez. (Source: SPORT)

Ferran Torres remains in the dark over his Barcelona future. Not only is he unaware of any offer of a new contract, but rumors of interest from PSG have also not reached the Spain forward. (Source: Mundo Deportivo)

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Rashford Offered Man Utd Lifeline; Liverpool Plot Mac Allister Sale.

The 2025–26 season was not without its drama, with many fans joining former Liverpool manager Arne Slot in insisting the product simply was not as entertaining as it used to be. Player conduct, VAR use and tactics designed for everything other than aesthetics have all been cited as justification.

To try and shake things up, the Premier League has introduced a wide-reaching set of new regulations which referees and officials will follow next season.

Fouls

“Not every contact is a foul,” a statement stressed, insisting referees will continue to maintain a high threshold for blowing the whistle.

There will, however, be a significant focus on holding and intentional obstruction—arguably the most controversial aspect of last season. Champions Arsenal found plenty of success with excess physicality from set-pieces but the issue was so widespread that Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hürzeler even brought a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter to training to teach his side how to cope.

Defenders focused solely on blocking or holding opponents with no regard for the ball will be penalized. Similarly, players found to be deliberately obstructing the goalkeeper will also be punished.

The intent of the players’ actions will be considered. Those found to be cynically blocking opponents and not genuinely attempting to play the ball will face punishment from the referees.

Timewasting

Another key point of contention last season was a rise in timewasting, with several teams accused of intentionally slowing down the game and stretching the rules to do so.

Anything from feigning injury, to extending substitutions and simply delaying the restart of play can now be punished under new regulations similar to those on show at this summer’s World Cup.

Any player who receives on-field treatment must now leave the pitch for at least one minute, twice as long as under the previous guidance.

Intentionally delaying throw-ins and goal-kicks, which will both be subjected to a “five-second countdown,” will bring about a reversal of the decision in favor of the opposing team.

As for substitutions, players will have 10 seconds to leave the field once their number is raised by the official. If the departing player exceeds that time, the substitute can only enter the field upon the first stoppage after one minute of play.

Hair Pulling

No fewer than three red cards were handed out last season for hair pulling, seen as a violent act that warranted immediate dismissal. Talks over the subject have been held with clubs across the league, with many requesting clarity on the rules.

In the event of another hair-pulling incident, officials will once again consider the intent behind the act. A red card will still be shown if it is decided there is malice, excessive force and/or brutality.

However, those without excessive force could now be subjected to a yellow card instead.

Of the three dismissals for hair pulling last season, Sunderland’s Dan Ballard would likely have avoided a straight red, having clearly attempted to grab the shirt of Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare before quickly releasing his grip after making contact with the hair instead.

Arokodare was also on the receiving end of a hair pull from Everton’s Michael Keane, whose red card would likely still stand under the new regulations. Manchester United center back Lisandro Martínez, dismissed for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair, perhaps sits somewhere in between.

VAR

The plan with VAR remains to try and limit its involvement in matches. Unlike the World Cup, the system will not be used to correct mistakes involving corners and there will be no intervention to recommend second yellow cards.

VAR can now review the award of a second yellow, however, having previously been unable to comment on anything other than a direct red card.

Officials will continue to try and speed up the process and the Premier League has vowed to try and offer live audio for refereeing and VAR decisions, although this is not yet possible.

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Premier League Counters Key Issues of 2025–26 Season With New Set of Rules.

The former Manchester United assistant manager has spent the previous four and a half years at Portman Road after leaving his post at Old Trafford in the winter of 2021. McKenna took Ipswich from England’s third tier to the Premier League with consecutive promotions and after an underwhelming 19th-placed finish in 2024–25, the Tractor Boys secured a return to the top flight once again on the final day of the Championship campaign in May.

Yet, despite the allure of another crack at the most competitive league in world soccer, McKenna stunned many with the announcement of his departure on Wednesday

“It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, sadness and contentment that I have decided to step down from the honour of managing this historic football club,” the 40-year-old outlined in a club statement.

“When you have the connection that we have built at this club there is never a good time to say goodbye. However, having achieved a second promotion to the Premier League last season, with another memorable final day in our stadium, and after reflection over the last couple of weeks, I feel this is the right time for me to step aside. I do so with great pride at the incredible progress we have made and with huge hope and optimism for the future of the club.”

What Next for Highly Sought-After McKenna?

McKenna’s future appears to be away from the spotlight—for now.

“After giving so much to the role over the previous five seasons, I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far,” he explained.

However, it remains to be seen how long he remains on the sidelines.

Even when he was under contract at Ipswich, McKenna’s name was forever floated in conversations for various managerial positions. The respected tactician has links to United and his former club Tottenham Hotspur, while also boasting three promotions in four years on his résumé. As soon as the first manager of the 2026–27 Premier League season is sacked, the availability of McKenna will loom large.

Ipswich Town chair Mark Ashton was certainly disappointed to seem him go. “Like so many, I am of course gutted that our journey together has come to an end,” Ashton lamented, “but I understand and respect the decision he has made after five incredibly intense years.”

READ THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS, ANALYSIS AND INSIGHT FROM SI FC

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Why Kieran McKenna Has Quit Ipswich After Winning Premier League Promotion.

Premier League

Chelsea are ready to demand as much as $160 million (£120 million) for midfielder Enzo Fernández, who is of interest to Real Madrid. The Blues are not actively looking for buyers and insist they are happy to keep the Argentine. (Source: Daily Mail)

With Barcelona hesitating over signing Marcus Rashford from Manchester United, Bayern Munich have made it clear they are happy to meet the Red Devils’ asking price for the England international, although his mammoth wages are a huge problem. Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal is seen as a more realistic option. (Source: Christian Falk)

Man Utd, meanwhile, have opened negotiations with West Ham United over midfielder Mateus Fernandes, but have no interest in paying the $107 million (£80 million) price tag. (Source: Roundtable)

Manchester City’s opening offer for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson was worth an initial $107 million (£80 million). Forest want as much as $140 million (£105 million). (Source: TEAMtalk)

Mohamed Salah has agreed to move to the Saudi Pro League upon his exit from Liverpool this summer, although the money on offer is believed to be lower than his previous terms at Anfield. (Source: Mareb Press)

To replace Salah, Liverpool are preparing a significant bid for RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, who is believed to prefer a switch to Anfield over Paris Saint-Germain. (Source: Wilson Cox)

Crystal Palace want $133.5 million (£100 million) to sell midfielder Adam Wharton amid interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd. (Source: Alan Nixon)

In search of a new center back, Liverpool are interested in Sporting CP defender Gonçalo Inácio. (Source: CaughtOffside)

Aston Villa have made an offer of around $63 million (€55 million, £47.5 million) for Como attacking midfielder Martin Baturina, but that bid is expected to be rejected. (Source: Gazzetta dello Sport)

Tottenham Hotspur are making progress in pursuit of Man City winger Savinho, who is valued at $80 million (£60 million). (Source: Daily Mail)

Meanwhile, another winger on Spurs’ radar is Jean-Mattéo Bahoya of Eintracht Frankfurt. (Source: BILD)

Chelsea and Spurs are among the leading suitors for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who could ask to leave the Italian side amid frustrations over their failure to qualify for the Champions League. (Source: Tutto Juve)

Goalkeeper Nick Pope could leave Newcastle United this summer as the Magpies pursue at least two new stoppers. Reims youngster Ewen Jaouen is expected to become the team’s first signing, with big names like Brighton & Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen and Man City’s James Trafford also of interest. (Source: The Sun)

La Liga

Real Madrid have identified Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch as their newest target to bolster José Mourinho’s squad. (Source: Fichajes)

Nordsjælland midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi has also found himself on the radar of Real Madrid. (Source: El Nacional)

Contact has been made between Real Madrid and the entourage of Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez, who is free to leave the club for a fee of $173 million (€150 million). (Source: Patrick Berger)

Despite interest from elsewhere, Álvarez continues to prioritize a move to Barcelona this summer. (Source: Gianluigi Longari)

Similarly, Chelsea left back Marc Cucurella is focused on a return to Barcelona despite attracting a handful of other suitors, including interest from Premier League rivals Man Utd. (Source: Mundo Deportivo)

Potentially leaving Barcelona this summer could be young goalkeeper Áron Yaakobishvili. The 20-year-old is expected to attract significant loan interest, particularly after his breakthrough with the Hungary national team. (Source: AS)

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Real Madrid Approach Alvarez; European Giants Chase Rashford.

Premier League

Dušan Vlahović is planning a final round of negotiations with Juventus over a new contract before his current deal expires this summer. He wants to remain in Turin but will consider offers from both Chelsea and Newcastle United if no agreement can be reached. (Source: Gazzetta dello Sport)

Liverpool are seen as a potential landing spot for Bournemouth forward Rayan following the appointment of former Cherries boss Andoni Iraola as manager, but a deal will only be possible from January onwards, when a release clause of $150 million (£130 million) will activate. That figure will gradually drop over subsequent transfer windows. (Source: The i Paper)

Darwin Núñez hopes to return to Liverpool this summer if his contract with Al Hilal is terminated as expected, but a move back to Anfield is not thought to be realistic. Instead, Chelsea and Newcastle are both chasing his signature. (Source: Fichajes)

Arsenal see Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White as a potential alternative to Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, who is being chased by Paris Saint-Germain. (Source: The Sun)

Manchester United are exploring a deal to re-sign goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 33-year-old graduate of the Red Devils’ academy is keen on the move for family reasons. (Source: Alan Nixon)

As for Manchester City, a departure for Rodri will only be entertained once a new midfielder, preferably Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, has been signed. (Source: El Nacional)

Atalanta are ready to sell versatile fullback Raoul Bellanova this summer amid interest from both Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur, who have been quoted a fee of around $23 million (€20 million, £17 million). (Source: Tuttomercatoweb)

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan could submit a transfer request in response to his side’s poor end to the season and the subsequent dismissal of manager Massimiliano Allegri. Chelsea are ready to reignite a pursuit which came close to fruition last year. (Source: Calciomercato)

Luka Vušković is open to leaving Tottenham this summer. A number of Premier League clubs have expressed interest, with Bayern Munich also keen. (Source: Gianluigi Longari)

PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier could leave the club after failing to hold down a regular starting role. Aston Villa and Tottenham are both keen, while Newcastle’s interest has faded in favor of a move for Reims’ Ewen Jaouen. (Source: Media Foot)

Man City have joined the race to sign Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye, who would be open to joining the club even without guarantees of a place in the starting lineup. (Source: Alan Nixon)

La Liga

Incoming Real Madrid manager José Mourinho is pushing for deals for PSG duo Vitinha and João Neves. If they are unattainable, then moves for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes and Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise will be pursued. (Source: Defensa Central)

Olise is aware of interest from Real Madrid and would be open to making the move if the offer arrives. (Source: Ramón Álvarez de Mon)

Marc Casadó is close to leaving Barcelona for Monaco. A number of Premier League clubs—Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Everton, Man Utd, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest—all held talks but declined to move further. (Source: TEAMtalk)

While Real Madrid are not actively looking to sell midfielder Federico Valverde, they would be open to offers above $115 million (€100 million). Man Utd are among the European heavyweights tipped to make such an offer. (Source: El Nacional)

Darwin Núñez features on Barcelona’s list of alternatives to Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez, with talks having been held during negotiations with Al Hilal over defender João Cancelo. (Source: Mundo Deportivo)

Real Madrid are considering an offer of $29 million (€25 million) from Brentford for teenage midfielder Thiago Pitarch. (Source: Fichajes)

READ THE LATEST TRANSFER RUMORS FROM THE PAST FEW DAYS

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Real Madrid’s Olise Boost; Liverpool Eye $150 Million Forward.

Premier League

Manchester United are prepared to splash as much as $75.1 million (£56.2 million, €65 million) on Tottenham Hotspur’s World Cup winning center back and club captain, Cristian Romero. (Source: Fichajes)

Not content with Romero, United are also lining up an offer of around $107 million (£80 million) for Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali. The Red Devils are newly considered favorites for the Italy international, which comes as a blow to Arsenal and Manchester City. (Source: CaughtOffside)

Tottenham are lining up an $98.3 million (£73.5 million, €85 million) bid for Cody Gakpo, who is thought to have been unsettled at Liverpool by Arne Slot’s exit. (Source: Fichajes)

Liverpool would accept as little as £10 million) to offload Federico Chiesa, who is angling for a move away from Anfield amid interest from the likes of Milan, Napoli and Roma. (Source: SHooMit)

Bayern Munich would have no issued meeting the $46.2 million (£34.6 million, €40 million) asking price Manchester United have set for Marcus Rashford, but the winger’s high wages could prove to be a hurdle too high for the Bavarians to jump. (Source: Bayern Insider)

Arsenal and Liverpool have learned that any potential move for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Bradley Barcola will cost at least $150.3 million (£112.4 million, €130 million). (Source: Le10 Sport)

In their quest to replace Ibrahima Konaté, Liverpool are eyeing up a surprising move for Burnley center back Maxime Estève. There is also competition from Chelsea and Crystal Palace. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Gabriel Martinelli is another name on Bayern Munich’s shortlist of potential alternatives to Anthony Gordon. The Arsenal winger has been a topic of consideration for the Bavarians since Thomas Tuchel’s time at the club. (Source: Christian Falk)

In an odd twist, Robert De Zerbi is expected to be open to offers for Tottenham’s immensely talented loanee Luka Vušković, who has attracted plenty of admiring glances from Liverpool. (Source: Football Insider)

Arsenal have taken the first step towards snapping up the talented French defender Emmanuel Mbemba by approaching PSG. (Source: BBC Sport)

Unfazed by Bayern Munich’s approach for Rio Ngumoha, Liverpool are preparing a new contract for the teenage sensation. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Brentford have tabled an inviting proposal of $28.9 million (€25 million) for Real Madrid’s talented young midfielder Thiago Pitarch. (Source: Fichajes)

La Liga

Real Madrid are mulling over an approach for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, who is expected to command a fee of at least $115.6 million (£86.4 million, €100 million). (Source: El Nacional)

Talks between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid regarding a move for Julián Alvarez have ground to a halt. Arsenal are given the best chance of striking a deal for the Argentine forward yet the player is not thought to be open to a move to north London. (Source: Cadena SER)

Hansi Flick has done his best to dissuade Barcelona from pursuing Harry Kane as he believes the Bayern Munich striker’s arrival would stymy Lamine Yamal’s development. Chelsea’s João Pedro and clear frontrunner Julián Alvarez are viewed as preferred alternatives. (Source: El Nacional)

For all the talk of Michael Olise, Erling Haaland and Kane, Florentino Pérez’s mystery $173.4 million (€150 million) transfer target is actually thought to be PSG superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Should Madrid pivot towards Olise, the Bayern forward would be keen to join Real Madrid—even if the Bundesliga champions are staunchly against any move. (Source: Ramón Álvarez de Mon)

Barcelona have singled Jules Kounde out as the sale to fund this summer’s splurge, with a price tag of $92.5 million (€80 million) set and offers very much encouraged. Kounde, for what little it’s worth, is inclined to stay in Catalonia. (Source: El Nacional)

Serie A’s surprise Champions League qualifiers Como are eyeing up the offer of a free transfer for Dani Carvajal. (Source: Estadio Deportivo)

READ THE LATEST TRANSFER RUMORS FROM THE PAST FEW DAYS

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Man Utd Eye $75 Million World Cup Winner; Real Madrid’s Mega Kvaratskhelia Bid.

At the end of the 2024–25 season, Arne Slot could do no wrong. The Dutchman had the Midas touch, having guided Liverpool to just their second Premier League title during his first campaign at the helm.

A record-breaking summer had pundits projecting a potential period of dominance for the Merseysiders, but it was these heightened expectations that contributed to Slot’s rather bleak undoing at Anfield.

He departed Liverpool with his Premier League winners’ medal safe and sound, but also with a diminished legacy. Slot grew increasingly unpopular among players and supporters by the time his reign came crashing down a week after the 2025–26 domestic season closed its doors.

Still, the 47-year-old is unlikely to have any issues moving forward. Slot remains very hireable, a point proven by Fulham’s interest in his services. However, the thoughtful tactician showed no interest in taking over from Silva in west London, per The Times.

That’s not to say that he would reject the chance to get back into management next season. Here are four potential destinations for the departed Liverpool boss.

What Will Be Arne Slot’s Next Job?

4. Newcastle United

“I’m 100% committed to the job,” Eddie Howe declared last April. It remains to be seen if Newcastle United’s powerbrokers share the same stance after meandering towards a drab conclusion to the campaign.

For now, the possibility of Slot rocking up at St James’s Park remains a slim one, but Newcastle’s board could be inclined to make an ambitious move after a stalled season.

3. Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace may have finished four places and seven points behind the Fulham side which Slot snubbed, but the Eagles have the added bonus of Europa League soccer.

Slot took Feyenoord to the competition’s quarterfinals in 2023, one year after losing the final of the Conference League to José Mourinho’s Roma side. There’s certainly unfinished business on the continent for Slot, but it remains to be seen if Palace are willing to give him that chance to avenge his European demons.

2. AC Milan

A pitiful title charge culminated in a woeful collapse towards the back end of an eventually miserable 2025–26 season for AC Milan. Massimiliano Allegri’s ideals remain antiquated, and Rossoneri supporters suffered plenty as a result.

Thus, Milan have pressed the reset button. Missing out on the Champions League, given their position of strength midway through the campaign, rendered Allegri’s position untenable, and he’s only one of several high-profile figures to get the chop.

Slot was linked with the vacant Milan job right after his Liverpool dismissal.

Milan will want to return to the 21st century with their next managerial appointment, and although Slot’s soccer can be rather functional, his teams, at their best, at least boast a coherent idea of how to use possession.

It’d be a big job for Slot, given Milan’s lofty prestige, and perhaps an opportunity that’d prove too enticing to ignore.

1. Dutch National Team

The Netherlands job has seemingly rotated between Louis van Gaal and Ronald Koeman in recent years, with the latter overseeing their World Cup campaign in North America this summer.

The Oranje, never before world champions and typically associated with glorious failure, were semifinalists at Euro 2024 and could be sneaky outsiders at the upcoming tournament.

Anyway, Koeman’s contract expires at the end of July, and surely Van Gaal won’t be taking the job on again. It’s time for an alternate face.

Koeman’s World Cup staff is laden with Dutch soccer heroes, including Ruud van Nistelrooy, and he may emerge a potential candidate to take the job after the tournament.

Slot hasn’t yet been linked with the national team, and it‘d be a surprise if he dipped out of club soccer at this juncture.

READ THE LATEST LIVERPOOL NEWS, ANALYSIS AND INSIGHT FROM SI FC

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Four Potential Destinations for Arne Slot After Liverpool Exit—Ranked.

Premier League

Cody Gakpo wants to leave Liverpool following the departure of manager Arne Slot. Tottenham Hotspur are optimistic about striking a deal for the Dutch winger. (Source: SoccerNews)

Meanwhile, Harvey Elliott believes he can rebuild his career with Liverpool following Slot’s dismissal. (Source: SportsBoom)

Manchester United have held talks over a move for Newcastle United left back Lewis Hall but have not ended their search there, with both Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown of interest to the Red Devils. (Source: TEAMtalk)

At the other end of the pitch, Man Utd have settled on a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is expected to cost around $58 million (€50 million, £43 million). (Source: Fichajes)

Arsenal have joined Man Utd in exploring a deal for 20-year-old Porto winger William Gomes, who is also of interest to Atlético Madrid. (Source: Globo Esporte)

Turkish giants Beşiktaş have identified Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard as their top target for the summer window. (Source: Sporx)

The Gunners are open to selling Trossard who, alongside strong interest from Beşiktaş, is being watched by Atlético Madrid, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Inter and Juventus. (Source: Mark Brus)

West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen has assured the Hammers he wants to stay and help take the club back to the Premier League despite interest from Chelsea, Man Utd and Newcastle. (Source: The Sun)

The agent of Köln winger Said El Mala is dismissing approaches from other clubs in the hope of encouraging Chelsea to make an offer. (Source: BILD)

Scouts from Chelsea have watched Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson over the past season. (Source: Alex Goldberg)

After losing Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, Newcastle have settled on Osasuna’s Víctor Muñoz as their preferred replacement. (Source: The Telegraph)

Departing Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka is attracting interest from both Arsenal and Juventus. (Source: Gazzetta dello Sport)

Joško Gvardiol hopes to leave Manchester City this summer, and the club are not expected to stand in his way if he requests a transfer to Real Madrid. However, City want to convince Gvardiol to stay with a new contract and have made it clear he will only be allowed to leave if suitors offer around $105 million (€90 million, £78 million). (Source: Sportske novosti)

La Liga

Atlético Madrid are hoping to wrap up a deal for Chelsea left back Marc Cucurella as quickly as possible before Barcelona and Man City spark a bidding war, but their limit of $58 million (€50 million, £43 million) is well below Chelsea’s asking price of $81 million, €70 million, £61 million). (Source: Mundo Deportivo)

Kepa Arrizabalaga is considering leaving Arsenal and returning to La Liga, where both Sevilla and Villarreal are interested in a deal that could be worth just $5.8 million, €5 million, £4.3 million). (Source: Fichajes)

Barcelona have firmly ruled out even entertaining negotiations for midfielder Fermín López, who is seen as completely untouchable at Camp Nou. (Source: El Nacional)

Incoming Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has expressed an interest in signing West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes. (Source: AS)

Al Hilal are ready to negotiate with Barcelona over the sale of defender João Cancelo, seemingly prepared to lower their asking price of $17 million (€15 million). (Source: Mundo Deportivo)

Brahim Díaz is not interested in leaving Real Madrid this summer despite interest from Serie A. (Source: Gianluca Di Marzio)

READ THE LATEST TRANSFER RUMORS FROM THE PAST FEW DAYS

• Transfer Rumors: Man Utd Target Valued at $140 Million; Real Madrid Plot Tchouameni Sale
• Transfer Rumors: Nunez Seals Liverpool Return; Rashford Decides on Man Utd Future
• Transfer Rumors: Rashford Offered Man Utd Lifeline; Liverpool Plot Mac Allister Sale
• Transfer Rumors: Fernandes Wanted by Man Utd Rivals; Real Madrid’s Shock Endrick Decision
• Transfer Rumors: Man Utd Ready $107 Million Bid; Vinicius Jr Threatens Real Madrid Exit

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Man Utd Chase Barcelona Defender; Real Madrid’s Gvardiol Boost.

Premier League

Arsenal have failed with a bid of $70 million (€60 million, £52 million) for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is also of interest to Premier League rivals Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United as well as European heavyweights Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. (Source: Africafoot)

Also on Arsenal’s radar is Eintracht Frankfurt left back Nathaniel Brown, interest in whom is being driven directly by manager Mikel Arteta. (Source: Fichajes)

Manchester United have held direct talks with the representatives of AC Milan forward Rafael Leão, but the Serie A side plan to delay his sale under after the World Cup, hoping that a strong showing with Portugal could boost his value. (Source: Pietro Balzano Prota)

Burnley are expecting to lose center back Maxime Estève after their relegation from the Premier League. Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Liverpool are among his numerous suitors. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Liverpool have held fresh talks over Hertha BSC midfielder Kennet Eichhorn, with the Reds “pushing hard” to seal the 16-year-old’s signature. (Source: Florian Plettenberg)

On the other side of Merseyside, Everton value winger Iliman Ndiaye similar to the $93 million (€80 million) paid by Barcelona for Anthony Gordon. (Source: The Athletic)

Chelsea are most advanced in their pursuit of departing Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović, ready to snap up the in-demand Serbia international on a free transfer. Aston Villa, Everton, Man Utd, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are all tracking him but the Blues currently hold the strongest interest. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Meanwhile, Chelsea are also chasing 18-year-old AIK winger Zadok Yohanna. While Newcastle have submitted the largest offer to date, rival interest from both the Blues and Brighton & Hove Albion has complicated their pursuit. (Source: Florian Plettenberg)

Having failed with a move for Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Juventus have switched their focus to Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez, with Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario also in their sights. (Source: Gazzetta dello Sport)

Serie A newcomers Monza are exploring a deal to sign Manchester City winger Claudio Echeverri after he returns from an underwhelming loan with Girona. (Source: Gianluca Di Marzio)

Despite failing with an opening bid, Spurs remain confident of landing Brighton center back Jan Paul van Hecke after their significant proposal left the Seagulls prepared to negotiate. The Dutch international is keen on a reunion with Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi. (Source: Voetbal International)

Newcastle are readying a triple swoop on Real Betis. Winger Ez Abde is their chosen target to replace Anthony Gordon, while striker Cucho Hernández and center back Natan are also under consideration in a package that could go as high as $139 million (€120 million, £104 million). (Source: Fichajes)

La Liga

Betis star Natan, 25, has also emerged as a possible target for La Liga champions Barcelona. (Source: El Chiringuito)

Paris Saint-Germain believe midfielder Vitinha already has an agreement to join Real Madrid this summer under José Mourinho, who will be appointed if Florentino Pérez wins the presidential election. (Source: El Nacional)

Mourinho has drawn up a list of players he hopes to offload this summer. Eduardo Camavinga, Rodrygo, Franco Mastantuono, Fran García, Raúl Asencio and Dani Ceballos will all be made available for transfer. (Source: Fichajes)

Coming in at Real Madrid could be Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori, who has been identified as a potential reinforcement by Mourinho. (Source: football.london)

Barcelona midfielder Marc Casadó is on the verge of leaving for Monaco in a deal worth up to $27 million (€23 million). A transfer is “95% complete.” (Source: Barça Universal)

Juventus fullback Andrea Cambiaso is being looked at by Barcelona and an initial approach over the Italy international has already been made. (Source: Gianluca Di Marzio)

READ THE LATEST TRANSFER RUMORS FROM THE PAST FEW DAYS

• Transfer Rumors: Man Utd Target Valued at $140 Million; Real Madrid Plot Tchouameni Sale
• Transfer Rumors: Nunez Seals Liverpool Return; Rashford Decides on Man Utd Future
• Transfer Rumors: Rashford Offered Man Utd Lifeline; Liverpool Plot Mac Allister Sale
• Transfer Rumors: Fernandes Wanted by Man Utd Rivals; Real Madrid’s Shock Endrick Decision
• Transfer Rumors: Man Utd Ready $107 Million Bid; Vinicius Jr Threatens Real Madrid Exit

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Man Utd Advance on Leao; Real Madrid’s Vitinha Agreement.

Premier League

Manchester United are leading the race to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, although they face rival interest from the likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa and Chelsea. (Source: CaughtOffside)

Meanwhile, Man Utd are also expected to make a move for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney at the request of Michael Carrick. Both Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur are preparing their own approaches for the 23-year-old. (Source: The Northern Echo)

Arne Slot’s departure from Liverpool has left winger Mohamed Salah leaning towards reversing his decision to leave this summer. (Source: Fichajes)

Yan Diomande, Liverpool’s top winger target this summer, is the subject of increasingly strong interest from Paris Saint-Germain. Atlético Madrid’s determination to keep hold of Julián Alvarez has seen PSG pivot towards the RB Leipzig winger. (Source: L’Équipe)

Manchester City are looking to beat both Arsenal and Chelsea to the signature of Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, whose price tag has been set at over $134.5 million (£100 million). (Source: TEAMtalk)

Barcelona forward Ferran Torres is another attracting interest from the trio of Arsenal, Aston Villa and Chelsea as he faces an increasingly uncertain future at Camp Nou. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Similarly, Marcus Rashford’s complicated situation at Barcelona has attracted interest from other clubs across Europe. The England international’s entourage believe offers could come from Arsenal, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid if the price of a permanent transfer is right. (Source: Daily Mail)

Chelsea have hosted 20-year-old Reims goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen at their training ground to try and beat Newcastle United and Real Madrid to his signature. A price tag of $29 million (€25 million, £22 million) has been set. (Source: Canal Plus)

Aston Villa and Tottenham are both considering moves for PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, who is expected to leave the club this summer after failing to establish himself as the first-choice starter. (Source: Jeunesfooteux)

Another player of interest to Aston Villa is Almería midfielder Dion Lopy, but an offer of $20 million (€17 million, £15 million) has fallen marginally short of the Spanish side’s demands. (Source: La Voz de Almería)

Dinamo Zagreb’s 21-year-old center back Sergi Dominguez is emerging as a target for Tottenham. (Source: Alfredo Pedullà)

La Liga

After he praised Real Madrid following PSG’s Champions League triumph, winger Désiré Doué has been identified as a potential transfer target for Los Blancos. (Source: Defensa Central)

Flamengo left back Kaiki, 23, has received an approach from Real Betis, but Barcelona are considering launching a rival bid. (Source: Ekrem Konur)

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has reached an agreement to sign departing Liverpool center back Ibrahima Konaté if he wins the upcoming elections. (Source: Alberto Pereiro)

Borussia Dortmund center back Nico Schlotterbeck is also re-emerging as a potential target for Real Madrid. (Source: Fichajes)

A full agreement has been reached between Barcelona and outgoing Man City midfielder Bernardo Silva, but a deal can only be finalized if one player leaves Camp Nou. Roony Bardghji is among those lined up for an exit. (Source: TV3)

Barcelona hope to offload Bardghji permanently—as long as a buy-back clause is included—but a loan is seen as the most likely outcome. Ajax are leading the race for a temporary deal. (Source: SPORT)

José Mourinho is not particularly keen on signing Man City midfielder Rodri to Real Madrid and is instead leaning towards Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace. (Source: El Nacional)

READ THE LATEST TRANSFER RUMORS FROM THE PAST FEW DAYS

• Transfer Rumors: Man Utd Target Valued at $140 Million; Real Madrid Plot Tchouameni Sale
• Transfer Rumors: Nunez Seals Liverpool Return; Rashford Decides on Man Utd Future
• Transfer Rumors: Rashford Offered Man Utd Lifeline; Liverpool Plot Mac Allister Sale
• Transfer Rumors: Fernandes Wanted by Man Utd Rivals; Real Madrid’s Shock Endrick Decision
• Transfer Rumors: Man Utd Ready $107 Million Bid; Vinicius Jr Threatens Real Madrid Exit

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Salah Performs Liverpool U-Turn; Rashford Wanted by Arsenal, Chelsea.

Premier League

Sensing a standoff in contract negotiations, Manchester United have made contact with Vinicius Junior. However, the Real Madrid star is committed to renewing his expiring contract at the Bernabéu. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Atlético Madrid defender Marc Pubill has caught the eye of Manchester United, who are mulling over an offer for a player with a $582.9 million (£433.4 million, €500 million) buyout clause in his contract. (Source: CaughtOffside)

Manchester United’s pursuit of Rafael Leão has been massively boosted by the player’s public declaration of his desire to leave AC Milan. However, Chelsea and Liverpool are also vying for the Portuguese forward. (Source: Fichajes)

Chelsea would be willing to accept an offer of €20 million plus Federico Valverde to send Enzo Fernández to Real Madrid this summer. (Source: El Nacional)

There is rival interest in Fernández from Paris Saint-Germain, whose manager Luis Enrique is expected a summer of reinforcements for the back-to-back European champions. (Source: FootballTransfers)

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has been presented as an unexpected target for Juventus after talks with Liverpool’s Alisson stalled. (Source: Goal)

Despite confirmation of Ibrahima Konaté’s Liverpool exit, Chelsea have turned down the chance to present a contract offer to the free agent. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, however, have all made contact. (Source: TEAMtalk)

There is interest in Arsenal star Declan Rice bubbling away behind the scenes at Real Madrid. The midfielder’s representatives are currently in discussions with the Premier League champions regarding a new contract for their client, who is pushing to become the club’s highest earner. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Mikel Arteta is keen on signing a new striker for Arsenal this summer and Brentford’s Igor Thiago has emerged as a player of interest for the Gunners. (Source: Indykaila)

In an attempt to avoid the relegation battle of the past two seasons, Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to splash as much as $81.6 million (£60.7 million, €70 million) on Eintracht Frankfurt’s 21-year-old winger Jean-Mattéo Bahoya. (Source: Fichajes)

Galatasaray’s sought-after Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara has shown interest in a potential switch to Aston Villa this summer. (Source: Sabah)

Tottenham are poised to miss out on the chance to permanent sign João Palhinha. The Bayern Munich loanee is now expected to return to Sporting CP after a late season surge in north London. (Source: A Bola)

La Liga

After a public appraisal from Toni Kroos, Real Madrid are inclined to push forward with a move for the rangy center back Yann Bisseck. Inter Milan are expected to demand at least $58.3 million (€50 million) for his signature. (Source: Fichajes)

During negotiations over a permanent deal for João Cancelo, the prospect of Barcelona signing Darwin Núñez from Al Hilal was also raised. The former Liverpool striker is expected to have his contract terminated after being sidelined since Karim Benzema’s arrival and Barcelona are on the hunt for a Robert Lewandowski replacement. (Source: Mundo Deportivo)

Atlético Madrid are undergoing a midfield rebuild and are eyeing up Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders as a potential recruit to go alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers’ João Gomes. (Source: Sky Sports News)

Barcelona are also considering the far more youthful option of Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo. The Ligue 1 side are demanding $46.6 million (€40 million). (Source: Fichajes)

Fernandez-Pardo isn’t only of interest to Barcelona. Manchester United and Manchester City are also interested in the services of a 21-year-old heading to the World Cup with Belgium. (Source: Gazzetta dello Sport)

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi has bluntly ruled out the possibility of even listening to any offers from Real Madrid for João Neves. (Source: El Nacional)

In the face of rival interest from the Premier League pairing of Brenford and Crystal Palace, Barcelona have set a $29.1 million (£21.7 million, €25 million) price tag for the talented midfielder Marc Casadó. (Source: Fichajes)

READ THE LATEST TRANSFER RUMORS FROM THE PAST FEW DAYS

• Transfer Rumors: Man Utd Target Valued at $140 Million; Real Madrid Plot Tchouameni Sale
• Transfer Rumors: Nunez Seals Liverpool Return; Rashford Decides on Man Utd Future
• Transfer Rumors: Rashford Offered Man Utd Lifeline; Liverpool Plot Mac Allister Sale
• Transfer Rumors: Fernandes Wanted by Man Utd Rivals; Real Madrid’s Shock Endrick Decision
• Transfer Rumors: Man Utd Ready $107 Million Bid; Vinicius Jr Threatens Real Madrid Exit

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Man Utd Contact Vinicius Jr; Real Madrid Eye Blockbuster Rice Move.

“It’s a little bit like me advising Lionel Messi on how he can improve his performance and where he went wrong,” Hackett once scoffed.

However, since Howard Webb took charge of English referees back in 2022, a Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel has been set up to do exactly what Hackett could never countenance: review the referees. Three former players and coaches, a Premier League representative and a member of the officials’ governing body convene at the end of each round of fixtures to point out where the referees and VAR have gone wrong.

This process is conducted behind a veil of mystique, with no official channel providing an insight into the panel’s findings during the season. BBC Sport, however, have been granted a peak behind the curtain and listed every single incorrect decision that was made during the 2025–26 campaign.

According to the KMI panel, there have been 25 blunders from the VAR (seven more than last season). Crucially, these do not include decisions made by the on-pitch referees which are judged to have been “errors” but don’t meet the “clear and obvious” threshold for VAR intervention. The incidents in question are so egregious that the officials at Stockley Park should have spotted them.

Working under the admittedly sketchy assumption that every penalty that should have been awarded would have been converted, the Premier League title race could have played out quite differently in a perfect world.

2025–26 Premier League Table If Every Error Corrected by KMI Panel

They say that refereeing errors shake out across the course of the season, but that is not the case for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s Premier League champions won four points thanks to VAR errors. Manchester City’s tally, in contrast, was not affected.

While the Gunners would still have theoretically won the title in an alternate reality of unequivocal refereeing justice, the race would have gone down to the final day, with both sides levels on points and City ahead on goal difference. In that scenario, it’s hard to imagine that Pep Guardiola’s farewell fixture against Aston Villa would have ended in defeat.

Their final tally may not have been affected, but Manchester City were not entirely spared from the fickle fates of VAR. Phil Foden was denied a clear penalty in a 2–1 defeat to Newcastle United in November which Guardiola would later rant about. The Catalan coach was right to feel aggrieved on that occasion according to the KMI panel, however, City also benefitted from some poor officiating against Everton in May when Bernardo Silva somehow escaped giving away a penalty for going all WWE on Merlin Röhl.

Manchester United owe two points of their final tally to the favorable refereeing decision which allowed Bryan Mbeumo to handle the ball before Matheus Cunha found the back of the net in a 3–2 win over Nottingham Forest at the end of the season.

Arne Slot spent much of the campaign bemoaning Liverpool’s misfortune when it came to the officials at Stockley Park. “If there’s a VAR intervention or if there’s something that could be left or right [50-50] then the decision goes against us,” the Dutch boss moaned after Benjamin Šeško’s controversial strike for United was allowed in May. “That has been the whole season, every single time the same.”

Intriguingly, the KMI panel did not judge Šeško’s goal, which he prodded over the line after the ball seemingly brushed his fingertips, to meet the threshold of an error. The explanation being that no conclusive video footage could be found during the game to disallow the goal.

In fact, the only incident involving Liverpool which the arbiters considered to be a mistake came on the opening day of the campaign, when Marcos Senesi was not sent off for Bournemouth after handling the ball. Liverpool won that contest 4–2 regardless.

Every VAR Error Arsenal Have Benefitted From

The second-most common scoreline in the 2025–26 Premier League season was a 1–0 Arsenal win. However, three of those eight exceedingly narrow victories were aided by a VAR mistake.

Viktor Gyökeres’s solitary penalty was the only difference between Arsenal and Everton during a tight contest at Hill Dickinson Stadium in December. However, the Toffees should have been given a spot kick of their own for William Saliba’s errant swipe at Thierno Barry. Everton manager David Moyes had a lengthy conversation with referee Sam Barrott after the final whistle but wouldn’t divulge the words that were exchanged. “I’d like to,” Moyes shrugged, “but I’d probably be fined.”

• Everton 0–1 Arsenal: William Saliba escapes foul on Thierno Barry
• Brighton 0–1 Arsenal: Gabriel Martinelli not penalized for tug on Mats Wieffer
• Arsenal 1–0 Burnley: Kai Havertz wrongly escapes red card

Fabian Hürzeler held little back before, during and after Brighton & Hove Albion’s fraught loss to the Gunners on the south coast in March. While much of the focus was diverted towards the German coach bemoaning Arsenal’s time-wasting tactics, he may have had more sympathy arguing for a penalty. Gabriel Martinelli wrongly escaped punishment for a needless tug on Mats Wieffer in the box, somehow conspiring to hold onto his opponent’s arm while not even looking at the ball and still emerge unscathed.

It’s harder to quantify what impact a red card for Kai Havertz would have had in what proved to be Arsenal’s most decisive victory over the season. The ephemeral striker had already nodded the nervy hosts into a first-half lead against Burnley on the final Monday of the season before he sunk his studs into the calf of Lesley Ugochukwu. The panel deemed that Havertz should have been sent off in the 67th minute, which could have caused all sorts of carnage as Arsenal desperately held on for the win that would ultimately seal the title.

Given how much the Gunners benefitted from the few categorical mistakes VAR made, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Arteta took the same stance as Hackett when it comes to criticizing referees.

READ THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS, ANALYSIS AND INSIGHT FROM SI FC

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• How 2026 World Cup Breakout Star Would Fit Into Arsenal Lineup

This article was originally published on www.si.com as 2025–26 Premier League Table Without Every Official VAR Error: Arsenal Biggest Losers.

Another band of superstars will be involved in interminable tug-of-war deals during the upcoming window, an expanded World Cup only creating extra complications for both clubs and players.

At the end of each saga, an eye-watering transfer fee will likely be splashed, but not before weeks and sometimes even months of intense speculation dominating gossip columns.

Here are five transfer stories likely to steal most attention this summer.

Yan Diomande

Yan Diomande’s rise to the summit of European soccer deserves recognition. Up until November 2024, the Ivorian was playing for a youth academy in Florida, yet now he’s set to merit a transfer fee of around €100million (£87m, $116m) less than two years later.

Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are the leading suitors for Diomande, whose move from the United States to Spanish second division side Leganés was quickly followed by an eye-catching switch to talent nurturers RB Leipzig last summer.

Diomande’s explosive speed, two-footedness and remarkable dribbling ability have been matched by a steady stream of goal involvements in the Bundesliga, the precocious 19-year-old managing 13 goals and nine assists in an astonishing debut season with Leipzig.

The teenager will be representing Côte d’Ivoire at the World Cup, potentially making negotiations awkward for interested parties and resulting in a drawn-out transfer process. No matter his destination, Diomande appears the real deal.

Enzo Fernández

Enzo Fernández publicly cast doubt over his future during the March international break after flirting with Real Madrid. Speculation over his Chelsea exit has only intensified since, Manchester City having now joined the race for the Argentina international as Enzo Maresca—the likely successor to Pep Guardiola—eyes a reunion.

There’s a sense that Chelsea’s final day defeat to Sunderland was Fernández’s last outing for the club, the midfielder increasingly unlikely to spearhead Xabi Alonso’s revolution at Stamford Bridge. The Blues will be loathed to lose one of their prized assets, but keeping the 25-year-old against his wishes will ultimately be impossible.

Chelsea are reportedly demanding around £120 million ($161 million), allowing them to turn a small profit two-and-a-half years after his signing. But such a colossal fee will naturally lead to a lengthy saga involving fierce negotiations between the Blues and Fernández’s suitors.

With the player also in action at the World Cup, attempting to help Argentina defend its crown, delays in any deal are inevitable.

Julián Alvarez

Julián Alvarez dominated transfer discourse last summer and little has changed a year on. However, having stayed put at Atlético Madrid for the 2025–26 campaign, the striker now appears destined to depart Spain’s capital before next season rolls around.

Barcelona are the clear favorites for his signature and are preparing to launch a first official bid for the Argentina international, €100 million (£87m, $116m) roughly the offer Atléti will receive. Whether that’s enough to tempt Los Rojiblancos remains to be seen. They may feel able to extract more cash.

Arsenal are another interested party as they aim to build on an incredible, Premier League title-winning season. Despite boasting several center forward options already—Viktor Gyökeres, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus—Mikel Arteta would hardly refuse the addition of Alvarez.

The 26-year-old’s future remains up in the air—for now, at least.

Elliot Anderson

Few players have seen their stock rise as much as Elliot Anderson’s during the past year. The bruising English midfielder’s remarkable form with Nottingham Forest has earned him an England spot for the World Cup and what appears an inevitable blockbuster transfer.

Renowned for his indefatigability and combative approach, Anderson is drawing significant interest from Manchester City and Manchester United, the former seemingly in the driver’s seat as things stand, despite Guardiola’s exit. It could £100 million ($134 million) that gets the deal done.

At 23 years old, Anderson merits an enormous fee, even if a nine-figure sum could arguably be a stretch. With multiple clubs circling him, the midfielder has his choice of suitors, and making the right decision is essential to his progression.

Whether he ends up in Manchester or somewhere else entirely, finalizing such a big-money move will be far from straightforward.

Adam Wharton

Anderson’s midfield compatriot Adam Wharton could also be on the move this summer. Having finished the campaign by leading Crystal Palace to Conference League glory—adding to the FA Cup won last term—Wharton will prove a hot topic, and Palace will be braced for Europe-wide interest.

Real Madrid have been touted previously as they seek to bolster a weak midfield, while Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City and Man Utd have all been in the discussion, too. Much like Anderson, approximately £100 million ($134 million) will be needed to match Palace’s valuation.

Wharton’s technical craft is what has earned him so many admirers. Resembling a classy Spaniard fresh from La Masia, the 22-year-old’s expert distribution and tempo-setting abilities make him one of world soccer’s most exciting phenoms.

Wharton has managed nearly a century of appearances for Palace already and appears a bona fide star in the making. The next step is crucial and he’ll be eager to take his time when deciding on a change of scenery.

READ THE LATEST TRANSFER NEWS AND RUMORS FROM WORLD SOCCER

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• Transfer Rumors: Man Utd Target Valued at $140 Million; Real Madrid Plot Tchouameni Sale
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• What Next for Marcus Rashford After Barcelona Transfer Deadline Expires?

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Five Transfer Sagas to Watch Out for This Summer.

Premier League

Xabi Alonso has identified Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler as his dream signing for Chelsea this summer, but Los Blancos have no interest in selling. (Source: El Nacional)

Meanwhile, Chelsea also hold a strong interest in Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz at the request of Alonso, his former manager at Bayer Leverkusen. The Reds would be open to doing business at the right price. (Source: Football Insider)

Departing Chelsea could be midfielder Enzo Fernández, who has asked to leave after the Blues failed to qualify for the Champions League. A price tag of $161.5 million (£120 million) has been set. (Source: talkSPORT)

Aston Villa value attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers around the $135 million (£100 million) mark. Arsenal have done significant behind-the-scenes work on a deal but their valuation of the England international is far lower. (Source: FootballTransfers)

Manchester United are plotting a move for Crystal Palace center back Maxence Lacroix. (Source: Fichajes)

After completing the signing of Atalanta midfielder Éderson, Man Utd will turn to Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United, who is prepared to give his preference to the Red Devils. (Source: The i Paper)

Joško Gvardiol is pushing to leave Manchester City and is keen on a move to Bayern Munich, but he also has interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter. (Source: CaughtOffside)

Man City and Juventus are among the teams interested in signing Bayern Munich goalkeeper Alexander Nübel. (Source: BILD)

Brentford, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are all exploring deals for Jadon Sancho if the Man Utd winger is released on a free transfer this summer. (Source: SportsBoom)

Tottenham Hotspur have joined Chelsea in pursuit of 20-year-old Trabzonspor midfielder Christ Inao Oulaï. (Source: Fotomaç)

Elsewhere, Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi is plotting a raid on former employers Brighton & Hove Albion. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, center back Jan Paul van Hecke and midfielder Carlos Baleba are all of interest. (Source: The Independent)

Harvey Elliott is looking at a move to Leeds United this summer as he prepares for a permanent exit from Liverpool following a bitterly disappointing loan to Aston Villa. (Source: Football Insider)

Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen is unhappy with his limited minutes and has formally requested a transfer away from Stamford Bridge. (Source: BBC Sport)

AC Milan’s Mike Maignan remains a target for Chelsea, who are ready to make an offer for the goalkeeper, but rival pursuits from Bayern Munich and Man Utd could complicate things. (Source: Calciomercato.it)

La Liga

If Real Madrid sell Vinicius Junior this summer, incoming manager José Mourinho will push to replace the Brazilian with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande. (Source: BILD)

Scouts from Real Madrid have been active in Germany. Los Blancos are considering taking advantage of Wolfsburg’s relegation with a move for center back Konstantinos Koulierakis. (Source: Fichajes)

Barcelona hope Lionel Messi will be able to encourage fellow Argentina international Julián Alvarez to join the club this summer at the World Cup. (Source: El Nacional)

Agent Jorge Mendes has offered both Man City defender Rúben Dias and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder João Neves to Real Madrid. The La Liga giants have interest in both and a deal for Neves could be facilitated thanks to PSG’s desire to sign Federico Valverde. (Source: El Debate)

If Sergio Ramos is successful in his takeover bid for Sevilla, he will look to sign 17-year-old Barcelona midfielder Toni Fernández. (Source: Mundo Deportivo)

READ THE LATEST TRANSFER RUMORS FROM THE PAST FEW DAYS

• Transfer Rumors: Man Utd Target Valued at $140 Million; Real Madrid Plot Tchouameni Sale
• Transfer Rumors: Nunez Seals Liverpool Return; Rashford Decides on Man Utd Future
• Transfer Rumors: Rashford Offered Man Utd Lifeline; Liverpool Plot Mac Allister Sale
• Transfer Rumors: Fernandes Wanted by Man Utd Rivals; Real Madrid’s Shock Endrick Decision
• Transfer Rumors: Man Utd Ready $107 Million Bid; Vinicius Jr Threatens Real Madrid Exit

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Chelsea Plot Wirtz Move; Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr Replacement.

Despite a rather underwhelming domestic campaign, the Eagles came into the fixture as the slight favorites after blitzing through the knockout stage, never truly looking in danger of elimination. Rayo Vallecano, though, were worthy opponents under the highly impressive Iñigo Pérez.

Both sides struggled to create much of anything in the first half at the Red Bull Arena. In fact, neither side had a shot on target in the first 30 minutes of the tightly-contested game. It took until the brink of halftime for Crystal Palace to announce themselves when Tyrick Mitchell headed a glorious chance wide.

Oliver Glasner’s men took that momentum into the second half and found the breakthrough just six minutes after the restart. Adam Wharton traveled 30 yards forward uncontested before rifling a hopeful shot at Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, who swatted the ball right into the path of Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The Frenchman made no mistakes from a few yards out and guided the ball into the back of the net to put his side up 1–0. Crystal Palace nearly doubled their lead in the 55th minute through Yéremy Pino, but the 23-year-old saw a brilliant free kick rattle off both posts before trickling back into open play.

Glasner’s men ultimately didn’t need the extra cushion, though. They saw through the rest of the game until the final whistle declared it time to celebrate.

Winning the Conference League not only added a second major honor to the club’s trophy cabinet, but it also secured the south London side’s place in the Europa League next season. Crystal Palace are now the ninth Premier League club competing in Europe in 2026–27.

Glasner Gets Storybook Farewell

Back in January, Glasner confirmed he would leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season after two and a half years in charge. The decision, which he admitted came months earlier during the October international break, was partially fueled by friction with the higher ups following Marc Guéhi’s winter transfer to Manchester City.

Still, the 51-year-old emphasized he would give everything he had left to the Eagles in the second half of the season, and he kept his word, leading the team to Leipzig and ultimately to its second major trophy.

Crystal Palace ended their 119-year wait for a major piece of silverware in 2024–25, Glasner’s first full campaign in the dugout. The manager masterminded a historic FA Cup upset over Man City at Wembley to finally bring glory to the Eagles.

Glasner then went on to lead his men to a penalty shootout victory in the 2025–26 Community Shield against then-defending Premier League champions Liverpool.

Now, in his final match in charge, Glasner added another trophy to the Eagles’ cabinet, securing not just his fairytale ending, but also his legacy Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace Joins Premier League-Heavy Winners’ List

It is now safe to say that English clubs have dominated the Conference League since its inception in 2021–22. Three of the competition’s five champions have come from the Premier League.

Roma won the inaugural campaign before West Ham United topped the Conference League in 2022–23. The Hammers defeated Fiorentina 2–1 to claim their first major title since 1980.

Olympiacos were next in line to win the tournament back in 2023–24, before Chelsea bulldozed their way to the glory last season with a 4–1 victory over Real Betis in the 2024–25 final.

Crystal Palace now joins the short winners’ list, making it so half of all Conference Leagues have been won by English clubs.

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Crystal Palace Win 2025–26 Conference League Title With Historic Victory Over Rayo Vallecano.

Both clubs are preparing for their first continental final, with Madrid-based Rayo searching for their maiden piece of major silverware in eastern Germany.

While Palace qualified for UEFA’s newest club competition by winning the FA Cup last year, the La Liga side are aiming to complete a project that was ignited by departing Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola in 2020. They’re now led by his former assistant, Iñigo Pérez, who has guided the club to back-to-back eighth-place finishes in the Spanish top flight—a position they’d reached just once before.

Neither team was particularly dominant in the league phase, with Palace even needing the playoff round to reach the knockouts. However, the Eagles have since overcome AEK Larnaca, Fiorentina and Shakhtar Donetsk with an increasing level of ease to reach the final.

Rayo, meanwhile, held off Samsunspor and AEK Athens before beating league phase table-toppers Strasbourg in the last four. On the domestic front, they missed out on seventh spot in La Liga to Getafe on the final day. Thus, there will be no European soccer for Pérez’s men next season if they fail to upset the odds on Wednesday.

Crystal Palace vs. Rayo Vallecano Score Prediction

Premier League Dominance Shows

The Premier League has flexed its might on the continent this decade, and Palace are aiming to become the third English club to win this competition since its inauguration five years ago.

West Ham United won in 2023, while Chelsea thumped Real Betis in the showpiece event last year. The recent Europa League final between Aston Villa and Freiburg was also hardly a contest. Some may fear a similar one-sided final in Leipzig, but Rayo Vallecano cannot be underestimated.

Pérez has got La Liga’s answer to Bournemouth punching above their weight, with Spain’s best often troubled by the high-octane ideals that were initially instilled by Iraola. They will not go down without a fight in what is, without question, the biggest game in their history.

• Concerning trend: Palace may merely be a middling Premier League outfit, but their wage bill blows Rayo’s out of the water. We’re not projecting a comfortable victory for the Eagles, with their opponents’ ideals bound to trouble Oliver Glasner’s side, but there’s an obvious talent disparity. If they win on Wednesday, half of all Conference Leagues will have been won by English teams.
• Glasner bows out: “[Crystal Palace chairman, Steve Parish] said the best day possible was the FA Cup final, but I think the best day is still to come in Leipzig," Glasner asserted ahead of his final game in charge of Palace. The Austrian, who has previously won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt, has seen his side grow into this competition. He’s surely not going to depart the south London club with a crushing defeat on his resumé.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1–0 Rayo Vallecano

Crystal Predicted Lineup vs. Rayo Vallecano

Glasner unsurprisingly rang the changes on the final day of the Premier League season against newly-crowned champions Arsenal, attempting to preserve his key players for Wednesday’s final.

However, Adam Wharton was forced off just 15 minutes after coming on at the weekend, immediately thrusting his status for Leipzig into doubt. Thankfully, the classy midfield operator has traveled with the squad, and he‘s expected to be named in Palace’s starting lineup.

The same goes for Chris Richards, who tore two ankle ligaments in the draw at Brentford 10 days ago. The USMNT defender has been considered 50-50 for the final.

Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucouré are sidelined with hamstring and knee injuries respectively, while Borna Sosa is unlikely to feature due to a muscle complaint.

Crystal Palace predicted lineup vs. Rayo Vallecano (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Muñoz, Kamada, Wharton, Mitchell; Sarr, Pino; Mateta.

Rayo Vallecano Predicted Lineup vs. Crystal Palace

The status of Ilias Akhomach is the primary concern for the La Liga side. The winger suffered an injury while warming up for the second leg of Rayo’s semifinal against Strasbourg, and hasn’t featured since.

He’s a doubt for the final, but Pérez has been boosted by the return of Álvaro García, who sits second in their Conference League scoring charts this term.

Former Lazio defender Luiz Felipe is out with a hamstring injury, while Carlos Martín is nursing a back issue.

Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup vs. Crystal Palace (4-5-1): Batalla; Rațiu, Lejeune, Ciss, Chavarría; Valentín, López, Palazón, García, De Frutos; Alemão.

What Time Does Crystal Palace vs. Rayo Vallecano Kick Off?

• Location: Leipzig, Germany
• Stadium: Red Bull Arena
• Date: Wednesday, May 27
• Kick-off Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: Maurizio Mariani (ITA)
• VAR: Marco Di Bello (ITA)

How to Watch Crystal Palace vs. Rayo Vallecano on TV, Live Stream

• MORE: Full list of Conference League final broadcasters around the world

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Crystal Palace vs. Rayo Vallecano: Preview, Predictions and Lineups.

In rare cases, improvement is steady and gradual, bereft of hiccups. Sometimes, there’s a staggering leap. At the other end of the spectrum, spectacular downturns are not merely possible, but common.

When we get to making our preseason Premier League predictions, so many of us fall foul of a more macro example of the “hot hand” fallacy. We unjustifiably form expectations about what is going to happen next based upon what has just occurred.

There are far too many variables for everything to remain the same, and there were notable differences between the 2024–25 and 2025–26 Premier League tables.

Here‘s how the two compare.

2024–25 & 2025–26 Premier League Tables Compared

Who Had the Biggest Improvement From 2024–25?

Manchester United, far and away, experienced the biggest improvement in 2025–26, having endured their worst-ever Premier League finish under Ruben Amorim last season.

The Portuguese boss departed at the start of 2026 with United just outside the top-five, so their position was already drastically improved, but the Red Devils continued to ascend after Michael Carrick joined for his second interim managerial spell.

Carrick won 12 of 17 league games during the second half of the season, as United claimed a league-high 39 points after his appointment. Back in the Champions League thanks to a third-place finish, Man Utd earned a whopping 29 more points in 2025–26 and finished 12 places higher in the table. No wonder Carrick got the job permanently.

They’re one of just six clubs to earn more points this season than they did in 2024–25. Everton and Bournemouth each notched an extra point, although the latter were three places better off and qualified for Europe for the first time ever.

Despite their wretched season, Tottenham Hotspur actually gained three more points from the season before. They’ll hope to get over their back-to-back 17th-place finishes with Roberto De Zerbi leading the way.

The division’s top two also improved, having seen Liverpool waltz to the title last term. Arsenal were a distant second last year, but claimed 11 more points this time around to hold off Manchester City and secure their first league title in 22 years. City, meanwhile, notched seven extra points and jumped a place, but they were unable to take the title race to the final day.

Who Dropped Off the Most From 2024–25?

11 teams suffered points losses from last season, although two of them, Aston Villa and Brentford, actually improved their league position.

Villa jumped from sixth to fourth despite recording one less point, while Brentford, who many tipped for the drop after a mini summer exodus, were three points worse off but barely missed out on European soccer.

Brighton & Hove Albion earned eight fewer points yet still ended up with a Conference League berth. West Ham United’s subtle demise was the most costly, with a four-point drop enough to send them to the second tier.

There were five major declines, including the reigning champions Liverpool. They coasted to the title in Arne Slot’s first season in charge, but were pitiful for much of 2025–26. The Reds were 24 points worse off for a fifth-place finish.

Wolverhampton Wanderers finished bottom of the pile, having rallied under Vitor Pereira last season to survive. Their 22-point decline was fatal, while Nottingham Forest (-21 points) also flirted with relegation.

Chelsea and Newcastle United’s seasons of indifference leaves them without European soccer for 2026–27.

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as 2025–26 Premier League Table Compared to 2024–25: Biggest Improvements, Drops.

“Lately, I haven’t been enjoying watching soccer much at all,” the Ballon d’Or-winning former Chelsea manager lamented on Ziggo Sport earlier this year. “The soccer is terrible to watch ... it seems as if it is all controlled by a computer. I miss the fun.”

While the Premier League hasn’t always served up the kind of “sexy football” which Gullit infamously called for during one of his first appearances as a pundit on English television, some teams have managed to find some fun.

The end of long trophy droughts, returns to Europe and seasons spared from relegation danger have been littered across the division.

To offer Gullit’s glum take some context, it’s worth bearing in mind that he has been forced to watch some of the Premier League season alongside the divisive pairing of Richard Keys and Andy Gray as a panelist on beIN Sports. Maybe (just maybe) that company could impact a person’s enjoyment of anything. There have been plenty of Premier League teams that have certainly suffered through the season as much as Gullit.

Grading Criteria

• It’s all relative: Every club’s judgement is based upon their own financial landscape: a small budget team climbing up the table is more impressive than the fourth highest earners qualifying for the Champions League. Likewise, a club on a shoestring budget is not going to get unduly penalized for a relegation which was always coming.
• Performance: Results are key but the manner in which they were achieved is also taken into consideration—if you want a universal measure of quality, just go to the league table.
• Extra curricula: Other competitions are not ignored but most weight is given to Premier League performance.

20. West Ham United—F

Wage bill from last available accounts: 13th
Expected goal difference: 17th
Final Premier League finish: 18th (relegated)

“West Ham has to be in the Premier League,” Nuno Espírito Santo lamented after relegation was confirmed, still wrapped up in his trusty sleeping bag coat on the hottest May day for 79 years. “We are a big club that has to be in the Premier League.”

The toasty coach is right: West Ham are one of the 20 richest clubs on the planet. They should be in the Premier League. Which makes relegation all the more damning.

Fun fact: The 2026–27 Premier League season will be the first in the history of England’s top flight without a single club whose name begins with ‘W’.

19. Wolves—F

Finances: 13th
xG: 19th
Finish: 20th (relegated)

More than half the campaign had elapsed before Wolves collected their first win of a truly pitiful season. While still awaiting a victory, club chairman Jeff Shi offered an entirely unhelpful (if accurate) diagnosis: “Maybe we sold too many players in one window.” Within a week, he had been forced to step down, much like his former club with five games of the campaign remaining.

Fun fact: Wolves won eight points against the Premier League’s top five, the same tally as champions Arsenal.

18. Tottenham—D-

Finances: 7th
xG: 16th
Finish: 17th (same as last season)

“The bottle is always either half-empty or half-full,” the reliably grim figure of Igor Tudor declared during his disastrous Tottenham tenure. “Here there is nothing full. There are a lot of empty things.” That about sums it up.

Fun fact: Tottenham’s tally of 10 league wins is their lowest since just about scraping double digits when they were relegated in 1934–35.

17. Chelsea—D

Finances: 3rd
xG: 4th
Finish: 10th

A true garbage can fire of a campaign. Chelsea’s self-styled market disruptors tripped themselves up with a strategy which drove the only successful manager of the BlueCo era, Enzo Maresca, out of the door.

Liam Rosenior’s 106-day spell could (and no doubt will) be summarized on a LinkedIn post as Xabi Alonso prepares to inherit a club stuffed with players trying to join other teams actually involved in UEFA competition next season.

Fun fact: Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez ended the season with as many direct Premier League goal contributions as the club’s No. 9 Liam Delap (one).

16. Liverpool—D+

Finances: 1st
xG: 5th
Finish: 5th

The broad defining factors of this Premier League season read like a list of Liverpool weaknesses. Set pieces, long throws, VAR. Ironically, this year’s champions Arsenal are one of the few sides who never found a way to Arne Slot’s soft center.

Fun fact: Across the final 17 games of the season, Liverpool collected as many points as relegated West Ham (25).

15. Burnley—C-

Finances: 19th
xG: 20th
Finish: 19th (relegated)

Relegation is about par for a club as modestly funded as Burnley. Putting in performances so bad your manager actively accepts the boos of fans is less ideal.

Fun fact: Burnley conceded 16 league goals while winning promotion in 2024–25. Halloween had not yet arrived by the time they shipped their 17th Premier League goal of the season.

14. Newcastle—C-

Finances: 8th
xG: 9th
Finish: 12th

In May 2025, The Athletic published an article asking: “Newcastle United, 2025–26 Premier League champions. Is it really that far-fetched?” Yes, would prove to be the answer by the time May 2026 rolled around.

The Magpies never recovered from a disastrous summer window, which saw Alexander Isak force his way out and Eddie Howe’s nephew Andy play an oversized role in buying some wildly underwhelming replacements. “We can’t be happy,” Howe Sr. surmised when it was all mercifully over. Nobody was.

Fun fact: Only one of Newcastle’s final 24 opponents of the season failed to score against the Magpies (Chelsea).

13. Nottingham Forest

Finances: 10th
xG: 15th
Finish: 16th

Four permanent managers plus one European semifinal minus all the foundations built up from last season’s seventh-placed finish adds up to one typically chaotic campaign at the City Ground.

Fun fact: Ange Postecoglou’s eight-game winless stint as Nottingham Forest manager lasted 39 days, 10 fewer than Liz Truss’s infamous reign as U.K. Prime Minister in 2022.

12. Everton—C

Finances: 15th
xG: 14th
Finish: 13th

After flirting with European qualification as late as Easter weekend, there was no resurrection for those fanciful ambitions by the end of a campaign which left fans, players and the manager a little hollow. Everton’s chief executive Angus Kinnear claimed to have been “happily dissatisfied.” At least half of that was true.

Fun fact: The last player to score for Everton’s men’s side at Goodison Park also scored the first goal at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. Well done, Iliman Ndiaye.

11. Fulham—C

Finances: 11th
xG: 12th
Finish: 11th

Marco Silva summed it up rather well. Fulham “missed the cherry on the cake” by consistently failing to find enough consistency for European qualification. They were left with a rather bland campaign.

Fun fact: Only the top four won more Premier League home games this season than Fulham (11). Craven Cottage must be the division’s only ‘fortress’ with an infinity pool.

10. Man City—C+

Gràcies, Pep. pic.twitter.com/mQBpwx4aJT

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) May 24, 2026

Finances: 2nd
xG: 2nd
Finish: 2nd

Pep Guardiola sailed off into the sunset content with his decade of accomplishments at Manchester City but Bernardo Silva joined him in the departure lounge with a sense of bitter disappointment.

“If we didn’t make so many mistakes,” the captain argued, “we would have won this league.” After dropping points against the likes of Nottingham Forest, Tottenham and West Ham, he had a compelling case.

Fun fact: The most common scoreline out of all 380 Premier League fixtures this season was a 3–0 win for Manchester City (it happened nine times).

9. Man Utd—B

Manchester United are back on the big stage. pic.twitter.com/hzTUmo7q2y

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) May 3, 2026

Finances: 5th
xG: 3rd
Finish: 3rd

Manchester United expanded the cliché of a “game of two halves” to the season as a whole. Carabao Cup humiliation was balanced by Champions League qualification. The darkest days of Ruben Amorim’s bleak tenure were followed by the bright light of the club’s returning white knight, Michael Carrick.

After the horrors of last year’s 15th place, third represents a ridiculous improvement, but it’s still not any higher than United should be aiming.

Fun fact: Manchester United took more shots than any other Premier League team (596) but shared the goals around. With 12 apiece, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško represent United’s lowest top scorers across any of the last 52 seasons.

8. Brighton—B+

Finances: 12th
xG: 6th
Finish: 8th (Conference League qualification)

That Lewis Dunk even had to be asked if Brighton’s season had been a positive on the whole shows how odd the campaign has been. Fabian Hürzeler has gone from at risk of losing his job to a manager of the year contender.

The hesitant celebrations on the final day, as fans struggled to banish the memory of Manchester United romping to a 3–0 win while players celebrated Conference League qualification, summed up the contradictions of a helter-skelter campaign.

Dunk, however, had no doubts: “100% it’s a success.”

Fun fact: Between 2023 and the summer of 2027, Brighton will have spent as many seasons in European competition as Chelsea (two), the club which has forked out around $240 million on Seagulls players over the same period.

7. Leeds—B+

Finances: 18th
xG: 11th
Finish: 14th

During halftime at the Etihad, as Leeds trailed 2–0 to Manchester City while slumped in the relegation zone in late November, Daniel Farke’s job seemed to be over.

A formation change inspired a second-half fightback which didn’t produce a win but did set the template for a staggering turnaround that secured Premier League survival with three games to spare.

Fun fact: Leeds’ record with three at the back: 1.57 points per game. Leeds’ record with four at the back: 0.79 ppg. Who said formations didn’t matter?

6. Brentford—A-

Finances: 17th
xG: 8th
Finish: 9th

Brentford lost their manager, two top goalscorers, goalkeeper and captain in the summer. Rumor has it the bus stop outside the stadium was almost bought by Everton. Yet, the Bees still conspired to finish above west London rivals Chelsea and never once flirted with relegation.

Fun fact: Much was made of Keith Andrews’s history as the club’s former set-piece coach when he was appointed manager. But only three Premier League teams scored fewer dead ball goals than Brentford (10).

5. Crystal Palace—A

Finances: 16th
xG: 7th
Finish: 15th

Crystal Palace reaching a European showpiece fixture seemed unthinkable a little more than 12 months ago—so unthinkable, in fact, that the club didn’t even bother checking their email for any correspondence with UEFA until they had won last season’s FA Cup, when it was too late.

Now they boast their own European trophy. In a sweet twist of events which did not escape the Palace fanbase, the club will belatedly get the chance to compete in the Europa League after being demoted to the Conference League in place of Nottingham Forest, who didn’t quite make it back to the continent.

Fun fact: Jean-Philippe Mateta went more than three months between league goals at one point in 2026 yet still ended the campaign as Crystal Palace’s top scorer, responsible for 29% of the club’s top-flight tally.

4. Aston Villa—A

Míster. pic.twitter.com/RELsgafvgS

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) May 20, 2026

Finances: 6th
xG: 13th
Finish: 4th

When you end the campaign on a high, no one remembers the struggles that came before it.

Aston Villa endured a horrific summer transfer window, month-long goal droughts and public doubts from their manager. “We are still not contenders to be in the top five,” Unai Emery declared in January. In a way, he was right. Villa finished fourth, rather than fifth, while winning the Europa League.

Fun fact: Aston Villa were the last team to score a Premier League goal in 2025–26, going the entirety of August without finding the net in any competition.

3. Arsenal—A

Six years ago, Bukayo Saka spoke out saying Arsenal fans deserve more. This season, he delivered the more. pic.twitter.com/B28q9Bm7Fx

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) May 25, 2026

Finances: 4th
xG: 1st
Finish: 1st (champions)

The only faint negative lingering over the 22 years of agony ended by Mikel Arteta and his team this season has been a question of style. After such a long wait, and three successive years of near misses, nobody can really begrudge the Gunners for getting the title over the line in any way they could.

“You don’t have to like it,” Thierry Henry said of Arsenal’s robust approach, “but you must respect it.”

Paris Saint-Germain were forced to respect the resilience of Arteta’s side for two grueling hours in the Champions League final, unhappy to play with the free-flowing flair which had beguiled the rest of the continent. The season would end with heartache in Budapest, but on the whole, it was a campaign to savor.

Fun fact: Only one player who started Mikel Arteta’s first match as Arsenal manager in December 2019 lifted the Premier League trophy six-and-a-half years later: Bukayo Saka.

2. Bournemouth—A

Finances: 14th
xG: 10th
Finish: 6th (Europa League qualification)

Bournemouth’s season was so staggeringly impressive, a side gutted of all its star players delivering the most exhilarating, high-pressing chaos-ball of any team in the division, that even Andoni Iraola was welling up. “I am quite hard,” the former tough-tackling right back smiled, “but I have been really close [to tears].”

Plenty of Bournemouth fans may shed many tears when they consider what next season will look like without him.

Fun fact: Bournemouth are responsible for the longest unbeaten run of any Premier League side across the 2025–26 season (18 games, including each and every one since selling Antoine Semenyo in January).

1. Sunderland—A+

Finances: 20th
xG: 18th
Finish: 7th (Europa League qualification)

One year to the day after they were 15 minutes away from losing the Championship playoff final, the team with the smallest budget in the Premier League beat the Club World Cup champions on the final day to secure European qualification for the first time in 53 years.

Fun fact: When Sunderland qualified for the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1973, the Rubik’s Cube hadn’t been invented yet.

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Grading Every Premier League Team’s 2025–26 Season.

It feels just yesterday we witnessed the campaign-opening six-goal thriller between Liverpool and Bournemouth on a starry Friday night at Anfield. Yet, Sunday will bring the curtain down on what has been an enthraling term from start to end.

While there have been more consequential final days in Premier League history, the upcoming bout of fixtures offers one last opportunity for some trademark competition chaos.

Here are six storylines worth watching closely this Sunday.

Arsenal Handed Hard-Earned Prize

Just how hungover will Arsenal players be after Tuesday night’s extended Premier League title celebrations? The answer will be obvious from the first whistle at Selhurst Park as an historic campaign concludes with a trip to Crystal Palace for Mikel Arteta’s men.

A dead rubber in the May sunshine will be celebrated by both sets of supporters, who have European finals to look forward to over the next week. Widespread changes are expected, either leading to a frenetic goal-fest or a dreary contest.

What will really pique the interest of the traveling supporters and those of an Arsenal persuasion watching from further afield are the post match festivities. The Gunners will be handed the Premier League trophy after the full-time whistle, with skipper Martin Ødegaard first to lay hands on the prize.

Twenty-two years of anguish banished to the history books.

Tottenham Fight Final Relegation Battle

For Arsenal’s north London rivals, the final day will be comparatively excruciating. By the time the Gunners are lifting the Premier League trophy aloft, Tottenham Hotspur could be a Championship side.

Spurs remain uncertain of their safety heading into the final match of an utterly abysmal campaign, although they do sit firmly in the driver’s seat for survival. Fellow London and relegation rivals West Ham United are two points behind them with a far inferior goal difference, meaning Tottenham realistically only need a draw from their clash at home to Everton.

West Ham host Leeds United across London and while they know their destiny is out of their hands, Tottenham’s inconsistency will offer them renewed hope ahead of their final outing.

For Spurs, the prospect of relegation is unthinkable, and supporters would give anything for a routine victory over the Toffees. Based on the last nine months, however, that eventuality appears unlikely

Chelsea Face European Showdown

Much like London foes Tottenham, Chelsea have endured a miserable season—albeit not on the same scale as their adversaries. However, the chance to salvage an iota of positivity arrives when they visit Sunderland on the final day.

With incoming manager Xabi Alonso watching on with great interest, Chelsea know they can still secure continental football for next season, whether that be via the Europa League or the Conference League—the latter won by the Blues in 2024–25.

Victory at the Stadium of Light gives them a decent chance of making the Europa League, although they will need a favor from Manchester United away at Brighton & Hove Albion. A draw makes things trickier, while defeat might prove fatal to their European aspirations.

One final push for the beleaguered Blues.

Pep Guardiola Era Concludes

Following their midweek slip-up at Bournemouth, Manchester City head into their finale at home to Aston Villa with nothing to play for. However, the clash will still prove significant, marking the end of an illustrious and trophy-laden era spearheaded by Pep Guardiola.

The Spaniard will oversee his final game as Man City boss at the Etihad Stadium, an emotional conclusion to a glorious decade made all the more poignant by club icons John Stones and Bernardo Silva also saying their goodbyes.

Guardiola and his players will be determined to finish with a result fitting of the Spaniard’s remarkable tenure, and a Villa team likely still hungover from their Europa League celebrations midweek should prove the perfect opposition.

Liverpool Legends Bid Farewell

Liverpool are also bidding farewell to several legendary figures on Sunday. Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson will turn out for the final time before summer exits, bringing incredible nine-year stints at Anfield to a conclusion. There will be a few teary eyes on Merseyside, both on the field and in the stands.

The Reds can finish with a flourish at home to Brentford, a win or draw enough to guarantee Champions League qualification. Even defeat is unlikely to see the Reds ousted from the top five, with chasers Bournemouth needing a seven-goal swing to rise above sixth.

Bar a remarkable set of circumstances, Sunday will be about honoring two astonishing and transformative stars, both of whom deserve the warmest of send-offs.

At the end of a gloomy season for Liverpool, it should be a day of celebration.

Bruno Fernandes Chases History

Manchester United are another side with nothing riding on the outcome of their trip to Brighton this weekend. Well, except if you are Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese playmaker, who was named Premier League Player of the Season on Saturday, is hunting down the division’s assist record. Having tied with Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry last time out, one more assist on the south coast will take his tally to an unprecedented 21 for the season.

Fernandes could well have smashed the record last weekend had it not been for some wasteful finishing from teammates, and the United captain will be demanding his forwards find their clinical edge at the Amex Stadium.

Don’t be surprised to see Fernandes passing on some promising shooting opportunities in order to tee up his clubmates.

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Six Storylines to Look Out for on Premier League Final Day.

After almost 10 months of action and 37 gameweeks, the 2025–26 Premier League season draws to a close with 10 simultaneous kick-offs on Sunday.

We were expecting a title showdown this weekend, but Manchester City’s midweek slip-up means Arsenal have conquered the English top-flight for the first time in 22 years. Their celebrations started on Tuesday night and will continue with similar fervency across the capital on Sunday, beginning in south London and no doubt permeating back towards the north.

The European spots remain a muddle, with far too many permutations to consider, so the key pressure point arrives at the foot of the table. The relegation scrap has drifted into the final day, and Tottenham Hotspur still aren’t safe.

Here are Sports Illustrated‘s predictions for Gameweek 38 of the 2025–26 Premier League season.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Manchester United

• Date: Sunday, May 24
• Time: 4 p.m. BST / 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT

Manchester United have officially confirmed Michael Carrick as their new manager on a two-year deal, after the Englishman guided a stagnating Red Devils to third.

Greater challenges beckon for the new boss, who’s undeniably done a stellar job so far. His team can enjoy themselves on the south coast this weekend, and they’ll be pretty happy as long as Bruno Fernandes breaks the Premier League’s single-season assist record. He drew level with Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne last week.

The visitors take on a Brighton & Hove Albion side that may come to rue their defeat at Elland Road last weekend. The Seagulls were woeful in front of goal and conceded late on, thanks to an underhit Jan Paul van Hecke back pass.

Currently in seventh, Brighton could yet finish sixth and potentially play in the Champions League next season, but there’s another scenario which involves them dropping to ninth and missing out on Europe altogether.

Prediction: Brighton 2–1 Man Utd

Burnley vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

• Date: Sunday, May 24
• Time: 4 p.m. BST / 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT

It’s almost too cheap to label this ’El Crápico,’ because that’s what everybody else is doing.

This will be a rather bleak occasion as the Premier League’s bottom two face off at a sparsely-filled Turf Moor. Wolves have perhaps looked a little better than the Clarets in 2026, but any momentum Rob Edwards was starting to build at Molineux has seemingly dissipated.

Still, they’ll finish off the foot of the table by winning on Sunday. Burnley are two points better off after Wolves closed the gap by earning a point at home to Fulham.

Prediction: Burnley 1–0 Wolves

Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal

• Date: Sunday, May 24
• Time: 4 p.m. BST / 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT

Oliver Glasner must’ve been pleased with Tuesday’s outcome, as now he won’t be berated by those who have spent the 2025–26 season ’hate watching’ Arsenal for heavily rotating this weekend.

Crystal Palace are playing in the Conference League final next Wednesday; the biggest game in the club’s history. That’s their priority. Stars will get run outs, but that’s about it.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are going to have a great day. Sure, the Champions League final is on the horizon, but their trophy lift at Selhurst Park will doubtless ignite the capital in the scorching Bank Holiday heat.

Few will care about the game itself.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1–1 Arsenal

Fulham vs. Newcastle United

• Date: Sunday, May 24
• Time: 4 p.m. BST / 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT

The Toon Army must’ve felt rather ambivalent about last week’s 3–1 victory over West Ham United. Sure, the performance was great (early on, anyway), but why had they waited so long to produce something like that?

It’s been a bitterly disappointing campaign for the Magpies, who have taken a step back after some poor recruitment in the summer. Still, they’re sticking by Eddie Howe and will look to benefit from having no European soccer to enjoy next season.

There’s nothing riding on their final day clash at Craven Cottage, with Fulham far too inconsistent to surmount a charge to finish inside the top eight. They’re tough to beat on home soil, though.

Prediction: Fulham 2–2 Newcastle

Liverpool vs. Brentford

• Date: Sunday, May 24
• Time: 4 p.m. BST / 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT

Mohamed Salah’s recent comments raised a debate as to how Arne Slot should go about managing the Egyptian’s Anfield farewell this weekend. Surely the Dutchman has to put his ego to the side and let Salah have his day. Hand him a start and let the Liverpool supporters embrace him one last time.

Anything but, and a rather unimpressed fanbase will seek to cut ties with their title-winning manager from a year ago.

Manchester City’s late goal at Bournemouth failed to save the title race, but it did greatly aid Liverpool’s quest to play Champions League soccer next season. Now, the Reds merely need a point on the final day, and they could yet leapfrog Aston Villa into fourth.

Brentford are currently ninth, thus on the outside looking in. Liverpool’s level of performance down the stretch should be encouraging, but this has the makings of a happy Salah farewell.

Prediction: Liverpool 2–1 Brentford

Manchester City vs. Aston Villa

• Date: Sunday, May 24
• Time: 4 p.m. BST / 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT

Good luck, Enzo. Follow that.

The former Chelsea manager will be asked with succeeding Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, with the club confirming the departure of the Spaniard on Friday following media reports earlier in the week.

A decade of dominance comes to an end against Aston Villa on Sunday. There’s no league title to play for, nor a Champions League final upcoming, but City did secure a domestic cup double in Guardiola’s final season at the helm. That shouldn’t be scoffed at.

With John Stones and Bernardo Silva also saying their goodbyes, expect plenty of tears when the hungover Villa come to town.

Prediction: Man City 3–0 Aston Villa

Nottingham Forest vs. Bournemouth

• Date: Sunday, May 24
• Time: 4 p.m. BST / 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT

Bournemouth’s first-ever venture into Europe beckons, but the Cherries could yet compete in the Champions League next season. Aston Villa’s Europa League success has aided them on that front.

Erling Haaland’s stoppage time strike midweek hurt, not merely because they‘d been brilliant against City, but because Bournemouth could’ve sat just a point behind Liverpool and well clear of Brighton heading into the final day.

Now, they have to worry about the Seagulls, even if a point at Nottingham Forest will be enough to guarantee sixth spot. Andoni Iraola won’t be playing for draws, though. He’ll want to go out on a high before he heads for pastures new.

Forest are very much on the beach, but expect Morgan Gibbs-White to play with extra ferocity after he was overlooked by Thomas Tuchel for the World Cup.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1–1 Bournemouth

Sunderland vs. Chelsea

• Date: Sunday, May 24
• Time: 4 p.m. BST / 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT

Chelsea may well have aided the demise of their London rivals, even if the performance at Stamford Bridge was nothing to write home about. Confirmation of Xabi Alonso’s arrival has at least sparked some optimism at Stamford Bridge, with Calum McFarlane’s second (and hopefully last!) interim spell drawing to a close this weekend.

McFarlane has done a decent enough job, and will remain in the club’s set up under the new regime.

Cole Palmer’s World Cup exclusion was one of the shocks of Tuchel’s squad announcement, even if the Englishman has had a mightily difficult campaign disrupted by a nagging groin issue. Levi Colwill also didn’t make it, but Reece James will be England’s starting right back in North America if fit.

On Sunday, Chelsea could reach seventh and the Europa League with a win. Defeat could see them slide into the bottom half. Sunderland are also in contention after winning at Everton last week, but they’ll need some help from Liverpool against Brentford.

Prediction: Sunderland 1–0 Chelsea

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Everton

• Date: Sunday, May 24
• Time: 4 p.m. BST / 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT

Judgment Day beckons in N17, as Tottenham Hotspur face Everton needing a point to secure their Premier League status for 2026–27.

Their miserable season could yet culminate in the most humiliating and shocking of fates, and there’s not a single Spurs supporter heading into Sunday’s game with even a semblance of confidence. Everyone is fearing the worst.

They missed a chance to earn the point they needed at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, which proved to be a torturous few hours after Arsenal were confirmed champions. Get through this and their future might be bright with Roberto De Zerbi at the helm.

Fortunately, Everton head into the final day winless in six and out of European contention.

Prediction: Tottenham 2–1 Everton

West Ham United vs. Leeds United

• Date: Sunday, May 24
• Time: 4 p.m. BST / 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT

The Hammers are utterly dependent on Everton. Back-to-back defeats should’ve condemned Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, but Chelsea have kept the door ajar for them.

The Toffees aren’t playing for much, but the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could be an unbearable place to play soccer on Sunday. We know how bad Spurs usually are at home, too.

Still, West Ham United have got to take care of business themselves at the London Stadium. Only a win over Leeds United will give them a chance, and the visitors haven’t done much losing at the end of the 2025–26 season.

Prediction: West Ham 3–1 Leeds

Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 38

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 38.

The Gunners were indebted to Bournemouth midweek, the Cherries securing a draw with Manchester City that handed Arsenal their first title since the 2003–04 season. Celebrations were wild as players gathered at the training ground and fans descended upon the Emirates Stadium, that party atmosphere to be reignited when Arsenal are handed the Premier League trophy after the whistle.

Arsenal’s campaign is not over this weekend, however, a famous double still possible come the Champions League final on May 30. Mikel Arteta will certainly have one eye on the clash with reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain when selecting his XI in south London.

Palace also have a major European showdown on the horizon, Rayo Vallecano their opponents in Wednesday’s Conference League final. A first continental trophy looms as Oliver Glasner looks to bow out on a high, with the Eagles likely to take their foot off the gas for their dead rubber with the Gunners.

Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal Score Prediction

Points Shared As Priorities Lie Elsewhere

An encounter of little consequence will almost certainly lead to an uninspiring affair, especially with both clubs prioritizing their European exploits and undoubtedly making alterations to their preferred starting lineups.

Arsenal might still be slightly hungover from Tuesday night’s celebrations and players will be determined to make it through the trip to Selhurst Park without picking up an injury that would put their Champions League final or World Cup appearances in jeopardy.

Palace are also projected to make changes ahead of the Conference League final and motivation could be an issue for Glasner’s men. Don’t expect fireworks from this one.

• Rotated lineups: Both teams should make pretty significant changes with bigger fish to fry over the next week, and the supporting cast could struggle to put on a show at Selhurst Park. A lack of rhythm and some inevitable rustiness could result in a low-quality affair of little intensity.
• Recent duels: After disappointing defeats in his first two duels with Arsenal, Glasner has made recent clashes far more competitive. Palace have drawn two of their last three in this fixture across 90 minutes, and their defeat at the Emirates in the league earlier this term was decided by just one goal.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1–1 Arsenal

Crystal Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal

Palace’s lack of depth means they will be unable to change their entire XI ahead of the clash with Rayo Vallecano, but the likes of Brennan Johnson, Jefferson Lerma, Will Hughes and Nathaniel Clyne could come into the team.

Injuries limit Glasner’s rotation options further. Chris Richards is certain to miss out after tearing multiple ligaments in his ankle, while Cheick Doucouré and Eddie Nketiah are long-term absentees. Borna Sosa is a doubt, too.

Crystal Palace predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Canvot, Lacroix, Riad; Clyne, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell; Johnson, Pino; Strand Larsen.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Crystal Palace

Arteta is certain to shuffle his pack and lean on the immense depth of a squad engineered to fight on multiple fronts. That means rests for key performers, with Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel, William Saliba and David Raya among those destined for the bench—or omission from the squad entirely.

A makeshift backline could utilize Christian Nørgaard’s versatility, with Kepa Arrizabalaga coming in between the posts. Further forward, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli will get opportunities to impress ahead of the Champions League final.

The Premier League’s youngest-ever winner, Max Dowman, could feature as a No.10, while Gabriel Jesus might start up top in what could be his final Premier League appearance for the Gunners.

Arsenal will be without three players through injury, right backs Ben White and Jurriën Timber sidelined alongside Mikel Merino.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Mosquera, Nørgaard, Hincapié, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Lewis-Skelly; Madueke, Dowman, Martinelli; Jesus.

What Time Does Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal Kick Off?

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Selhurst Park
• Date: Sunday, May 24
• Kick-off Time: 4 p.m. BST / 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT
• Referee: Farai Hallam
• VAR: Nick Hopton

How to Watch Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal on TV, Live Stream

• MORE: Full list of Premier League broadcasters around the world

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal: Preview, Predictions and Lineups.

Unfortunately for England, they don’t have Maldini marshaling the defence, so it matters greatly who they have between the sticks.

As is customary, the Three Lions are taking three goalkeepers to this summer’s World Cup—which we’ve ranked here and broken down in terms of what each can bring to Thomas Tuchel’s squad.

Notable Omissions

Really, there were no surprises with the three keepers Thomas Tuchel picked for the World Cup, but there were a couple who perhaps had a long shot at making the cut but didn’t—mainly Newcastle United duo Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale.

The pair have shared goalkeeping responsibilities on Tyneside this season, but neither has exactly stood out.

Pope continues to be an excellent shot-stopper but struggles with the ball at his feet—a major drawback in Tuchel’s possession-based style of play. Ramsdale, meanwhile, has issues commanding his penalty area and dealing with crosses under heavy aerial pressure, and he is also prone to the occasional costly mistake.

Put them together and you might have a World Cup-worthy goalkeeper, but, believe it or not, that’s not possible.

England’s 2026 World Cup Goalkeepers—Ranked

3. James Trafford

James Trafford’s 2024–25 campaign with Burnley was nothing short of extraordinary. He kept a record-breaking 29 clean sheets in 45 Championship games, conceding just 16 goals as the Clarets stormed to promotion.

From there, he was widely expected to kick on and become England’s first-choice goalkeeper, especially after a move to Manchester City. However, the subsequent surprise signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma halted that progress, with Trafford since limited mostly to cup games.

He has impressed when called upon, though, playing every minute of City’s FA Cup and EFL Cup-winning campaigns while keeping clean sheets in both finals.

It feels like he will eventually become England’s No. 1, but for now, he will have to settle for some valuable tournament experience.

2. Dean Henderson

After making a permanent move to Crystal Palace in the summer of 2023, Dean Henderson endured a difficult start to life in London.

A serious thigh injury limited his appearances early on, and he spent much of the 2023–24 campaign battling Sam Johnstone for the No. 1 spot at Selhurst Park.

However, Johnstone’s injury setback and eventual departure gave the former Manchester United man a clear path to become Palace’s first-choice keeper—and he hasn’t looked back since. Henderson shone throughout the 2024–25 season, with his performances in the club’s remarkable FA Cup run standing out. He was heroic at every stage, particularly in the final, where Palace stunned Manchester City to lift the trophy, while this season he again played a major role in Palace’s historic Conference League run.

He will be England’s backup this summer, and perhaps the man to step in if things go to a penalty shootout.

1. Jordan Pickford

Jordan Pickford remains a somewhat polarizing figure among England fans, with the Everton goalkeeper long criticized for occasional high-profile errors—none more infamous than his last-minute fumble in the Merseyside derby that handed Divock Origi a winner.

However, in recent seasons, Pickford has significantly cut down on those mistakes and developed into a consistent and dependable presence for both Everton and England.

He was Gareth Southgate’s undisputed No. 1 and rarely let the Three Lions down in their run to the Euro 2024 final, and he has retained his place under Tuchel.

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as England’s Goalkeeper Options for the 2026 World Cup—Ranked.

Gameweek 37 is upon us after nine months of relentless entertainment, and there remains plenty on the line heading into this season’s final two rounds,

The title race rages on toward a tense finale, the fight for European qualification promises further twists and the final relegation spot is yet to be confirmed as Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United desperately scramble for survival.

Some of the biggest questions remaining could be answered in GW37. Here’s how Sports Illustrated believes the upcoming bout of Premier League fixtures will play out.

Aston Villa vs. Liverpool

• Date: Friday, May 15
• Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

The two sides in pole position to secure the remaining Champions League spots kick off the gameweek on Friday night. Both Aston Villa and Liverpool enter the clash in unconvincing form having left the door ajar to their chasers in recent weeks, but one of them could secure their place in Europe’s premier competition next season at Villa Park.

Naturally, Unai Emery will have one eye on the upcoming Europa League final next Wednesday, perhaps influencing his team selection. Just one win from the past five means the Spaniard might not be able to rotate as much as he would have liked, however.

Even against a changed Villa team, Liverpool will make hard work of their trip to the Midlands. Dire displays against Manchester United and Chelsea have brought a fresh wave of criticism for Arne Slot to combat, and anything but victory this Friday will only serve to intensify the scrutiny.

Luckily from a Liverpool perspective, Mohamed Salah is once again available for his penultimate outing for the club. Ibrahima Konaté, Alisson and Florian Wirtz could all be feature to further boost Slot’s options.

Prediction: Aston Villa 1–2 Liverpool

Manchester United vs. Nottingham Forest

• Date: Sunday, May 17
• Time: 12:30 p.m. BST / 7:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 a.m. PT

With the FA Cup final dominating Saturday’s schedule, the bulk of the gameweek’s remaining fixtures will be staged on Sunday, starting with Manchester United’s battle with Nottingham Forest.

As Michael Carrick’s permanent appointment seemingly nears, the interim manager will demand a stronger showing from his side than witnessed at Sunderland last weekend. A lifeless performance resulted in a drab goalless draw, with a lack of consequence feeding into an insipid affair.

Having already wrapped up Champions League qualification, there’s nothing riding on Sunday’s game for Man Utd. Still, the hosts will be eager to put on a show in front of the Old Trafford crowd for the final time this term.

With safety secured, Forest appear unlikely to offer too much resistance, perhaps stumbling to a first league defeat since the beginning of March.

Prediction: Man Utd 2–0 Nottingham Forest

Brentford vs. Crystal Palace

• Date: Sunday, May 17
• Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

Crystal Palace appear to have largely checked out of their domestic duties, somewhat understandably as they prepare for the Conference League final with Rayo Vallecano several days after the final round of Premier League fixtures.

Brentford, however, can’t afford to drop their standards as they continue to chase a European place, the Bees still in the hunt to qualify for UEFA competition for the first time in their history.

Keith Andrews continues to work wonders with Brentford, who will look to take advantage of fatigue and a lack of motivation in the Palace camp. They should keep the pressure on those above them with three precious points.

Prediction: Brentford 3–1 Crystal Palace

Everton vs. Sunderland

• Date: Sunday, May 17
• Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

Sunday’s battle at the Hill Dickinson Stadium is unlikely to spark much interest outside of Everton and Sunderland supporters, an unspectacular affair projected between two teams in iffy form.

Everton’s dreams of sneaking into Europe are not yet dead and buried, but the Toffees would realistically require a miracle to achieve the feat having failed to win any of their past five Premier League matches.

Sunderland’s ambition of survival was achieved long ago and their performances have nosedived since, with a tepid defeat on Merseyside a likely possibility.

Prediction: Everton 1–0 Sunderland

Leeds United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion

• Date: Sunday, May 17
• Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

There will be a party at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon, Leeds United now knowing they will be playing Premier League soccer next season. The Whites have been hugely impressive this calendar year and have earned their place for the 2026–27 campaign.

While there will be plenty of good vibes in Yorkshire, a lack of jeopardy plays into the hands of Leeds’ visitors. Brighton & Hove Albion still have an outside chance of Champions League qualification, but must win both remaining matches to keep their dreams intact.

The Seagulls, who have won three of their last five, will be desperate to push their European bid as far as possible, and they will hope Leeds take their foot off the gas this weekend.

Prediction: Leeds 1–2 Brighton

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Fulham

• Date: Sunday, May 17
• Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

For Wolverhampton Wanderers, it’s been a long and brutal campaign. The Old Gold have managed just three victories from their 36 Premier League matches to date and their fighting spirit evaporated long ago. They have lost four of their last five without scoring.

Molineux will be glad to see the back of an utterly disastrous season as it prepares to host Championship games next season, and the home supporters will hope for one last flurry of endeavor to offer some inconsequential respite.

Fulham are the visitors this weekend and they are in similarly underwhelming form, Marco Silva’s men with little to play for as European qualification looks beyond them. That could lead to a dull encounter with Wolves on Sunday.

Prediction: Wolves 0–0 Fulham

Newcastle United vs. West Ham United

• Date: Sunday, May 17
• Time: 5:30 p.m. BST / 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT

West Ham will still feel aggrieved from last weekend’s last-gasp heartbreak at the hands of Arsenal, VAR controversy taking center stage in the dying embers. But the Hammers must channel that frustration, taking it to St James’ Park this weekend.

The Irons know they will be relegated this weekend if they fail to win and Tottenham manage victory on Tuesday, piling on the pressure ahead of their clash with Newcastle United. Luckily, Nuno Espírito Santo’s men have shown they possess the courage and quality to scrap their way to safety.

Victory at Newcastle is more or less essential with time running out, but even a Newcastle team performing beneath itself will prove difficult to conquer. The Magpies have avoided defeat in their last two games, correcting their course after a dire stint.

Prediction: Newcastle 1–1 West Ham

Arsenal vs. Burnley

• Date: Monday, May 18
• Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

Arsenal’s task is clear: win their final two matches and become Premier League champions. A home tie against already relegated and managerless Burnley is perhaps the perfect fixture as they edge toward the crown.

Arsenal can win the title in Gameweek 37 if they beat Burnley and Manchester City slip up at Bournemouth on Tuesday, and the first part of that scenario appears nailed-on. There is next to no chance that the Gunners stumble against the woeful Clarets.

A routine victory is expected, especially with Arsenal having enjoyed a rare midweek off. Burnley put up a fight against Aston Villa last weekend, nicking a hard-fought draw, but will need perfection and a slice of luck to avoid losing at the Emirates Stadium.

One step closer for Mikel Arteta’s men.

Prediction: Arsenal 3–0 Burnley

Bournemouth vs. Manchester City

• Date: Tuesday, May 19
• Time: 7:30 p.m. BST / 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT

The Premier League title race could well be wrapped up come the end of Tuesday evening. With Arsenal almost certain to win on Monday night, we’re predicting another slip-up on the road for Man City to end the contest.

The Cityzens have responded to pressure with recent 3–0 victories, but they have proven troublingly inconsistent on their travels. The recent chaotic draw at Everton means they have only won half of their away games this season.

Fresh from an exhausting FA Cup final with Chelsea on Saturday, Man City face the arduous task of visiting a Bournemouth team with plenty to play for. Champions League qualification remains on the cards and Andoni Iraola will oversee his final home match at the Vitality Stadium, while the Cherries are also eager to preserve their remarkable 15-match unbeaten run.

They have been draw specialists this season, amassing 16 stalemates across the campaign, and could hold Man City in a crucial encounter.

Prediction: Bournemouth 2–2 Man City

Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur

• Date: Tuesday, May 19
• Time: 8:15 p.m. BST / 3:15 p.m. ET / 12:15 p.m. PT

A decade on from the ‘Battle of the Bridge’, another hugely significant clash between Chelsea and Tottenham graces the schedule. Another instalment of the fierce rivalry could have enormous consequences.

While Tottenham cannot be relegated this weekend, Chelsea can send them closer to the Championship with victory at Stamford Bridge. That will be Chelsea’s final motivation for the campaign.

Spurs are just two points ahead of West Ham heading into Gameweek 37, and victory at Stamford Bridge could be enough to save them. However, this Tottenham team simply can’t be trusted, exemplified by the draw with Leeds last Monday.

Chelsea are in dreadful form and will have to manage physical fatigue after their trip to Wembley, but Tottenham still appear unlikely to secure only their third Premier League victory of the calendar year.

Prediction: Chelsea 1–1 Tottenham

Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 37

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 37.

The 2025–26 Premier League title race might have once looked like a forgone conclusion, but countless twists and turns over the last few months have made for a back-and-forth battle between the two best clubs in England. The Gunners sit in pole position to snag their long-awaited league title, but City are keeping the pressure on the league leaders.

Pep Guardiola’s men bested Crystal Palace 3–0 on Wednesday to come within two points of Arsenal, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the title showdown gripping fans throughout Europe and beyond. Each team only has two games left to play in the English top-flight this season, and the results will decide who gets crowned champions.

Elsewhere in the table, the race for the Champions League places is fiercer than ever, especially with sixth place potentially qualifying as well. Even more exciting, though, is the battle to stay up between two London rivals.

Here’s how Opta’s supercomputer predicts the Premier League table to look like come the end of May.

Supercomputer Predicts 2025–26 Premier League Title Race

Opta remains convinced Arsenal will win their first Premier League title in 22 years. The supercomputer gives the Gunners 85.68% odds to keep their place atop the table come the final matchday, especially since they only have Burnley and Crystal Palace left on their schedule.

Mikel Arteta’s men are predicted to finish with around 83 points, a number boosted by their three most recent league wins. The tally would be the lowest for a Premier League title winner since Leicester City topped the league with 81 points in 2015–16, but Arsenal won’t care.

City certainly will, though. Guardiola’s men are slated to miss out on the English crown by just three points. Despite bouncing back against Brentford and Crystal Palace, their costly draw against Everton sealed their runners-up finish, at least in Opta’s eyes.

The Citizens have just a 14.32% chance of snatching the title from Arsenal, a feat not helped by their challenging matches against Bournemouth and Aston Villa to close out the season.

Supercomputer Predicts 2025–26 Race for Europe

Champions League Battle

Manchester United are sitting pretty, already qualified for the 2026–27 Champions League thanks to their resurgence under Michael Carrick. The Red Devils are projected to finish third, their best placing since 2022–23.

Trailing in fourth place are Liverpool, who Opta backs to also secure a place in Europe’s premier club competition with around 62 points despite a rather wretched campaign. The Reds went from winning the title last year to barely scraping out results against teams far below their typical standards.

Aston Villa are nipping at their heels, but their final standing won’t matter should they win the Europa League final, which comes with a place in next season’s Champions League. Still, the supercomputer gives the Villans a 87.18% chance of finishing fifth and securing their return regardless of the outcome in Istanbul.

Currently on the outside looking in are Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion. The Cherries might be on a 17-game unbeaten run, but they are still in line for a sixth place finish, per Opta. The Seagulls are slated to finish seventh, leaving both teams settling for the Europa League and Conference League respectively.

The Mix for Sixth

As of now, only the top five teams in the Premier League are guaranteed a Champions League berth next season. But if Aston Villa finish fifth and win the Europa League, then the team in sixth place will also qualify for Europe’s premier club competition.

Suddenly, the race for the top five has turned into the race for the top six. Bournemouth and Brighton lead the charge, but the supercomputer gives the former the slight edge. The Cherries are predicted to finish with around 57 points, just one more than the Seagulls’ 56 points.

Fabian Hürzeler’s men would then have to wait yet another season to make their Champions League debut, as would Brentford. Also missing out would be Chelsea, who have not won a league match since March 4.

Opta tips the Blues to finish all the way down in ninth place, with just 52 points, around the same amount as Everton. It has truly been a stunning fall from grace for Chelsea considering they won the Club World Cup last summer and sat fourth in the table on Christmas Day.

Supercomputer Predicts 2025–26 Relegation Battle

What was once an action-packed relegation battle has come down to a fight between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United; one will stay up in 17th place and one will go down in 18th place.

Both clubs dropped points at the weekend, with Spurs only managing a 1–1 draw with Leeds United while the Hammers controversially fell 1–0 to Arsenal. But Roberto De Zerbi’s men still have a two-point buffer to the drop zone, enough for Opta to put its faith in the north London outfit to avoid a historic relegation by that exact number.

West Ham, meanwhile, have 80.93% odds of playing in the Championship next season alongside the already-relegated Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Leeds United and Nottingham Forest have done enough to secure their safety, while Crystal Palace’s skid down the standings is not enough to threaten the Eagles’ place in the English top-flight.

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Premier League

Mohamed Salah has approved a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, who have offered him an annual salary of $23.5 million (£17.5 million) that falls just short of the earnings he will walk away from at Liverpool. (Source: A Spor)

Rafael Leão can leave AC Milan for a bargain fee this summer. Al Hilal are keen on the winger but he wants to move to the Premier League, where both Chelsea and Manchester United are considering bids. (Source: Corriere dello Sport)

Chelsea have also joined Man Utd in pursuit of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who is believed to be on the radar of the team he supported as a child, Tottenham Hotspur. (Source: SportsBoom)

Xabi Alonso wants Chelsea to sign Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler, who has been unsettled by the off-field tensions at the Bernabéu. The chance to reunite with Alonso, who is the front-runner for the Chelsea job, appeals to him. (Source: Fichajes)

Liverpool are reluctant to put their faith in Giorgi Mamardashvili if goalkeeper Alisson leaves for Juventus are are prepared to move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Lucas Chevalier as a replacement. (Source: TuttoJuve)

Rodri is inching closer to signing a new contract with Manchester City, having yet to receive any formal interest from Real Madrid. (Source: Matteo Moretto)

Bayern Munich have agreed personal terms with Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon but face a battle meeting the Magpies’ asking price of over $100 million (£75 million), which they are confident they will receive at the end of a transfer race that will also include Arsenal. (Source: talkSPORT)

Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand is at the heart of a transfer tug-of-war involving both Arsenal and Man Utd. (Source: CaughtOffside)

Aston Villa have moved to the front of the queue for Roma winger Matías Soulé ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool. (Source: SportsBoom)

Towering Metz striker Pape Moussa Fall, 21, is wanted by Brentford, Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham United after impressing on loan in Belgium. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Man Utd are ready to make an offer of $59 million (€50 million, £43 million) to sign AC Milan center back Strahinja Pavlović. (Source: Corriere dello Sport)

La Liga

Barcelona are ready to change their entire transfer priority and abandon a move for a new striker. Instead, Lamine Yamal is in line to take up a central role in attack and the money will instead be used to sign a new right winger. (Source: El Nacional)

That new winger is, however, unlikely to be Ez Abde of Real Betis. Barcelona had set a limit of $35 million (€30 million) for the 24-year-old but rival interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle has seen his price tag rise beyond their comfort zone. (Source: SPORT)

Real Madrid want their own superstar winger and are putting together a swap deal to try and convince Juventus to offload Kenan Yıldız. It is Brahim Díaz and Gonzalo García who have both been offered to the Serie A side. (Source: Fichajes)

Galatasaray have identified Real Madrid center back Antonio Rüdiger as their preferred alternative if they cannot convince Liverpool to offload Virgil van Dijk. (Source: Habertürk)

Robert Lewandowski is close to deciding on a departure from Barcelona this summer. The Chicago Fire and Porto have both made offers but the veteran striker is leaning towards accepting a move to Saudi Arabia. (Source: Meczyki)

Endrick will return to Real Madrid after his loan with Lyon expires and is expected to begin his switch back to Spain as soon as Monday. He hopes to use the Madrid training facilities to keep in shape before the World Cup but will be kept separate from Álvaro Arbeloa’s first team until the start of preseason. (Source: Globo Esporte)

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After a relatively slow start of the year, Haaland has caught fire during the run-in, bagging five goal contributions in City’s last four Premier League games. The Norwegian leads the Premier League Golden Boot race with 26 strikes, and he’s a vital reason why the Citizens still have a chance at lifting their seventh league title in the last nine seasons.

Man City must win their remaining three games and hope Arsenal drop points in either of their last two fixtures of the campaign to clinch the title. With no margin for error, it was a surprise when Haaland was omitted from the starting lineup against Palace.

But what’s the reason?

Man City Prioritizing FA Cup Final

Haaland’s absence from the starting lineup against Crystal Palace isn’t injury-related but rather a precautionary measure. It seems like Pep Guardiola is prioritizing having his star striker rested and ready for the 2025–26 FA Cup final against Chelsea on Saturday at Wembley.

The Norwegian had a goal and an assist in City’s 3–0 win over Brentford over the weekend, and Guardiola will likely use him off the bench against Palace if needed.

Guardiola also made the risky decision to also bench starting attackers Rayan Cherki and Jérémy Doku. Meanwhile, Rodri and Nico O’Reilly, two more crucial City pieces as of late, aren’t even included in the squad against Oliver Glasner’s side.

Anything but a win against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night would open the door for Arsenal to become Premier League champions with a win against Burnley next Monday.

Guardiola’s selection decisions could easily backfire, but City still have a wealth of talent to replace their regular starters.

Man City Confirmed XI vs. Crystal Palace

Omar Marmoush, who scored his first goal for City since early March at the weekend, will replace Haaland in the XI against Crystal Palace. Phil Foden and Savinho will get a chance to start as well, with Antoine Semenyo completing the attack.

For the first time since Jan. 4, Croatia international Joško Gvardiol is back and he’ll start at left back.

Summer signing Rayan Aït-Nouri will fill in for O’Reilly and push up higher on the field at left winger.

Man City starting XI vs. Crystal Palace (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Gvardiol, Guéhi, Khusanov, Nunes; Silva; Savinho, Semenyo, Foden, Aït-Nouri; Marmoush

Subs: Trafford, Stones, Aké, Dias, Kovačić, Cherki, Reijnders, Haaland, Doku

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Arsenal responded to City’s 3–0 defeat of Brentford by taking a significant step towards glory on Sunday afternoon, even if their slender win over West Ham United was marred in controversy.

The desperate Hammers thought they’d emboldened their own survival hopes while improving City’s chances when Callum Wilson crashed home a stoppage-time equalizer. However, the striker‘s goal was ruled out for Pablo’s perceived foul on David Raya during a set-piece-induced melee in the Arsenal box.

As a result, the Gunners’ lead was restored to five points with so little time in the 2025–26 season remaining. City can trim that deficit to two with a midweek victory, but they’re going to need either the relegated Burnley or a Conference League final-prioritizing Palace to do them a massive favor in Arsenal’s final two fixtures.

The Eagles are merely playing for an improved position in the bottom half of the table domestically, yet they were still able to hinder Everton’s European ambitions by stealing two points off the Toffees at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

Man City vs. Crystal Palace Score Prediction

Cityzens Get the Job Done

After the chaos of last Monday night, Manchester City rediscovered their vintage serenity at the weekend when European hopefuls Brentford visited the Etihad Stadium. They hoped their comfortable win would have unnerved Arsenal, but the universe is seemingly pushing the Gunners to a first league title in 22 years.

All City can do here is win out the season and hope the north Londoners encounter an unlikely banana skin. The existential threat of relegation always meant West Ham were City’s most probable source of aid, but Arsenal still have to go to Selhurst Park on the final day.

Palace certainly didn’t look distracted at the weekend, and Oliver Glasner will want high standards to be maintained up until they face Rayo Vallecano with European silverware at stake. Thus, this could be a potentially tricky outing for the hosts, who have the FA Cup final upcoming, too.

• Man City’s Etihad record: Since losing their home opener to Tottenham Hotspur in August, Man City are unbeaten in 16 Premier League games at home, winning 13. They’ve scored twice in 14 of these outings.
• Recent head-to-head record: There was a period when Palace really troubled the Cityzens, but Pep Guardiola‘s side have won five of the previous eight Premier League meetings, drawing the other three.
• Dangerous Eagles: The carefree visitors aren’t playing for much, but they typically play without fear at the Etihad. Palace have scored at least twice on their previous four trips and have also won the third most away games in the Premier League this season.

Prediction: Man City 2–1 Crystal Palace

Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Crystal Palace

Rodri failed a late fitness test ahead of Saturday’s victory and is unlikely to be ready for a start midweek. The Spaniard will hope to be available for the FA Cup final, having suffered a groin injury in last month’s win over Arsenal, and could be in contention for minutes off the bench against Palace.

Abdukodir Khusanov has been a constant in City’s defense of late but missed the Brentford victory due to a knock he sustained on Merseyside. While the Uzbekistani hero has been pictured back in training ahead of Wednesday’s game, Khusanov may be preserved for Saturday’s final.

Rúben Dias is a contender to replace the former Lens center back in Guardiola’s team after he was named among the substitutes last time out. Dias has recovered from a thigh injury that had kept him out since mid-March.

The upcoming Wembley excursion could see Guardiola shuffle his starting lineup here, with Omar Marmoush among those rewarded for producing off the bench against Brentford.

Man City predicted lineup vs. Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Guéhi, Aït-Nouri; González, Silva; Savinho, Marmoush, Doku; Haaland.

Crystal Palace Predicted Lineup vs. Man City

Glasner was hardly given the deepest roster to work with this season, and the management of the players he has available will be key ahead of the Conference League final on May 27.

The visitors are certainly without former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah and midfielder Cheick Doucouré through injury, while January arrival Evann Guessand is a doubt. Croatia international Borna Sosa is unlikely to feature, too.

Jean-Philippe Mateta scored off the bench against Everton and should start on Wednesday night, but the in-form Ismaïla Sarr is the most likely to hurt the title hopefuls. Palace’s attack could be completed by Yeremy Pino, given Brennan Johnson’s continued struggles.

Crystal Palace predicted lineup vs. Man City (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Muñoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Pino, Sarr; Mateta.

What Time Does Man City vs. Crystal Palace Kick Off?

• Location: Manchester, England
• Stadium: Etihad Stadium
• Date: Wednesday, May 13
• Kick-off Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: Stuart Attwell
• VAR: John Brooks

How to Watch Man City vs. Crystal Palace on TV, Live Stream

• MORE: Full list of Premier League broadcasters around the world

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Had the on-pitch official not agreed with the advice dished out by his video assistant referee (VAR) Darren England, the Gunners would have been consigned to a 1–1 draw with West Ham United at the London Stadium. The gap to Manchester City would have stood at just three points, and Pep Guardiola’s side could have recaptured the division’s summit before Arsenal played again.

At the other end of the table, Callum Wilson’s disallowed goal would have taken the Hammers to the same points tally as Tottenham Hotspur on the other side of the drop zone while keeping Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest mathematically in the relegation battle.

“You’re talking about a moment that can decide the history of two massive clubs that are fighting with their lives to achieve their objectives, and the pressure is huge,” Arteta surmised.

If just one VAR intervention had enough power to dramatically change the face of the entire division, think about the impact of all the calls across the whole season made by the officials in Stockley Park.

2025–26 Premier League Table So Far If There Was No VAR

Even if VAR had not been in use across the course of the 2025–26 campaign, Arsenal would still be top of the Premier League—but only just. The Gunners have won five points thanks to decisions made by distant officials and are yet to be cost any from these interventions.

Only one Manchester City fixture, by contrast, has been materially impacted by a VAR overturn. Back in January, Guardiola’s challengers were awarded a first-half penalty which Erling Haaland converted to take a 1–0 lead at home to Brighton & Hove Albion. Kaoru Mitoma’s second-half strike would have earned the visitors all three points rather than just one had the VAR not rightly spotted a blatant trip from Diego Gómez on Jérémy Doku. This has been a common theme for the Seagulls.

Brighton are the side to have suffered most at the clawing tentacles of VAR. “I always say VAR makes football more fair,” Fabian Hürzeler mused at the end of last season. His stance may have shifted this term.

The upwardly mobile South Coast side would be seven points better off in a hypothetical world without VAR, above Liverpool and Aston Villa inside the division’s top four. Brighton have seen their opponents awarded three penalties by VAR and were denied one themselves in a goalless draw with rivals Crystal Palace. Hürzeler’s side have also seen two potential equalizers chalked off by delayed (and correct) offside calls.

Tottenham Hotspur have been similarly hampered by VAR, in stark contrast to their north London rivals. The penalty which Leeds United were awarded to secure a point on Monday night was just the latest spot kick to go against Spurs. Newcastle United were also given a penalty by VAR which denied Tottenham all three points in December while the Lilywhites have twice had opportunities to score from 12 yards chalked off by Stockley Park in narrow defeats.

With these extra six points, Spurs would already be safe from relegation. Instead they head into the season’s final fortnight with their future very much in the balance.

English soccer’s two most successful sides, Manchester United and Liverpool, would both have the exact same points tallies regardless of VAR. Rather than a case of avoiding any controversial officiating, both sides would be denied as many wins as they would gain from a lack of VAR. Not that it feels like that to Arne Slot.

“I don’t think it’s a surprise to anyone this season that if there’s a VAR intervention or if there’s something that could be left or right [50-50] then the decision goes against us,” the Liverpool manager fumed after his side conceded a controversial goal at the hands of United’s Benjamin Šeško. “That has been the whole season, every single time the same.” Well, not quite every time.

Putting aside whether Slot deemed these decisions to be just or otherwise, Liverpool’s VAR fortune has actually turned in recent weeks. The Reds saw Brentford beat them in October with a free kick upgraded to a penalty by VAR, while one of Leeds United’s three goals in a 3–3 draw last December was another spot kick awarded from Stockley Park. However, against both Everton and Chelsea this spring, Liverpool have had VAR to thank for flagging offside goals that escaped the attention of the on-pitch assistant referees.

Arsenal’s VAR Fortune

Only Sunderland have gained more points thank to VAR interventions than Arsenal this season. The key calls have come in three games split across six months. The decision to disallow Wilson’s equalizer for the Hammers has been dissected to death and is widely considered to have been the right call. The same cannot be said for events in Arsenal’s 1–0 win over Everton in December.

Viktor Gyökeres’s first-half penalty fell into the “soft” category but was ultimately judged to be a fair award from the VAR. However, the Premier League’s official Key Match Incidents panel ruled that the Toffees were wrongly denied a spot kick of their own in the same game for a clumsy challenge by William Saliba on Thierno Barry.

Arsenal’s Season-Defining VAR Interventions

• Everton 0–1 Arsenal: Arsenal penalty awarded and scored
• Wolves 2–2 Arsenal: Arsenal goal given after offside review
• West Ham 0–1 Arsenal: West Ham goal disallowed for a foul

The decision to award Piero Hincapié’s effort against Wolverhampton Wanderers in February was less contentious—however, it could have been a hot topic in a VAR-less world as the on-pitch officials deemed an offside offense to have occurred. A swift review found that the fullback’s goal was legal, which came in handy when the hosts scored twice to snatch a share of the spoils. Without that VAR intervention, Arsenal would have emerged from Molineux with a defeat.

The Gunners have racked up five extra points thanks to these three VAR calls. Should both Arsenal and City win out across the remainder of the season, the Premier League title will be decided by just two points. Arteta may not be the only one to realize how “big” a referee’s job is.

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Premier League

Chelsea have reignited their interest in Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincão. (Source: El Nacional)

Potentially departing Chelsea could be another winger, Estêvão. Liverpool have set their sights on the Brazilian as their preferred replacement for the departing Mohamed Salah. (Source: Fichajes)

Manchester United have reached an agreement over personal terms with Atalanta midfielder Éderson, who is open to moving to Old Trafford this summer. (Source: Sébastien Vidal)

Sporting CP are prepared to demand full payment of left back Maxi Araújo’s $94 million (€80 million, £69 million) release clause amid interest from Chelsea, Man Utd and Tottenham Hotspur. All three clubs have spoken with the defender’s agent. (Source: A BOLA)

Man Utd director Jason Wilcox has held meetings with officials from Nottingham Forest and Leicester City. Foxes winger Jeremy Monga is believed to be on their radar. (Source: Roundtable)

Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola is now interested in a move to Liverpool, whose pursuit of the Frenchman is growing with each passing day. (Source: Le10Sport)

Both Liverpool and Manchester City are chasing Lens center back Samson Baidoo, with a bidding war raising his price tag beyond the reach of fellow suitors Juventus. (Source: TuttoJuve)

West Ham United are confident that they will be able to fend off Man Utd’s interest in left back El Hadji Malick Diouf by demanding an enormous fee. (Source: Football Insider)

Arsenal, Man City and Tottenham all want Newcastle United right back Tino Livramento. The teams that miss out on the Englishman’s signature are expected to turn their attention to Roma’s Wesley. (Source: Calciomercato.it)

Bologna are concerned by Chelsea’s interest in winger Jonathan Rowe, who could be tempted by a return to England if the Blues make a bid of around $45 million (€38 million, £33 million). (Source: Gazzetta dello Sport)

Aston Villa are not expected to pursue a permanent deal for on-loan midfielder Douglas Luiz from Juventus. (Source: Calciomercato)

Liverpool and Man Utd are both rivaling Atlético Madrid for the signature of Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder João Gomes, with Crystal Palace also ambitious suitors. (Source: CaughtOffside)

Juventus fullback Andrea Cambiaso could be made available for transfer this summer, piquing the interest of Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Chelsea are one of four Premier League teams to have expressed an interest in Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, who could leave the Emirates permanently when he returns from loan with Marseille. (Source: Mark Brus)

Chelsea are looking to sign AC Milan center back Strahinja Pavlović. While Milan do not want to sell, the Blues could try and use their interest in French defender Benoît Badiashile to their advantage. (Source: Calciomercato)

Man Utd have laughed off suggestions they could listen to offers for young winger Amad Diallo in the face of interest from former loan team Sunderland. (Source: TEAMtalk)

If West Ham are relegated from the Premier League, Leeds United expect to move to the front of the queue to sign Chelsea center back Axel Disasi after his impressive loan spell with the Hammers. (Source: Football Insider)

La Liga

Barcelona have reignited their push to sign Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli. (Source: Fichajes)

Regardless of what happens with Marcus Rashford, Barcelona will look for an exit for young winger Roony Bardghji. A loan would be preferable but a permanent sale could be considered if the right offer arrives. (Source: El Nacional)

Real Madrid are ready to block an exit for midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni despite his recent off-field controversy. Man Utd are “in love” with the Frenchman but will not be allowed to pursue a deal. (Source: Fabrizio Romano)

The priority for Real Madrid this summer will not be big-name signings, but rather restoring the culture that appears to have disappeared from the locker room this season. (Source: AS)

Agent Pini Zahavi is pushing Barcelona to explore a deal for Tottenham center back Luka Vušković, even though manager Hansi Flick does not see the defender as a priority. (Source: SPORT)

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With so much on the line for both teams, the contest eventually descended into one that neither team wanted the lose. Arsenal, riding high from their progression into the Champions League final, started brightly but were soon pegged back by the plucky Hammers.

The Premier League leaders subsequently toiled, with the growing hosts creating the necessary moments worthy of winning the contest. However, David Raya was on hand to potentially ‘Stefan Ortega’ Arsenal‘s way to glory. His monumental save to deny Mateus Fernandes arrived just minutes before Leandro Trossard struck gold after a curious Martin Ødegaard meander.

In the end, Trossard’s goal was lost to the drama that followed, with West Ham believing they’d equalized at the death. This time, VAR came to Arsenal’s aid. Pablo’s impediment of Raya was deemed worthy of an overturn, with the seismic nature of the incident rationalising the lengthy delay and array of angles. That’s soccer in 2026, folks!

Anyway, after all that, here’s how Opta’s supercomputer projects the 2025–26 Premier League table to look come the end of May.

Supercomputer Predicts 2025–26 Premier League Title Race

Arsenal’s likelihood of winning their first Premier League title in 22 years has jumped up to 87.2% from 79.7% after Manchester City eventually eased past Brentford 3–0 on Saturday afternoon.

While City have the chance this week to cut the Gunners’ lead to two points, Opta are doubtless taking the difficulty of the remaining fixtures into account. The Cityzens must win out the season to have any chance of reclaiming the title. But a tough trip south to Bournemouth, who seemingly cannot lose and are hunting a Champions League berth, is still on their agenda.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have the relegated Burnley and a Crystal Palace side who couldn’t care a jot about how the remainder of their domestic campaign plays out left to play. The Eagles are now UEFA Conference League or bust, and Oliver Glasner will rotate handily for their final day clash against Mikel Arteta’s side when there is a European trophy on the line three days later.

It’s got to be the Gunners’ time, right? Everything is suddenly going their way.

Supercomputer Predicts 2025–26 Race for Europe

Champions League Battle

Manchester United secured their return to Europe’s premier club competition by beating Liverpool 3–2 this month, and they’re bound to be joined among the continent’s aristocracy by the Merseyside Reds.

Supporters are fed up with Arne Slot, and they’ll enter the summer bereft of positivity, but a Champions League berth is at least something to cling to. Their draw with Chelsea on Saturday means the Reds are crawling towards a top-five finish.

They were aided by another Aston Villa slip, with the Clarets drawing 2–2 at Burnley on Sunday. The Villans could qualify for the Champions League twice if they beat Freiburg in the Europa League final later this month, but their recent domestic malaise means Bournemouth are suddenly closing in.

Still, Opta remains bullish on Villa’s top-five hopes, with the Cherries only outsiders to usurp either Liverpool or Villa, given that just two gameweeks remain. Brighton & Hove Albion’s chances of a top-five finish were aided by their dismantling of Wolverhampton Wanderers, but it would take something special for the Seagulls to sneak in with so little of the season remaining.

The Mix for Sixth

Much of the Premier League’s top half will be pleading that Unai Emery works his magic in the Europa League final later this month. An Aston Villa victory in Istanbul would mean sixth-place also qualifies for next season’s Champions League.

And the race is fierce. Bournemouth, still unbeaten since Antoine Semenyo fled to Manchester, are in pole position, but Brighton’s fixtures are slightly less daunting, and Fabian Hürzeler’s men are merely two points adrift.

Brentford’s hopes took a hit at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, while Chelsea and Everton’s chances of competing among Europe’s elite were trimmed to almost nil after their draws over the weekend.

The Blues at least brought a historically bad losing run to an end, and supporters had reason to be encouraged from their side’s performance at Anfield. Still, there’s a genuine possibility that the Blues aren’t competing on the continent at all next season. BlueCo’s masterplan, they’re calling it.

Supercomputer Predicts 2025–26 Relegation Battle

Relegation should be an unfathomable potential for a club of Tottenham Hotspur’s financial standing, and the existential threat of succumbing to the second tier meant supporters clenched their fists with glee and without shame when Trossard struck in east London.

Sure, the result means their fiercest rivals will probably win the league, but the title-bound Gunners have given the Lilywhites an emboldened shot of avoiding the drop. Beat Leeds United on Monday night, and Spurs’ relegation chances will diminish further from the 12.35% at which they currently stand.

West Ham’s defeat also means Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are safe.

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• Transfer Rumors: Nunez Seals Liverpool Return; Rashford Decides on Man Utd Future
• How 2026 World Cup Breakout Star Would Fit Into Arsenal Lineup

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Supercomputer Predicts Premier League Table As Arsenal Take Big Step Towards Title.

The Cherries boss has plenty of admirers ahead of his impending free agency, with some of the biggest names in the Premier League adding him to their shortlists.

Chelsea are scrambling to appoint their third permanent manager of the calendar year, eager to make a decision early in the summer, while United are reported to see Iraola as perhaps the strongest alternative to Michael Carrick if they decide against giving the permanent job to the current interim boss.

Those hoping for a swift decision from Iraola stand to be disappointed, with the 43-year-old eager to wait until the end of the season before considering his future.

“I’m in no rush,” he warned. “I will not talk about my future. I’m fully focused on trying to finish this season with a reward, something tangible for the players and supporters.”

Andoni Iraola’s Most Likely Landing Spot

While Iraola remains under consideration by United, the Red Devils are expected to listen to the pleas of a number of senior players by discussing a permanent role with Carrick, who has exceeded expectations during his five months in the job to lead United to Champions League qualification.

That leaves Chelsea as the most high-profile suitor. The Blues are begging for some Premier League experience and, while Iraola may not be the flashiest name, his track record with a Bournemouth side on the cusp of sneaking into the Champions League speaks for itself.

However, Chelsea are not the only club interested in Iraola. Indeed, they are not even alone in the Premier League, where Crystal Palace have identified him as their primary target to replace Oliver Glasner, himself making a high-profile departure at the end of the season.

Palace, while technically a step back on the Premier League table, boast greater resources than those available at Bournemouth and a significant offer could easily turn Iraola’s head, particularly if Chelsea and United delay their approaches.

While Palace are focused solely on Iraola, Chelsea, in particular, are exploring a long list of candidates. Former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso features prominently on the radar, while there has been talk of a move for Fulham’s Marco Silva. Como’s Cesc Fàbregas and former Flamengo boss Filipe Luís are also thought to be under consideration. Fàbregas and Luís both played for Chelsea.

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as ‘No Rush’—Man Utd, Chelsea Sent Firm Warning by Manager Target.

Premier League

Manchester United’s pursuit of Aurélien Tchouaméni has been complicated by increased interest from Paris Saint-Germain. The Real Madrid midfielder’s future in the Spanish capital has come under immense scrutiny since his widely publicized fight with teammate Federico Valverde. (Source: Fichajes)

In an intriguing twist, Enzo Fernández is expected to rule out a move to Real Madrid should the Spanish giants hire José Mourinho as manager given a decided lack of faith in the Portuguese coach. This will be a boost to Manchester City and Arsenal, who have also been linked with the wantaway Chelsea midfielder. (Source: El Nacional)

In an attempt to fill that Fernández-shaped hole, Chelsea are plotting an audacious approach for Arsenal’s academy gem Ethan Nwaneri. (Source: CaughtOffside)

Tijjani Reijnders’s Manchester City future is clouded in uncertainty. Amid interest from Arsenal, Aston Villa are also thought to have entered the race for the Dutch midfielder, with an offer of $82.4 million (£60.5 million, €70 million) in the works. (Source: Fichajes)

Arsenal’s pursuit of PSG’s fleet-footed forward Bradley Barcola is set to be challenged by Bayern Munich. Liverpool and Barcelona are also sniffing around the winger. (Source: Florian Plettenberg)

Atlético Madrid’s decision to step away from a $53 million (£38.9 million, €45 million) deal for Atalanta midfielder Éderson is a major boost for Manchester United, who are keen on the experienced Brazilian. (Source: Fabrizio Romano)

Liverpool have added FC Midtjylland center back Ousmane Diao to a list of potential summer recruits. The Reds’ attempts to bolster the middle of defense will be challenged by their Premier League rivals Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Everton and Fulham. (Source: Ekrem Konur)

Arne Slot’s dethroned Premier League champions are also interested in RB Leipzig’s towering, 19-year-old midfielder Assan Ouédraogo. There is talk of an offer in the region of $47.1 million (£34.6 million, €40 million) being prepared. (Source: BILD)

Manchester United are one of several clubs linked with Elche’s impressive Austrian center back David Affengruber. The Italian duo of Juventus and AC Milan have also been credited with interest. (Source: Florian Plettenberg)

West Ham United left back El Hadji Malick Diouf is also on Manchester United’s defensive shopping list this summer. The Hammers’ potential relegation could make an a deal far more affordable for the Red Devils. (Source: Football Insider)

Not content with an approach for Anthony Gordon, Bayern Munich are also interested in his Newcastle teammate Tino Livramento. The German champions are confident that the club’s rich prestige will be enough to convince the fullback, who is already thought to have been the subject of a $76.5 million (£56.2 million, €65 million) offer from Manchester City. (Source: Fichajes)

Newcastle have opened up a line of communication with Juventus for their goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, who is also admired by Liverpool and Tottenham. (Source: Ekrem Konur)

La Liga

As both Valverde and Tchouaméni threaten to have their Real Madrid careers brought to an abrupt halt after a very public falling out, the Spanish giants have identified Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch as the ideal replacement. Madrid are preparing an eye-watering offer of $141.3 million (£103.8 million, €120 million) for the Netherlands international. (Source: Fichajes)

Madrid would accept an offer as low as $70.7 million (£51.9 million, €60 million) for Tchouaméni in an attempt to pave the way for the acquisition of Manchester City’s Rodri. (Source: El Nacional)

Barcelona are yet to present Robert Lewandowski with a formal contract offer, ensuring that the Poland international is expected to move on to MLS this summer. Chicago Fire are thought to be leading the race for his signature. (Source: Cadena SER)

In the expected event of Franco Mastantuono and Brahim Díaz’s departures, Real Madrid have drawn up a three-man shortlist of right wing options; Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, Maghnes Akliouche of Monaco or Borussia Dortmund speedster Karim Adeyemi. (Source: Fichajes)

Despite repeated rumored interest from the likes of PSG, Barcelona have deemed Gavi to be an unsellable asset this summer. (Source: El Nacional)

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“A winger needs to score,” the devilish dribbler acknowledged to numerous outlets, stressing that “even five tap-ins a season” could “make a big difference.” Across his subsequent three appearances, Doku has rattled in four goals, although none of them were tap-ins. The Belgian forward swung in another superb curling effort to set City on their way to a potentially significant 3–0 victory over Brentford on Saturday afternoon.

Doku had been on target twice against Everton on Monday night, but couldn’t help City avoid dropping points in a 3–3 draw. Pep Guardiola’s side responded to that shock setback with a late flurry of goals against the Bees that could yet prove decisive should the Premier League title race with Arsenal come down to goal difference.

As it stands, City have closed the gap to just two points at the division’s summit with both sides still to play three games. Erling Haaland, who found the net himself against Brentford, had warned everyone that his side are “still in it” immediately after the setback against Everton. Saturday’s victory justified his faith, even if Opta’s supercomputer wasn’t quite as optimistic.

Supercomputer Predicts 2025–26 Premier League Title Race

Arsenal were given an 85% chance of winning the league in the immediate aftermath of City’s stumble on Merseyside earlier this week. An eventually comfortable win over Brentford has reduced the arrears, but the Gunners still emerge triumphant in the vast majority of Opta’s 10,000 simulations of the Premier League’s remaining fixtures.

This level of confidence has persisted throughout the season, ignoring the various gulleys of form endured by the Gunners over a disastrous spring. Mikel Arteta’s Champions League finalists have struck upon a strong vein of form lately, although the toll those recent performances have taken on an injury riddled roster may come to the fore over the domestic campaign’s conclusion.

West Ham United, Arsenal’s next opponents, have made a habit of unsettling their London rivals. The Hammers beat the Gunners last season to snuff out their slim hope of challenging Liverpool, set the wheels in motion for a late stumble in 2023–24 with another victory at the Emirates and scrambled a 2–2 draw in east London three years ago to help derail the club's first title tilt under Arteta.

Yet, for all the hurdles Arsenal have to overcome, Opta are even more pessimistic about City. Guardiola’s challengers theoretically have straightforward fixtures against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa—two teams preparing for European finals—sandwiched between a very tricky trip to Bournemouth. Three days after the FA Cup final, City will find themselves at the Vitality Stadium for Andoni Iraola’s last home game on the south coast while his Cherries are still chasing Champions League qualification.

Supercomputer Predicts 2025–26 Race for Europe

Champions League Battle

It was painfully evident that Manchester United had already secured Champions League qualification as they listlessly limped towards a goalless draw with Sunderland on Saturday in their first game since sealing that status. Liverpool appeared to be scarcely more motivated for much of their 1–1 draw with Chelsea despite still needing another win to guarantee a top-five finish.

A disappointing drop-off at Anfield notwithstanding, the Reds remain heavy favorites to punch their Champions League ticket. Not that the dismayed Merseyside crowd—or Arne Slot—would have been swayed by that stance.

“We wanted to qualify for it weeks ago,” Slot sighed. “It isn’t the season we're having, though. Sometimes it is really hard to accept these results because we are used to different ones.”

Intriguingly, Liverpool are next in action against Aston Villa, the other side heavily expected to join them in the Champions League places. However, neither team is quite guaranteed a seat at Europe’s top table just yet.

The Mix for Sixth

“Today was a very important step forward,” Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola beamed after his side battled to a 1–0 win over Fulham on Saturday, “but we still have to get more points.” The Cherries still have a slim chance of automatically qualifying for the Champions League. They would likely have to win their final two fixtures—including that visit from league-chasing Manchester City—and hope one of Villa or Liverpool drop points.

Brighton & Hove Albion haven’t yet given up hope of the top five, but sixth is a more realistic goal. That the Seagulls are even in with a chance of any continental competition is an example of this helter-skelter Premier League campaign. “It’s a mental season,” club captain Lewis Dunk gushed, “one minute we’re looking at relegation and now we’re talking about Europe, it’s great fun football, isn’t it?”

Chelsea haven’t had a lot of fun lately. The Blues belatedly halted their losing streak against Liverpool on Saturday yet a point hasn’t done much to boost their chances of salvaging this underwhelming campaign. Remarkably, Everton have better odds of clambering into sixth place than the reigning Club World Cup champions.

Supercomputer Predicts 2025–26 Relegation Battle

Saturday was spared any more relegation permutations, with West Ham not playing Arsenal until Sunday while Tottenham Hotspur conclude the matchday with a crunch clash against Leeds United on Monday. However, Spurs’ chances of survival still improved.

This was a consequence of their upcoming opponents Chelsea deemed to have been even more of a diminished force after a middling showing against Liverpool. Both Tottenham and West Ham still have to play Leeds while Spurs end the league season against an Everton side which may have nothing left to play for. West Ham’s last away day of the season, a long trip to Newcastle United next weekend, is also up against an unmotivated foe.

Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley have already had relegation guaranteed. They’ve been playing like it for a while.

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Unless you are a megalomaniacal owner with feverish ideas about superstition, there are certain lines (and zig-zags) which can’t be crossed when it comes to a club’s home strip. There is much more room for expression with the changed colors.

As attention turns towards the 2026–27 Premier League campaign, glimpses of these alternative designs have begun to tentatively filter through to the public sphere. Some are more outrageous than others.

Arsenal

🚨 Mock-up of Arsenal’s 2026/27 away kit based on leaked information (90% accuracy), acting as a ‘reverse’ of the iconic bruised banana pattern, as per @Footy_Headlines. 👕🍌

🎨 @Rode1Kits pic.twitter.com/gfCwZ7dYFq

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) January 22, 2026

Arsenal’s leaked away kit has been described as a “reverse” of the club’s famous ‘Bruised Banana’ shirts from the early 1990s.

This particular design has been an established cult classic among the fanbase for years, although its initial iteration is not quite so legendary. The 1992–93 team which first wore the black and yellow zig-zags finished a lowly 10th in the inaugural Premier League season, with George Graham’s old-school side struggling to adapt to the new back-pass law.

A navy base for the reimagined design is complemented by the iconic retro pattern, while red and yellow accents complete the shirt’s clean look.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa are expected to plump for a clean black away jersey in 2026–27, enhanced by claret, blue and yellow trimmings around the collar and sleeves. A retro Villa crest will take center stage alongside the adidas Trefoil.

Bournemouth

We’re delighted to announce a new multi-year partnership with Hummel – a club-record kit deal for #afcb ❤️🖤

— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) May 4, 2026

Bournemouth have not let many details about their new kit slip. That’s understandable given the club only announced a new manufacturer in May.

Chelsea

⛔⛔⛔ This white, blue and black kit is NOT the Chelsea 26-27 away kit but a great concept by @Rode1Kits

The actual Chelsea away kit is this black and yellow design https://t.co/EPJ0e6sCs3 pic.twitter.com/CZpf6fArfg

— Footy Headlines (@Footy_Headlines) April 7, 2026

Nike’s ’Midwest Gold’ is set to appear on Chelsea’s new away kit. The color is expected to work in harmony with a predominantly black base, similar to their strip from the 2012–13 season, which ended in bizarre fashion (metaphorically, rather than literally) as the loathed interim manager Rafael Benítez led a mutinous fanbase to Europa League glory.

The identity of Chelsea’s next manager is as uncertain as the sponsor which will sit on the front of the shirts, if any at all.

Leeds United

💛💙🤍 Leeds United 26-27 Away Kit Leaked: https://t.co/bEnMYhwJBo

— Footy Headlines (@Footy_Headlines) March 21, 2026

There’s some firsts with the new Leeds United away kit, which is set to feature an adidas trefoil logo for the first time since they switched suppliers in 2020. The white Yorkshire rose is also projected to feature in the Leeds crest on a predominantly yellow shirt.

Liverpool

💥 Liverpool x adidas 💥

🎟️ New 26/27 Away Kit! pic.twitter.com/1HM266gkz6

— Opaleak (@opaleak) February 21, 2026

The projections for Liverpool’s new away kit looks an awful lot like the 2025–26 design. The color may be a little closer to white than cream and the adidas trefoil could replace the classic three stripes which currently adorn the strip.

Intriguingly, there also appears to be the prospect of using the retro badge which was redeployed on the 2025–26 green third kit. This classic, pared back design has the liver bird standing alone above the word “Liverpool” split in half. The inspiration for this particular shield was used by the club from 1987–92.

Manchester City

The leaked Man City away kit for next season is just beautiful 😍 pic.twitter.com/AGCdqXQ7DL

— Nico (fan) (@N1coSZN) March 29, 2026

Puma have been given licence to experiment wildly with some previous Manchester City strips. There have been some contentious designs in the past—the 2025–26 mix of dull grey and neon green is an assault of the senses, be that positive or negative—but the leaks for next term’s kit is more understated.

A largely black design with some gold fringing brings to mind the 2013–14 design which saw City win their second-ever Premier League title. Yaya Touré was intimidating enough, but once he seemed to become an even more imperious figure while dominating the entire division in all-black shirt.

Manchester United

✅ 𝙊𝙁𝙁𝙄𝘾𝙄𝘼𝙇: Manchester United’s 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐘 kit for the 2026/27 season. 👕🥶 Do you like it Reds? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/y7spVfX55p

— GIDEON MUFC (@GBUnitedx) April 29, 2026

Manchester United may have gone back to royal blue for their 2026–27 away shirt, taking inspiration from their memorable SHARP-sponsored kits worn just before the Premier League’s inception. We’ve seen some modern takes on the classic, and supporters are more than content with the newest interpretation.

Newcastle United

🧱🧱 Newcastle United 26-27 Away Kit to Be Navy - Brickwork Pattern [via @Retro_NUFC]: https://t.co/JDJwgzOxri

— Footy Headlines (@Footy_Headlines) November 5, 2025

Newcastle United’s newest away kit is expected to take inspiration from St. James’ Park. The brickwork of the stadium which the Magpies have called home since 1892 is set to detail a navy design.

This retro setup could also have the club badge from 1976–83 on its chest. This short-lived number has a proud magpie perched in front of a castle, which fits the brief of a Newcastle badge more closely than the current seahorse design.

Tottenham Hotspur

👀 Thoughts on the leaked Tottenham 26-27 away kit? pic.twitter.com/iJazWBPw9o

— Footy Headlines (@Footy_Headlines) April 4, 2026

Tottenham’s predicted away shirt is far more chaotic than the home number, with its “Obsidian” base completely outshone by a vibrant and futuristic design that features more diagonal striping comprised of an array of neon colors, including pink and orange.

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Premier League Kits: Confirmed and Leaked Away Jerseys for 2026–27 Season.

While the hotly competitive race for Europe remains a muddle, and likely won’t become clear until it’s all said and done later this month, two teams are gunning for glory, and another two are bidding to survive.

And the pair are inextricably linked this weekend, to the point where North London Forever will be belted across the entirety of north London on Sunday afternoon, not merely the red half.

With so much on the line, here’s how Sports Illustrated thinks Premier League gameweek 36 could pan out.

Liverpool vs. Chelsea

• Date: Saturday, May 9
• Time: 12:30 p.m. BST / 7:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 a.m. PT

This is a fixture laden with Premier League heritage, but the upcoming bout is bound to be a rather sorry affair.

Chelsea, off the back of six consecutive league defeats, travel to Anfield with their hopes of playing in next season’s Champions League close to shattered. They were nothing short of dire on Monday afternoon, with a heavily rotated Nottingham Forest team waltzing into Stamford Bridge and prevailing at a canter—almost by accident!

They’ve been so easy to play against, but Arne Slot’s soon-to-be-dethroned champions are guilty are being similarly frail this term.

Still, Liverpool likely need just a point to secure their place among Europe’s elite for next season. Last week’s defeat at Old Trafford left a bitter taste, though, and they shouldn’t be expected to have it all their way against a woefully out-of-sorts Chelsea team.

Prediction: Liverpool 1–1 Chelsea

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

• Date: Saturday, May 9
• Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

Relegation had been rendered inevitable for months, but Wolverhampton Wanderers at least seemed to be heading in the right direction under Rob Edwards.

However, things have started to sour again at Molineux. A once-positive rapport between previously disgruntled supporters and Edwards is seemingly obsolete.

They did earn a point at home to Sunderland last weekend, having lost three on the bounce. Still, the visitors haven’t won on their travels once in the Premier League this season, and Brighton & Hove Albion will be determined to prove their dismal defeat on Tyneside was merely a blip.

The Seagulls recently extended Fabian Hürzeler’s contract, and qualification for Europe will be swift vindication for the faith they’re showing in the German.

Prediction: Brighton 2–0 Wolves

Fulham vs. Bournemouth

• Date: Saturday, May 9
• Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

Bournemouth remarkably remain unbeaten since they parted ways with Antoine Semenyo in January, with their stellar run of form thrusting them up to sixth in the Premier League table.

Should Aston Villa claim Europa League glory later this month, a sixth-place finish will be enough to qualify for the Champions League. Thus, the Cherries are playing for plenty down the stretch, and a potential banana skin is upcoming.

Fulham offered little resistance in north London last weekend and have generally been meek on their travels this season, but they boast the sixth-best home record in the division, winning 10 of their 17 games.

The Cottagers still hold out hope of competing on the continent next season, but they’ve so far been unable to put together a run of positive results.

Prediction: Fulham 1–1 Bournemouth

Sunderland vs. Manchester United

• Date: Saturday, May 9
• Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

That was some Sunday for Manchester United, who completed their first Premier League double over arch-rivals Liverpool in a decade to seal their spot in the Champions League.

Thus, Michael Carrick’s side aren’t playing for all that much during the final three weeks of the season, but they’ll want to head into the summer still riding a wave of positivity.

Sunderland surrendered five to Forest on their previous home outing and are winless in three games, hindering their European hopes. Still, the Black Cats are thrilled with the season they’ve had upon their return to the top flight.

United have won the previous three meetings between the pair, including a 2–0 win in the reverse fixture. The hosts will also be without the suspended Dan Ballard.

Prediction: Sunderland 0–1 Man Utd

Manchester City vs. Brentford

• Date: Saturday, May 9
• Time: 5:30 p.m. BST / 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT

Jérémy Doku’s stoppage-time equalizer surely won’t be enough for Manchester City in the title race, with Arsenal’s recovery post-defeat at the Etihad Stadium likely meaning Pep Guardiola’s side had to be perfect down the stretch.

City seemed to be coasting to a typical triumph on Merseyside, but they were a bundle of nerves in the second half against the Toffees and completely collapsed within a potentially season-crushing 13-minute spell.

Still, Doku’s magic meant they at least departed with something. Now, they have the chance to put the pressure back on Arsenal by beating European hopefuls Brentford. The Bees are one of the very few Premier League teams to win at the Etihad Stadium since Covid.

Prediction: Man City 3–1 Brentford

Burnley vs. Aston Villa

• Date: Sunday, May 10
• Time: 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT

Aston Villa’s mood heading into Sunday’s trip to Burnley was always going to depend on the outcome of their Europa League semifinal against Forest.

Unai Emery’s indifference last weekend against Tottenham Hotspur infuriated the overwhelming majority who are desperate to lap up a Lilywhite humiliation. Villa supporters were incensed at their team’s passivity, and suddenly, they’re looking over their shoulder regarding a top-five finish.

The Villans should be O.K., given that Bournemouth are six points back with three games left. Moreover, Burnley have long been cannon fodder for the rest of the top flight.

The relegated Clarets, now led by Michael Jackson—not the ’King of Pop’ but rather a 52-year-old from Cheshire—have won just one Premier League game in 2026, and are winless at home since last October.

The sweet release of Championship soccer can’t arrive soon enough.

Prediction: Burnley 0–1 Aston Villa

Crystal Palace vs. Everton

• Date: Sunday, May 10
• Time: 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT

Crystal Palace have done just about enough to avoid the relegation scrap, so all their eggs are in the Conference League basket. The remaining Premier League games are merely inconveniences.

They’ve lost back-to-back games in the top flight, and West Ham United could come to rue the stalemate they played out at Selhurst Park against Palace’s reserves last month.

Everton will seek to take advantage of the hosts’ priorities this Sunday, especially after Doku stole two points away from them on Monday. Still, the Toffees would’ve taken a point against the title hopefuls before kick-off.

If they’re able to build on their opportunistic second half showing that hindered Man City’s title charge, starting in south London, Everton could find themselves back in Europe next season.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 0–2 Everton

Nottingham Forest vs. Newcastle United

• Date: Sunday, May 10
• Time: 2 p.m. BST / 10 p.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

As bad as Chelsea have been as of late, Vitor Pereira surely wouldn’t have expected his team to blow the Blues away in the manner they did after making eight changes from the XI that bypassed Villa in the first leg of their Europa League semifinal tie.

The victory in west London means Forest are all but safe. West Ham are six points back with a far inferior goal difference.

Thus, the mood should be fairly relaxed at the City Ground when Newcastle United come to town, even if elimination from the Europa League on Thursday came as a blow.

The Magpies stopped their rot last weekend against Brighton, and are committing to Eddie Howe for 2026–27 despite an underwhelming domestic campaign. Remarkably, though, they aren’t out of European contention.

Prediction: Nott’m Forest 2–2 Newcastle

West Ham United vs. Arsenal

• Date: Sunday, May 10
• Time: 4:30 p.m. BST / 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT

Arsenal and Manchester City seemed to switch personas in Gameweek 34, as the former dispatched Fulham with City-like ruthlessness before Pep Guardiola’s side crumbled on Merseyside in a manner Gooners are all too familiar with.

Everton’s point has handed Arsenal a considerable advantage in the title race with such little time in the season remaining. Given the fixtures they have, many are suggesting that a victory on Sunday will all but seal the title for Mikel Arteta’s men.

The visitors will be in a euphoric mood after grinding their way to the Champions League final, but West Ham are desperate towards the foot of the table. This will be anything but simple for the seemingly liberated Gunners.

The Hammers weren’t all that bad at Brentford last week. Suddenly, though, they’re the overwhelming favorites for the drop. A result would at least put some pressure back on Spurs.

Prediction: West Ham 1–2 Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Leeds United

• Date: Monday, May 11
• Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

Sure, Villa were much-changed and woeful last Sunday, but God forbid anyone give Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham Hotspur a bit of credit. They were excellent at Villa Park, with the Italian’s impact keenly felt on a once-broken squad.

In the absence of creativity, De Zerbi’s is embracing Tottenham’s midfield runners. Their effort was dogged in the West Midlands, and it’s evident that the new manager has complete buy-in from this group of players.

Last week felt like a significant turning point in the relegation scrap, but Leeds United will be tough to bypass under the lights on Monday. The visitors are enjoying their best away run in 47 years, when Don Revie’s side went 17 games unbeaten. A 2–2 draw at Bournemouth means Leeds are up to nine.

In addition, a 3–1 win over Burnley last time out all but guaranteed their safety.

Prediction: Tottenham 2–1 Leeds

Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 36

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 36.

Premier League

Manchester United have ruled out a move for Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer, believing their transfer priorities lie elsewhere this summer. (Source: The Mirror)

Instead, Man Utd are accelerating their pursuit of West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes, whose chances of remaining at the London Stadium beyond this season are increasingly slim. (Source: Football Insider)

Fiorentina goalkeeper David De Gea is keen to remain with the Serie A side but has made it clear that he would consider a return to former employers Man Utd. (Source: Niccolò Ceccarini)

Liverpool have added Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, a target for Man Utd, to their summer shortlist alongside Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Monaco’s Lamine Camara and Lens’ Mamadou Sangaré. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Chelsea have held a meeting with the agent of Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon over a possible summer switch. (Source: Si Phillips)

Despite links to the contrary, Bayern Munich are not looking to sign Arsenal forward Kai Havertz, even though the German is thought to be keen to play for the Bundesliga giants at some point in his career. (Source: Christian Falk)

Coming it at Arsenal could be Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who is set for talks about his future at the Etihad after struggling for minutes. (Source: CaughtOffside)

Liverpool are looking to sign Tottenham Hotspur center back Luka Vušković ahead of Chelsea, Man Utd and Bayern Munich. (Source: Football Insider)

Meanwhile, Tottenham are stepping up their chase of Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who is also on the shortlists of both Chelsea and Liverpool. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Man Utd are ready to submit a significant bid to sign Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. The Red Devils are leading the race and are thought to have already communicated their interest to the Italian. (Source: Tuttomercatoweb)

Sporting CP left back Maxi Araújo, wanted by Chelsea, Man Utd, Tottenham and Juventus, will be allowed to leave this summer for a fee of $59 million (€50 million, £43 million). (Source: AS)

Amid all the recent chaos at Real Madrid, Liverpool are ready to try and lure midfielder Federico Valverde over to Anfield. (Source: Fichajes)

Liverpool are ready to offer a package worth up to $117 million (€100 million, £86 million) to sign Valverde, but will have to fend off rival interest from Arsenal. (Source: El Nacional)

Man Utd, meanwhile, are looking to land Aurélien Tchouaméni from Real Madrid, who are open to doing business at $95 million (£70 million, €81 million). (Source: Paddy Keogh)

Juventus forward Jonathan David is in no rush to walk away from his lucrative contract with the Serie A side. Aston Villa and Crystal Palace have both warned Juve that they will have to contribute to his wages as part of a potential loan exit. (Source: Tuttomercatoweb)

La Liga

Barcelona are looking to use the ‘Raphinha method’ when it comes to summer signings, chasing young players from the Premier League yet to establish themselves as global superstars. Chelsea striker João Pedro has emerged as a top target and is valued at $88 million (€75 million, £65 million). (Source: SPORT)

Atlético Madrid have already opened negotiations to sign another Chelsea star, left back Marc Cucurella. (Source: Fichajes)

Real Madrid are ready to part ways with Aurelién Tchouaméni after his fight with Federico Valverde and plan to use the Frenchman in a swap deal for Man City midfielder Rodri. (Source: El Nacional)

Just five players at Real Madrid are not facing uncertain futures at the club: Thibaut Courtois, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé. Other players, including Vinicius Junior, could be allowed to leave for the right price. (Source: Defensa Central)

Beşiktaş have made a bid of $23.5 million (€20 million, £17.3 million) for Real Madrid center back Raúl Asencio. (Source: Fanatik)

The agent of Tottenham defender Luka Vušković has held talks with Barcelona, but Spurs are trying to tie the youngster down to a new contract. (Source: Florian Plettenberg)

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Valverde, Tchouameni Receive Premier League Offers; De Gea Considers Man Utd Return.

After taking a deserved lead at Everton on Monday evening, it seemed to be a question of how many City would rack up. Yet, by the time Haaland dinked the ball over Jordan Pickford in the 83rd minute, he was halving the deficit after watching his team briefly tumble 3–1 down. Jérémy Doku, who opened the scoring with a lovely curling effort off his weaker left foot, would bookend the night with a mirror image goal from his right side.

City escaped with a point from the 3–3 draw, but in the context of the Premier League title race with Arsenal, it was ultimately a case of two dropped. Haaland is mathematically correct in his assertion: City are five points adrift of the Gunners having played one game fewer, but as his manager Pep Guardiola fretted: “It’s not in our hands.”

Opta’s supercomputer is not nearly as optimistic as City’s No. 9.

Supercomputer Predicts 2025–26 Premier League Title Race

Arsenal have been Opta’s favorites for months. Even after City wrestled first spot from the Gunners with a win over Burnley in April, the Gunners were given the edge. Now that Mikel Arteta’s side have their destiny back in their own hands once again, their chances have swollen to a whopping 85.24%.

City have to rely upon Arsenal dropping points in at least one of their remaining three fixtures against West Ham United, Burnley and Crystal Palace, three opponents the north London outfit have already beaten in the Premier League this season.

The quality of Arsenal’s performance in their 3–0 thumping of Fulham on Saturday suggests that it should be a straightforward run-in, but rarely is soccer ever so simple. There is the intangible avalanche of nerves to consider as these players, who have suffered through three years of second-place finishes, try to end the club’s 22-year wait for top-flight glory. What’s more, none of their upcoming opponents will be as forgiving as a Fulham side struck down by a roster-wide virus.

Guardiola’s challengers can scarcely afford another slip-up. The calendar is working against City, who face four games in the space of 11 days, with an FA Cup final stuffed into the mix for good measure. Guardiola has already ceded the title once this season only to see his side race back into the mix and was in no mood to crown Arsenal champions just yet. “We have games left,” he pointed out on Monday. “We will see what happens.”

Supercomputer Predicts 2025–26 Champions League Race

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It was a miserable weekend for West Ham. After repeatedly testing the structural integrity of Brentford’s goal frame during a misleading 3–0 defeat on Saturday, Tottenham actually put together a competent performance in victory over a weakened Aston Villa XI.

Nottingham Forest also rung the changes but still managed to comfortably thump Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday to move onto 42 points and effectively clear of the drop.

Spurs are only one point above West Ham but have been given such a sizeable advantage thanks to the nature of the two sides’ remaining opponents. While the Hammers host title-chasing Arsenal next weekend, Tottenham take on a Leeds United side who have all but secured their own survival.

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Supercomputer Predicts Premier League Table After Man City’s Bonkers Everton Draw.

Saturday’s emphatic 3–0 win over Fulham saw Mikel Arteta’s side move six points clear at the top of the table, but things are not as they seem. Manchester City, having only recently tied things up in the games played column, are two matches behind once again.

That gap of six points could easily have shrunk to zero by the time Arsenal next play in the Premier League, proving it really is all to play for at this tense stage of the season.

With the crowning of a champion inching ever closer, the Opta supercomputer has offered up a prediction for the conclusion of this fascinating title race.

Supercomputer Predicts Premier League Title Race

On paper, Arsenal are in an imposing position. A six-point lead over Manchester City warns Pep Guardiola’s side that they must be perfect over their next two games if they want to match their pace. A 3–0 win over Fulham also did wonders for the Gunners’ goal difference.

This pressure is nothing new to City, who begin the latest chapter of their title charge away at Everton on Monday. They then host Brentford on Saturday, one day before Arsenal’s next Premier League game, at which point the two sides would be tied up on games once again.

Supercomputer Predicts Champions League Race

Manchester United can confirm their spot in next season’s Champions League with victory over Liverpool on Sunday. Michael Carrick’s side are in an imposing position and have long known their spot in Europe’s top competition is waiting for them.

Aston Villa and Liverpool are separated by less than a single point in the simulation, but neither side will care particularly. Both threatened to be dragged into a battle for their place in the Champions League, so there will be few tears among the fanbase that ends up fifth.

However, Villa’s final position could be massive. If Unai Emery’s side slip to fifth but end the season lifting the Europa League, then the team that finishes sixth will sneak into the Champions League as well. As it stands, that honor would go to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Bournemouth and Brentford are still on the outside looking up, while Chelsea are just focused on securing any form of European action next season after a miserable slump under Liam Rosenior saw them tumble down the standings.

Supercomputer Predicts Premier League Relegation Battle

We already know Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley are heading down to the Championship, to be replaced by Coventry City and Ipswich Town.

The identity of the team joining them in the second tier remains to be determined. Tottenham Hotspur are currently backed for the drop, although victory over Aston Villa in Sunday’s late game would actually see Roberto De Zerbi’s side climb out of the relegation zone with four games left to play.

West Ham United’s 3–0 defeat to Brentford was not entirely unexpected but was still incredibly frustrating for Hammers fans, who know their fate is not currently in their hands.

With all this going on beneath them, Nottingham Forest are perilously close to putting their feet up and starting their planning for the 2026–27 Premier League season.

READ THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS, ANALYSIS AND INSIGHT FROM SI FC

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Supercomputer Predicts Premier League Table After Arsenal’s Statement Victory Over Fulham.

Fortunately, every week is a new opportunity to shoot up the standings, and a host of intriguing fixtures offer the potential for major returns from the traditional big-hitters and a range of differentials.

Strategy is crucial at this point in the campaign, especially for managers with chips remaining. Each team finds itself in a unique position, but some picks appear essential for all squads in Gameweek 35.

Here are those worthy of selection before Friday’s deadline.

Goalkeepers

Within the unglamorous world of goalkeepers, David Raya (£6.0m) remains king. The highest-scoring stopper produced a 10-point haul last weekend and remains fantastic value, allowing managers to double up on the Arsenal defense. Against Fulham (H) this Saturday, who have blanked in four of their last six league games, another clean sheet is on the cards.

At the other end of the price scale is Leeds United’s Karl Darlow (£3.9m). Having delivered 24 points across his last five games, an appetizing fixture with already relegated Burnley (H) this weekend adds to his appeal—and that of his Leeds teammates. He’s a great enabler and double act alongside Raya.

With one eye on double Gameweek 36 in which Crystal Palace play twice, Dean Henderson (£5.1m) is worth exploring. This Sunday’s game against Bournemouth (A) isn’t the greatest, but his arrival allows managers to profit from his two fixtures in the next round. There’s always the chance of a clean sheet at the Vitality Stadium, too.

Defenders

Aside from the must-have Gabriel (£7.2m), Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly (£5.1m) is now in the territory of an essential pick. With the Cityzens the other side enjoying a double gameweek in the next round, the left back becomes even more enticing, especially following 27 points from his past three fixtures. The clash with low-scoring Everton (A) on Monday provides another appealing opportunity for points.

Crystal Palace defenders will be desirable this week, Jaydee Canvot (£4.5m) and Chris Richards (£4.4m) offering cheap routes into their backline, while the more expensive Daniel Muñoz (£5.8m) has the upside of greater attacking potential. The Colombian even scored in the defeat at Liverpool last weekend.

Leeds’ strong fixture makes James Justin (£3.9m) their standout defensive pick, although Jayden Bogle (£4.4m) and Pascal Struijk (£4.3m) are also quality options.

Bournemouth remain worth investing in, too, with James Hill (£4.2m) and Adrien Truffert (£4.7m) great choices at low prices.

Midfielders

There is only one truly essential midfield pick at present: Bruno Fernandes (£10.4m). The Manchester United skipper is chasing the Premier League assist record for a single season and has delivered returns in each of his past seven matches. Even in a tricky fixture with rivals Liverpool (H) this weekend, he should still reward managers.

Arsenal don’t have too many reliable attacking threats, but Eberechi Eze (£7.2m) has grown in importance and could follow up his goal against Newcastle with another return in the Fulham clash. The Englishman was only used from the bench midweek in Europe and made a swift impact, meaning he’s likely to start on Saturday.

Rayan Cherki (£6.5m) is the most appealing Man City midfielder at present, offering a cheap and effective route to points. The Frenchman has become indispensable for Pep Guardiola and has managed 23 points across his last three matches. Everton will be worried about his ingenuity.

Ahead of the double gameweek, Ismaïla Sarr (£6.3m) is worth investing in. While his minutes are a slight risk following Thursday’s Conference League semifinal first leg, he’s the leading threat for the Eagles.

Noah Okafor (£5.6m) is currently thriving for Leeds and should feature on Friday against Burnley despite a slight injury concern. Enzo Fernández (£6.5m) has enjoyed life during his brief spell under Calum McFarlane and is an option in the Chelsea team ahead of Monday’s clash with Nottingham Forest (H).

Forwards

Erling Haaland (£14.5m) is an essential pick following his recent goalscoring exploits, but there are some interesting options available to partner the Man City star.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.7m) has the potential to haul against Burnley, especially after the recent dismissal of Scott Parker. The Clarets have completely given up and Leeds are ready to take full advantage as they look to step closer to safety.

West Ham United are another team in desperate need of points toward the foot of the table and Jarrod Bowen (£7.8m) continues to deliver for them. While most of his points come on home soil, including 24 across his past two games at the London Stadium, a clash with Brentford (A) remains a decent fixture for the England international.

João Pedro (£7.5m) could punish a fatigued Forest defense, who were in action on Thursday night. His compatriot Igor Thiago (£7.4m) could reward backers against West Ham after his series of dismal misses at Old Trafford last time out.

When Is the FPL Gameweek 35 Deadline?

Leeds vs. Burnley is staged on Friday night, meaning the GW35 deadline arrives at 6:30 p.m. BST (1:30 p.m. ET, 10:30 a.m. PT) on May 1.

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as 2025–26 FPL: Best Players to Pick for Gameweek 35.

Monday’s bank holiday in the United Kingdom facilitates two matches, while a battle toward the foot of the table gets the ball rolling on Friday night. In between, there is plenty of consequential entertainment.

The title race between Arsenal and Manchester City will once again dominate headlines across the gameweek, as will the increasingly nervy relegation scrap. European spots are still up for grabs, too.

With plenty to play for, here’s how Sports Illustrated thinks Premier League gameweek 35 could pan out. Click here to see the latest version of this article.

Leeds United 3–1 Burnley

• Date: Friday, May 1
• Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

Leeds United kicked off the round with a big 3–1 win over Burnley that has effectively secured their place in next season’s Premier League.

Anton Stach’s low drive from range opened the scoring after just eight minutes, before a quickfire double from Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin shortly before the hour mark took the game away from Burnley.

Loum Tchaouna did pull one back for the relegated visitors but it was little more than a consolation.

Brentford vs. West Ham United

• Date: Saturday, May 2
• Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

Callum Wilson was West Ham United’s stoppage-time hero last weekend, clinching the 17th-placed Irons victory over Everton and ensuring they stayed ahead of rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the relegation dogfight.

The result means the Hammers are one point clear of Spurs and unbeaten in three matches, but face an awkward assignment at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Brentford are their hosts and motivated by a push for European qualification in a congested league table.

West Ham are at the point of the campaign where victories become gold dust, but even a point across London wouldn’t be the worst outcome. Brentford have been draw specialists in recent weeks and might participate in yet another stalemate this weekend.

Prediction: Brentford 1–1 West Ham

Newcastle United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion

• Date: Saturday, May 2
• Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

The vultures are circling at St James’ Park, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe the prey. A disastrous domestic campaign means the Magpies are only eight points clear of the drop zone, despite harboring ambitions of Champions League qualification at the start of the term.

Howe’s position is under serious threat and the visit of Brighton & Hove Albion is the last thing he needs. The Seagulls top the form table after 13 points from their last five matches and are flying high after a recent 3–0 win over Chelsea.

European qualification remains on the table for Fabian Hürzeler’s resurgent side, who appear likely to pile further misery on Howe and his players in the process of securing another victory.

Prediction: Newcastle 1–2 Brighton

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Sunderland

Wolves and Sunderland could hardly have played out more contrasting campaigns. The former have endured a rotten year, demoted to the Championship with little resistance, while the latter have wildly upset the odds and still remain active in the hunt for a stunning European berth.

Motivation lies with Molineux’s visitors on Saturday, who will need to respond swiftly to their 5–0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest last time out. Thankfully, they face a Wolves team that have failed to score in their last three and have completely given up even playing for pride.

Sunderland have proven an unpredictable beast in recent weeks, but they should get back on track from successive defeats by triumphing in the West Midlands.

• Date: Saturday, May 2
• Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

Prediction: Wolves 0–2 Sunderland

Arsenal vs. Fulham

• Date: Saturday, May 2
• Time: 5:30 p.m. BST / 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT

The headline act of Saturday’s schedule, Arsenal must once again overcome the growing pressure when they host fellow Londoners Fulham. The Gunners kept their nerve to narrowly beat Newcastle last weekend, and they now have the chance to move six points clear of chasers Man City before Pep Guardiola’s side take to the field on Monday.

Arsenal’s midweek excursion in Madrid for their Champions League semifinal has taken some energy out of the tank, but Mikel Arteta has a deep squad to call upon—one boosted by the recent return of key personnel.

Fulham are among the cohort fighting for Europe, buoyed by last weekend’s win over Aston Villa, but they have been far from scintillating in recent matches. Struggling for creativity will be a major issue against the division’s sturdiest defense.

Any slip-up could prove fatal for the Gunners, but they should clinch another vital victory—no matter how nervy.

Prediction: Arsenal 2–0 Fulham

Bournemouth vs. Crystal Palace

• Date: Sunday, May 3
• Time: 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT

Bournemouth and Crystal Palace find themselves in similar predicaments heading into the final weeks. Both will be forced to rebuild this summer when their head coaches depart, Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola moving on to pastures new.

Hopefully, the two in-demand managers can deliver a spectacle similar to that witnessed at Selhurst Park back in October, Jean-Philippe Mateta completing his hat trick in the 97th minute to secure a 3–3 draw for the Eagles.

A stalemate is often the outcome when Bournemouth take to the field, their 16 draws from 34 games by far the highest in the division. After Thursday night’s Conference League semifinal first leg, Palace might be happy with a point.

Prediction: Bournemouth 1–1 Crystal Palace

Manchester United vs. Liverpool

• Date: Sunday, May 3
• Time: 3:30 p.m. BST / 10:30 a.m. ET / 7:30 a.m. PT

The stakes are not at their highest for Sunday’s clash between bitter adversaries Manchester United and Liverpool. Both sides appear likely to secure a Champions League berth at the end of testing seasons, leaving bragging rights as the prevailing motivator at Old Trafford.

Man Utd currently have hold of them after their dramatic victory at Anfield earlier this term, but Liverpool have enjoyed some memorable wins away at the Red Devils in recent years, including their 3–0 triumph in Arne Slot’s debut term.

Neither team are operating at their absolute peak, but the combination of home advantage and greater self-belief could result in a hard-fought victory for Man Utd this weekend.

Liverpool may well have won their last three league games, but they remain unconvincing in attack and defense. Man Utd appear primed to punish the Reds in the way Fulham, Everton and Crystal Palace couldn’t, despite encouragement.

Prediction: Man Utd 2–1 Liverpool

Aston Villa vs. Tottenham Hotspur

• Date: Sunday, May 3
• Time: 7 p.m. BST / 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT

Things are becoming increasingly desperate for Tottenham. Even their first Premier League victory of 2026 couldn’t lift them out of the relegation zone last weekend, and a trip to fifth-placed Aston Villa will have downtrodden supporters fearing the worst—especially if Leeds and West Ham can win before they play.

Spurs have look slightly improved under Roberto De Zerbi, but it’s an incredibly low bar. Injuries continue to decimate their playing squad and they were indebted to a rare João Palhinha goal to squeak past Wolves last time out.

In more bad news, they have lost twice to Villa already this season, both 2–1 defeats on home soil. Providing Unai Emery’s side aren’t totally spent from their Europa League semifinal on Thursday night, they remain significant favorites as they look to secure Champions League qualification.

Prediction: Aston Villa 1–0 Tottenham

Chelsea vs. Nottingham Forest

• Date: Monday, May 4
• Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

Chelsea began life without Liam Rosenior in the best way imaginable, interim head coach Calum McFarlane guiding the Blues to the FA Cup final last weekend. Whether they can follow up their win over Leeds when facing an in-form Nottingham Forest side remains to be seen.

The Blues appear incredibly unlikely to make the Champions League via a top-five finish following their recent string of dismal results, but a victory could keep their slim hopes alive. They will also be eager to build some momentum before the FA Cup final against Man City.

The result is more significant for Forest, who are just five points above the relegation zone and still in the scrap. Having been in Europa League action on Thursday, fatigue may play its part in a narrow Stamford Bridge defeat.

Prediction: Chelsea 2–1 Nottingham Forest

Everton vs. Manchester City

• Date: Monday, May 4
• Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

Man City will be watching Arsenal’s match with bated breath before they return to league action against Everton on Monday night. Fresh from surviving an almighty scare in the FA Cup semifinal at the hands of Southampton, they must refocus on usurping the Gunners at the summit.

As mentioned, there could be a six-point gap needing to be overturned by the Cityzens come their trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium. While they still have a game in hand on their rivals, they simply can’t afford anything but a perfect run down the stretch.

Everton’s home form has been uninspiring this season and that will offer City encouragement, but David Moyes’s team have the capacity to be tricky customers. Defensively stubborn and indefatigable, they will cause Pep Guardiola’s men issues.

Any win will do for City—and they should get over the line.

Prediction: Everton 0–1 Man City

Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 35

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 35.

The serial Championship promotion winner once again failed to enjoy his experience of the Premier League. The Clarets made an encouraging start to life back in the top flight before enduring a swift decline. A solitary win since October has kept Burnley in the same position of 19th for 22 consecutive weeks.

Given Wolverhampton Wanderers’ relative uptick in form, there is the very real possibility that they end the season rock bottom.

Once relegation was mathematically confirmed with last week’s defeat to Manchester City, Burnley’s hierarchy entered into discussions with Parker regarding his future. As the club confirmed on Thursday, those talks ended with the former England international’s exit.

“The Club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Scott for his professionalism, dedication and contribution,” a statement read. “He leaves with the respect and gratitude of everyone connected with Burnley Football Club.”

Burnley also revealed that Mike Jackson would reprise his role as interim manager for the club’s final four league fixtures. Jackson took temporary charge at Turf Moor in April 2022 following Sean Dyche’s exit, overseeing an immediate run of 10 points from four games which earned him the Premier League manager of the month award.

Jackson would require an even more impressive sequence of results to establish himself as a candidate for the full-time position. It appears as though Steven Gerrard is leading that race.

Steven Gerrard Tipped for Managerial Return

Gerrard was thought to be “of interest” to Burnley’s owners before the decision to part ways with Parker was made. Now that his compatriot has been moved on, the Daily Mail claim that the retired England captain is the “favorite” for the vacant post.

It’s been 15 months since Gerrard’s last managerial position, an awkward stint in the Saudi Pro League with Al Ettifaq. The ex-Liverpool midfielder’s only previous experience of senior management in English soccer came during an 11-month stint at Aston Villa.

Gerrard steered the Midlands giant to a 14th-placed finish in the 2021–22 campaign before results tailed off dramatically during his second term. Villa relieved their iconic coach of his duties just eight games into the following season. Unai Emery took the helm and oversaw a remarkable ascent with a similar squad which is now a serial Champions League contender.

Burnley’s soon-to-be Championship rivals Bristol City have also been linked with an approach for Gerrard, who is thought to be keen on a return to management. After watching his former international colleague Frank Lampard thrive in England’s second tier with Coventry City, Gerrard could be in position to try and replicate that feat next season.

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Scott Parker Leaves Burnley, Premier League Legend ‘Favorite’ for Replacement.

Late Tuesday, the FIFA Council, convening in Vancouver this week for the 76th FIFA Congress, unanimously approved to consult the possibility that all senior club teams be “obliged to always have at least one homegrown player from the Under-20 or Under-21 category on the field of play.”

A proposal for the radical change—aimed at progressing the development of young players—will be submitted to the FIFA Council sometime within the next year, with the exact definition of “homegrown” still yet to be determined.

This rule could drastically affect club teams all over the globe, influencing not only how and when managers substitute players, but also the activity of transfer windows and how rosters are built in the first place. The change would ultimately deter clubs from buying and importing so much veteran star talent, encouraging them to put more emphasis and resources into developing their own youth.

It would specifically rattle the Premier League, in which several clubs have not had a homegrown youngster start a match all season.

Premier League’s Current Pool of Young Talent

At present, England’s top flight requires that each club’s 25-player squad has “no more than 17” who are not homegrown, meaning eight spots are for locally-trained talent.

However, there is no specifying how often those players should be actually on the pitch. A similar rule exists for the UEFA Champions League, and both define a homegrown player as one that has played at least three full seasons between the ages of 15 and 21 within the club’s youth system or at another club’s youth system in the same country.

There are four Premier League teams that have not included a homegrown player under 21-years-old in their starting lineup at all this season: Brentford, Leeds United, Aston Villa and recently-relegated Burnley. These four would be the most affected by the rule change, leaving them with the arduous task of swiftly developing youngsters or scrambling to find new diamonds in the rough.

Conversely, Manchester City would be in the best position of any Premier League club, having had 30 of their 33 league matches so far include an U21 homegrown player in the starting XI, per The Times. Nico O’Reilly, 21, worked his way up City’s youth ranks since the age of eight and is largely responsible for that feat, having started 26 league matches so far this season.

Manchester United would also be in a good position, with 20 league games out of their 34 including an U21 homegrown starter, with a lot down to Kobbie Mainoo. The 21-year-old graduate has made 12 starts in the last 13 league matches, shining under interim manager Michael Carrick’s tutelage.

United also hold an impressive 89-year-old record of naming at least one homegrown player in every single matchday squad, dating back to Oct. 30, 1937. Nevertheless, even this record does not account for or promise playing time, with youngsters not always making it to the pitch.

While the Premier League clubs eagerly await FIFA’s decision, they would all be smart to begin exploring better avenues to get their youth pathways up to speed.

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Premier League

Manchester United have “already made their move” for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, keen to beat Juventus to the signature of a player seen as the perfect replacement for Casemiro. (Source: TuttoJuve)

Galatasaray’s recent meeting with rivals Fenerbahçe was attended by Arsenal director Andrea Berta, who went to watch Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen in action ahead of a possible summer bid. (Source: AS)

Arsenal are also chasing a deal for Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Díaz, who could be allowed to leave the Bernabéu for the right price. (Source: Fichajes)

Chelsea striker Liam Delap is not looking to leave the club this summer despite struggling during his debut season at Stamford Bridge. (Source: The Telegraph)

Meanwhile, Enzo Fernández has made it clear he would be prepared to sign a new contract at Chelsea, if the Blues offer him a higher salary and promise to try and match his ambition through the signing of more experienced players. (Source: Si Phillips)

Liverpool want around $17.5 million (€15 million, £13 million) to sell goalkeeper Alisson, but Juventus have frustrated the Reds with their determination to sign the Brazil international on a free transfer. (Source: Calciomercato)

Aston Villa and Newcastle have both joined Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in pursuit of Sporting CP left back Maxi Araújo. (Source: Sport Witness)

Striker Nick Woltemade is no longer wanted at Newcastle. Aston Villa are interested in signing the Germany international. (Source: Fichajes)

Potentially replacing Woltemade at Newcastle could be Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, who has emerged as a target for the Magpies after Bayern Munich confirmed they will not trigger their permanent transfer clause. (Source: talkSPORT)

Man Utd are planning to try and capitalize on Leicester City’s relegation to League One with a move for highly rated winger Jeremy Monga. The 16-year-old features on a shortlist which also includes Foxes midfielder Louis Page, 17, and right back Olabade Aluko, 19. (Source: Paddy Keogh)

Similarly, Man Utd are watching Tottenham center back Micky van de Ven, whose price tag could drop if Spurs are relegated from the Premier League, alongside Nottingham Forest’s Murillo. (Source: The Telegraph)

Wolverhampton Wanderers have already been relegated from the Premier League and Brentford, Crystal Palace, Leeds United and West Ham United are all trying to take advantage with moves for center back Santiago Bueno. (Source: Sport Witness)

Manchester City director Hugo Viana has held talks with the agent of Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi. (Source: Sacha Tavolieri)

Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus has requested the signing of Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah, who will be given the chance to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia if the club can first agree a new contract with Jesus himself. (Source: Okaz)

La Liga

Real Madrid have turned down an offer of $94 million (€80 million) for midfielder Federico Valverde from Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli. (Source: Fichajes)

Hansi Flick wants Barcelona to sign a more attacking right back to better compliment Lamine Yamal. Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson and Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Rațiu have both been suggested. (Source: El Nacional)

Atlético Madrid have reignited their pursuit of Liverpool left back Andy Robertson. The Scotland international has been in talks with Tottenham, but a deal hinges on their Premier League survival. (Source: Daily Record)

Franco Mastantuono wants to stay at Real Madrid but is reluctantly considering a return to River Plate, well aware that he cannot continue to struggle as much as he has during his debut season in Spain. (Source: Defensa Central)

Marcus Rashford is solely focused on continuing his career with Barcelona beyond this season, even though the Catalan giants are not expected to trigger their option to sign the Man Utd loanee permanently. (Source: Mundo Deportivo)

Barcelona sporting director Deco has met with the agent of Osasuna winger Víctor Muñoz. The Blaugrana have doubts about the 22-year-old and are also wary of doing business over a player whose sale would trigger a significant sell-on clause for Real Madrid. (Source: SPORT)

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The Red Devils prioritized attacking signings and while that has paid dividends, they’re still in the hunt for someone capable of bolstering a poorly-stocked and ageing engine room.

Manuel Ugarte continues to struggle at Old Trafford, while Casemiro has announced his impending exit at the end of the current campaign.

An energetic midfielder with expert defensive instincts will top United’s wishlist and they’ve already established a lengthy list of appropriate targets.

Here is Sports Illustrated’s ranking of midfielders reported to be on United’s shortlist.

Ranking Criteria

• Suitability: How they would fit the needs of United’s awkward midfield.
• Affordability: United have to keep an eye on finances in the days of strict spending regulations.
• Likelihood: There has to be some form of reality behind the rumors.

9. André

Age: 24
Club: Wolverhampton Wanderers
Contract: 2029

United successfully poached Wolverhampton Wanderers’ prized asset last summer, Matheus Cunha, but again turning to the Premier League’s worst side in the transfer market hardly inspires confidence.

Midfield is evidently not functioning as required, but their Brazilian pairing offered up encouragement last term. André, who was plucked from Fluminense in the summer of 2024, has been an overwhelmingly positive addition at Molineux.

As per FBref, he ranked in the 99th percentile for pass completion among Premier League midfielders last season, while he also sat in the 89th and 97th percentile for attempted tackles and recoveries respectively.

The Brazil international certainly boasts commendable energy and has proven his ability to mix it with England’s leading sides, but the move to Old Trafford could prove a step too great.

8. João Gomes

Age: 25
Club: Wolverhampton Wanderers
Contract: 2030

André’s midfield partner, João Gomes, is another who has caught the attention at Wolves without ever producing truly dazzling displays. Still, he’s worked his way into the Brazil squad alongside his teammate, with tenacity and a tough-tackling approach making him a desirable asset.

Like André, the ex-Flamengo talent is struggling to stand tall within an underperforming Wolves side at present, but he would prove a cut-price signing with Premier League experience for United.

Gomes has been touted with a move to Old Trafford as a cost-effective solution to their midfield dilemma and the Red Devils could do significantly worse than the aggressive South American. There are better options out there, though.

7. Adam Wharton

Age: 22
Club: Crystal Palace
Contract: 2029

Adam Wharton’s ascent to stardom has been remarkably swift. The midfielder played his final match for Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers in January 2024 before his switch to Crystal Palace. Less than six months later, he was named in England’s Euro 2024 squad.

Wharton hit the ground running like few do when stepping up to the Premier League, garnering attention for his silky passing and a level of composure more fitting of a Spaniard than an Englishman. Comparisons with Paul Scholes soon followed.

By that logic, he would be the perfect addition to United’s squad. At just 21 years old, his potential is even greater than his exceptional ability, and he’s destined to be one of the smoothest operators around for the next decade.

However, an eye-watering price tag expected to exceed £100 million could dissuade the Red Devils from taking the plunge, while he’s no Casemiro replacement when it comes to his defensive work. He’s much more of a tempo-setter and creator than midfield destroyer.

6. Angelo Stiller

Age: 25
Club: VfB Stuttgart
Contract: 2028

Angelo Stiller has been critical to VfB Stuttgart’s resent ascent. The graceful midfielder helped the German side clinch second place in the 2023–24 Bundesliga, while also propelling them to DFB Pokal glory for the first time in 28 years last term. Another cup final has been secured this season.

Serhou Guirassy stole the headlines two years ago, but Stiller earned greater renown last campaign. The Germany international continued on an impressive trajectory that pits him against Europe’s elite, hitting double digits for assists in each of the past two seasons.

However, much like Wharton, the 25-year-old is not your traditional defensive midfielder. An incredible passing range, uncanny ability to beat the press and attacking verve ensures he’s a star in the making, but his defensive work is not his greatest strength.

Stiller would be a much cheaper alternative to Wharton and would likely thrive in England, but United are ideally seeking someone with a stronger bite than the Stuttgart man.

5. Sandro Tonali

Age: 25
Club: Newcastle United
Contract: 2028

United’s interest in Sandro Tonali has been almost as widely reported as the contradictory comments made by the Italian midfielder’s agent. As Newcastle meander towards a mediocre conclusion to an underwhelming campaign, it appears as though Tonali will be leaving Tyneside.

The all-action outlet could certainly fill a few roles in the Old Trafford engine room, proving to be capable of operating at the base of midfield or crashing between both boxes with similar success and enthusiasm. The ex-AC Milan starlet has the experience of playing under the burning spotlight of San Siro to support his chances of surviving the scrutiny of playing for Manchester United. Yet, it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils will be prepared to cough up the £100 million it may take to secure his services.

4. Carlos Baleba

Age: 22
Club: Brighton & Hove Albion
Contract: 2028

It’s no secret that United would have liked to sign the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder over the summer, whom many consider a Moisés Caicedo regen. The 22-year-old has filled the Ecuadorian’s sizeable shoes on the south coast in tremendous fashion, hence why a bid of around £120 million would have been required to prise him away before September’s summer deadline.

In the end, United accepted defeat in their pursuit—for now, at least.

While Baleba’s staggering asking price could prove prohibitive in coming transfer windows, he remains an intriguing prospect.

Baleba is everything required of a defensive midfielder in the Premier League. He’s tenacious, aggressive, intelligent, press resistant and an incredibly hard worker. Brighton’s clever recruitment network have struck gold once more.

Given his age, he would easily be able to guard United’s midfield for the next decade and the addition of the exceptional starlet would be a statement of intent.

3. Aurélien Tchouaméni

Age: 26
Club: Real Madrid
Contract: 2028

While flicking through a book on the legacy of New Zealand’s rugby union team, the All Blacks, Tchouaméni noted down the phrase “aim for the highest cloud” on his phone. A move to Real Madrid in 2022 saw that target achieved.

Tchouaméni has not always had it all his own way while winning every available major honor in the Spanish capital, yet it would be incredibly harsh to solely blame the 26-year-old for Madrid’s failure to move on from the generational midfield of Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić. His introduction as the successor to the Brazilian has actually worked out as well as could be expected.

In Manchester United’s quest to replace Casemiro themselves, they have sensibly added Tchouaméni to the shortlist.

2. Éderson

Age: 26
Club: Atalanta
Contract: 2027

It remains a mystery as to how Éderson wasn’t plucked from Atalanta following his expert performances during their Europa League-winning campaign in 2023–24. Plenty of suitors were mooted, but nobody took the punt on the Brazilian dynamo.

Éderson continued to dazzle away from the limelight last season, with his performances ever so consistent. Operating in a similar formation to the one utilized by Ruben Amorim during his time under Gian Piero Gasperini, the 26-year-old even knows exactly what it takes to thrive in a two-man midfield.

While the Brazil international exhibits his technical strengths on a regular basis, thriving in tight areas under opposition pressure, his defensive ability is what will strike United. He averaged just under three tackles per 90 in Serie A last season with a 66.7% success rate.

The absence of a Premier League tax would make Éderson a significantly cheaper signing than many of those already mentioned, while he is soon to enter his peak years. He’s capable of making an immediate impact, while not blocking future midfield additions.

1. Elliot Anderson

Age: 23
Club: Nottingham Forest
Contract: 2029

Profit and sustainability rules pushed Newcastle United to sell academy product Elliot Anderson, who has since flourished at Nottingham Forest. An impressive debut season at the City Ground has paved the way for even shinier performances this term.

Anderson has been mightily impressive amid Forest’s struggles and has been rewarded for his consistency with a route into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. He hasn’t just made up the numbers, either, instead sparkling on regular starts. He’s almost certain to feature at next summer’s FIFA World Cup bar a dramatic downturn in form or major injury.

Naturally, the Premier League’s vulturous elite are beginning to circle the £100 million-rated midfielder, whose comfortable as a box-to-boxer or operating in a more reserved role. Incredible positional intelligence makes him such a desirable asset.

Anderson is an all-rounder and more than capable of waltzing into a ‘Big Six’ side. His price tag is really the only negative, especially for United.

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“I don’t expect after 22 years of not winning [the title] that it’s going to be a path of roses and beautiful music around it,” he scoffed after a scratchy 1–0 win over Newcastle United. “It’s going to be like this and we are ready for it.”

Nobody said it would be easy, but it didn’t have to be this hard. Arsenal had ample opportunity to establish a chasm between themselves and Manchester City, only to fritter away points in the spring. Pep Guardiola’s side have enjoyed a familiar return to form over the recent sunny weeks and even returned to first place on Wednesday night.

The Gunners reclaimed that lofty position at the same time City booked a spot in the FA Cup final on Saturday. In a question between points on the board and games in hand, Opta’s supercomputer clearly favors the former in a prediction for how the title race will unfold.

Supercomputer Predicts 2025–26 Premier League Title

The supercomputer’s faith in Arsenal is unwavering. Even after City clambered above the north London outfit in midweek, Opta still gave the Gunners a considerable edge. That confidence has only been bolstered by Saturday’s three points against Newcastle.

Rather than the quality (or lack thereof) in Arsenal’s recent performances, this stance appears to come from the caliber of opponents both sides have yet to play. The Gunners are set to face two of the current bottom four, 13th-placed Crystal Palace and a Fulham side sitting 10th with a negative goal difference.

City are also scheduled to face Palace but have to travel to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium before taking on Brentford (ninth), Bournemouth (seventh) and ending the campaign against fifth-placed Aston Villa.

As Arteta repeated ad nauseam over the week, Arsenal’s clash with Newcastle was “Game One” of a five-match shootout. While the percentage chance of title success is surprisingly wide, Opta predict City and the Gunners to be separated by just two points come the end of the campaign.

Supercomputer Predicts 2025–26 Champions League Race

In the eyes of the most widely revered data provider across soccer, the top-five race is done. Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa are all given at least a 96% chance of finishing immediately behind Arsenal and Manchester City.

However, the Champions League qualification race is not quite wrapped up just yet.

Villa’s slide into fifth place following Saturday’s 1–0 defeat to Fulham has opened up a devilish prospect. Should Unai Emery’s side finish the campaign in that exact position—they are given a 34.5% chance of doing so—and win the Europa League which comes with Champions League qualification, then the team which sneaks into sixth place also gains entry to Europe’s premier club competition.

If the top five is secure, the race for sixth is anything but.

The Race for Sixth Place

This should have been Chelsea’s spot for the taking. In fact, guaranteed Champions League qualification seemed within their grasp as recently as last month when the Blues thrashed Villa 4–1 in Birmingham. Chelsea have lost every league game since and sacked Liam Rosenior.

Brighton & Hove Albion condemned their former defender to his premature fate with a 3–0 thumping in midweek which saw the Seagulls soar all the way up to sixth. Fabian Hürzeler’s side are favorites to finish the campaign in that spot—which will guarantee at least Europa League qualification for only the second time in the club’s history—but they are only one win away from Everton in the bottom half of the table.

Supercomputer Predicts 2025–26 Relegation Battle

With Burnley and Wolves already condemned to the Championship while Nottingham Forest and Leeds United have almost certainly pulled clear of the division’s plughole, it is now a straight shootout between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

For four entire minutes on Saturday, April 26, Spurs were out of the relegation zone. João Palhinha’s winning goal against already-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux was compounded by an 88th-minute equalizer for Everton in their clash with West Ham 130 miles south at the London Stadium.

Callum Wilson had other ideas. The Hammers forward snatched victory for the capital club against Everton to ensure that his side remained two points clear of Spurs.

Not that Roberto De Zerbi was disheartened. “I believe,” he declared after earning Tottenham’s first league win of 2026. Injuries to both Dominic Solanke and a particularly serious-looking problem for Xavi Simons have some fans thinking otherwise, but the Italian remained defiant.

“When I knew better my players, I understood that we have the possibility, the chance to stay up,” he warned. “We have two points [the gap to West Ham], not 10 points.”

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The clubs have already locked horns on three separate occasions this season, all of which have ended in defeat for Liverpool. There was penalty shootout heartbreak in the Community Shield, late misery in the Premier League and pure humiliation in the Carabao Cup, with the Reds desperate to earn a slice of redemption this time around.

Victory over the Eagles would also do wonders for Liverpool’s Champions League bid. Currently perched in fifth, they would move eight points clear of sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion by conquering Oliver Glasner’s men, all but securing their place in Europe’s premier competition with four games to spare.

Palace will prove an awkward opponent, however, especially considering their recent purple patch of form. They have lost just two of their last 12 matches in all competitions and are unbeaten in four Premier League games—as well as on their last four trips to Anfield.

Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace Score Prediction

Liverpool Earn Much-Need Revenge

Liverpool’s confidence levels will have risen following last weekend’s last-gasp Merseyside derby victory and the buffer they have created between themselves and sixth. While the Reds are still operating beneath themselves, they have now won their last two Premier League matches and have no other distractions down the stretch.

Palace do have other competitions on their mind, however; the Eagles face their Conference League semifinal first leg with Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday night. They will be wary of exerting too much energy at Anfield, perhaps opening the door to a third straight domestic win for the Reds.

• Anfield advantage: Liverpool’s form has been wildly inconsistent no matter the venue, but they have been much sharper at Anfield than on their travels. Losing just three league games on their own patch and winning nine of 16 in total, home advantage could prove the difference between the sides.
• Set pieces: Liverpool’s growing reliance on set pieces and Virgil van Dijk’s aerial prowess will alarm Palace. Only four teams have conceded more from set pieces than them in the Premier League this term, while Liverpool boast the fifth-strongest record from dead balls in the division.
• Alternative ambitions: With European qualification appearing unlikely via their Premier League position, Palace’s eggs are in the Conference League basket as they chase another trophy in Glasner’s final season. Liverpool will be the more motivated on Saturday, with the Eagles casting one eye to Thursday’s semifinal.

Prediction: Liverpool 2–1 Crystal Palace

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Crystal Palace

Liverpool’s injury issues worsened at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last Sunday, Giorgi Mamardashvili suffering a nasty wound during the encounter. With Alisson already sidelined, third-choice stopper Freddie Woodman came on for his Premier League debut, and he will start again on Saturday.

Joe Gomez’s latest injury adds to Liverpool’s right back woes, with Conor Bradley already out for the season. With Arne Slot not overly convinced by Jeremie Frimpong, he could opt for Dominik Szoboszlai in the role.

Hugo Ekitiké’s long-term injury means the ineffective Alexander Isak needs to hit some form, while the absences of Wataru Endō and Giovanni Leoni limit Slot’s options elsewhere.

Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): Woodman; Szoboszlai, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.

Crystal Palace Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool

The Eagles will certainly be without forwards Eddie Nketiah and Evann Guessand this weekend. The duo is also joined by Cheick Doucouré in the treatment room.

Glasner revealed after Monday’s goalless draw with West Ham United that Adam Wharton was only absent as a precaution, insisting the England international should return at Anfield.

Ismaïla Sarr is another who could come back into the team having been benched last time out, the Senegalese winger having scored seven goals in nine past meetings with Liverpool—only against Aston Villa has he scored more.

Crystal Palace predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Muñoz, Wharton, Lerma, Mitchell; Sarr, Pino; Strand Larsen.

What Time Does Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace Kick Off?

• Location: Liverpool, England
• Stadium: Anfield
• Date: Saturday, April 25
• Kick-off Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT
• Referee: Andy Madley
• VAR: Neil Davies

How to Watch Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace on TV, Live Stream

• MORE: Full list of Premier League broadcasters around the world

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On the weekend when Manchester City capitalized on their growing momentum by beating the Premier League leaders, Aston Villa played out a seven-goal thriller with Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur teased competence in their fight to survive the drop.

We can only hope for similar thrills this weekend, with the FA Cup semifinals meaning three games were brought forward. There are seven fixtures for us to enjoy, as Arsenal aim to respond to City’s usurping and the relegation battle intensifies.

Here are Sports Illustrated’s predictions for Gameweek 34.

Click here for the latest version of this article.

Sunderland 0–5 Nottingham Forest

• Date: Friday, April 24
• Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

Few expected much from Friday’s fixture. Don’t judge a book by its cover.

Nottingham Forest took a huge step towards safety with a 5–0 thumping of Sunderland, whose own hopes of sneaking into a European qualification spot took as much of a blow as the Black Cats’ morale.

Forest were 4–0 up before half-time, before the in-demand Elliot Anderson finished off the dominant victory in the dying embers of the second half to steer Forest eight points clear of the relegation zone heading into Saturday’s fixtures.

Fulham vs. Aston Villa

• Date: Saturday, April 25
• Time: 12:30 p.m. BST / 7:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 a.m. PT

Aston Villa have two avenues still open for a return to the Champions League, with Chelsea’s slump all but guaranteeing the Villans a top-five finish. Unai Emery’s side are also preparing for a Europa League semifinal against Forest.

A result for the visitors will move them up to third ahead of Manchester United’s clash on Monday night.

They’ve won their previous six meetings against Fulham, including a 3–1 triumph in the reverse fixture back in September. The Cottagers have had the chance over the past month to put themselves in European contention, but they’re down in 12th and struggling for momentum.

Still, Marco Silva’s side will move to within two points of Brighton & Hove Albion in sixth by securing a rare victory over Villa.

Prediction: Fulham 2–1 Aston Villa

Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace

• Date: Saturday, April 25
• Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

These two have already met at Anfield this season, with Crystal Palace taking advantage of a distinctly weak Liverpool team to advance in the Carabao Cup.

That victory won’t mean all that much when the pair lock horns on Saturday afternoon, especially with Palace putting all their eggs in the Conference League basket for the final month of the season. After beating Fiorentina in the quarterfinals, an exciting two-legged affair against Shakhtar Donetsk’s latest generation of Brazilian imports separates them from the final.

Liverpool should thus be able to make the most of their distracted visitors, given that they enter Saturday’s game off the back of earning Merseyside bragging rights in dramatic fashion. Virgil van Dijk’s 100th-minute header meant the Reds claimed victory in the first derby played at Everton’s shiny new home.

That win handed them breathing room in the top-five race. Brighton are the team they have to worry about now, but Arne Slot’s side can pull eight points clear of the Seagulls this weekend.

Prediction: Liverpool 2–1 Crystal Palace

West Ham United vs. Everton

• Date: Saturday, April 25
• Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

A huge couple of hours beckon in the dogfight down at the bottom after the fates of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley were sealed in the week.

With Leeds and Forest starting to cut themselves adrift, it looks like it’s a straight shootout between West Ham United and Tottenham to avoid finishing 18th.

Both teams missed big opportunities last week, but West Ham remain in good touch. They’ve lost just twice in the Premier League since the start of February.

David Moyes is unlikely to be in a merciful mood when he returns to the London Stadium on Saturday, mind. His Everton team were beaten in the derby, but they’ve impressed on their travels this season. Win here, and they’d have collected the third-most points away from home in the top flight.

Moreover, a strong finish should see the Toffees play in Europe for the first time since 2017–18 next season.

Prediction: West Ham 2–2 Everton

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Tottenham Hotspur

• Date: Saturday, April 25
• Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

Georginio Rutter’s 95th-minute leveller sucked the life out of a euphoric Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as Spurs failed to see out their first Premier League victory of 2026 after Xavi Simons lifted the roof off their glorious amphitheatre with a sumptuous strike.

Still, there were signs of life from the Lilywhites. Roberto De Zerbi’s impact was certainly felt after an inauspicious start at Sunderland, with Spurs impressing out of possession and offering a creative spark via Xavi’s right boot.

This is as must-win as it gets for the Lilywhites. De Zerbi believes his team can go five for five down the stretch to preserve their Premier League status, but they must take each game as it comes. Supporters will be thrilled if they merely go one for one.

Wolves haven’t performed like one of the competition’s worst-ever teams for much of Rob Edwards’s tutelage, but they’re down after losing heavily in back-to-back games to West Ham and Leeds United.

Prediction: Wolves 1–3 Tottenham

Arsenal vs. Newcastle United

• Date: Saturday, April 25
• Time: 5:30 p.m. BST / 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT

Arsenal could perhaps take some solace from the fact that Manchester City didn’t run up the score on Wednesday night, even if their 1–0 win at Burnley left the Gunners second in the table for the first time since October.

The two teams are level on points and goal difference, with City only ahead on goals scored. However, it’s Pep Guardiola’s side who boast all the momentum. Arsenal desperately need to reset and go again at the start of this exciting new mini-league which has been crafted for the final month of the season.

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United often trouble the Gunners, beating them three times last season, but they’re currently one of the division’s poorest-performing teams and are looking towards the summer already.

The visitors have lost three in a row since exiting the Champions League.

Prediction: Arsenal 1–0 Newcastle

Manchester United vs. Brentford

• Date: Monday, April 27
• Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

There’s no Premier League action on Sunday, so the gameweek concludes at Old Trafford on Monday night.

Leeds prevailed at the Theatre of Dreams during Manchester United’s previous outing on home soil, but the Red Devils impressively bounced back at Stamford Bridge last weekend. Matheus Cunha’s well-taken finish proved the difference between the two sides, as United took a giant leap towards securing a top-five finish.

They have a comfortable buffer over sixth, even if Villa leapfrog them into third on Saturday afternoon.

Brentford, meanwhile, have never won a Premier League game at Old Trafford, and now would be an excellent time to claim a historic victory. They’ve remarkably drawn five league games in a row, allowing others to capitalize on Chelsea’s stunning downturn.

Still, they’re well in the European mix, with an eighth-place finish potentially enough to qualify for the Conference League.

Prediction: Man Utd 2–1 Brentford

Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 34

READ THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS, ANALYSIS AND INSIGHT FROM SI FC

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• How 2026 World Cup Breakout Star Would Fit Into Arsenal Lineup

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 34.

The six clubs that have just doubled will not be involved in the upcoming round, meaning the majority of managers will be forced to use their chips or make several transfers to ensure they have a full XI in place.

Blank fixtures create significant dilemmas, but fortunately there remain plenty of desirable assets taking to the field for GW34. Here are those worth picking.

Goalkeepers

With Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, Burnley, Chelsea, Leeds United and Manchester City not in Premier League action this gameweek, plenty of selection options are off the table.

However, the division’s most consistent goalkeeper remains a candidate, Arsenal’s David Raya (£6.0m) facing an out-of-form Newcastle United (H) this Saturday. The Spaniard is the highest-scoring stopper and has still managed two clean sheets from his last four despite Arsenal’s slump.

Robin Roefs (£4.8m) has enjoyed an excellent debut season with Sunderland and boasts a strong fixture this weekend. The Black Cats face relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest (H) and Roefs delivered 11 points during his most recent home game.

There will be those wanting to take a risky punt on Liverpool’s third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman (£3.9m) after injuries to Alisson and Giorgi Mamardashvili, with the cheap enabler making his first Premier League start against Crystal Palace (H) this weekend.

Defenders

Liverpool’s Merseyside derby hero Virgil van Dijk (£6.2m) will start in front of Woodman. The Dutchman has managed 58 points across his last eight matches, underscoring his goalscoring potential once more with his late winner against Everton.

Arsenal’s defensive assets remain assured picks, most notably Gabriel (£7.1m) due to his immense goal threat. He’s managed seven goal involvements this season in the league and will also fancy his chances of a clean sheet against Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium. Jurriën Timber (£6.2m) is worth the money if passed fit.

Pedro Porro (£5.1m) scored 10 points last weekend and has an appetizing fixture against relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) this weekend. While Tottenham Hotspur are in horrendous form, the Spaniard appears set to enjoy a more attacking role under Roberto De Zerbi.

Sunderland’s Nordi Mukiele (£4.5m) and Manchester United returnee Harry Maguire (£4.4m) could also be wise picks this gameweek, the latter facing off against Brentford (H) on Monday night.

Midfielders

Brentford will be wary of Bruno Fernandes (£10.3m) as he chases the Premier League assist record. Reaching 18 for the season last time out, the Man Utd skipper is absolutely essential for the remaining weeks of the campaign and could very well haul against the Bees. Casemiro (£5.7m) and Matheus Cunha (£8.0m) offer cheaper routes into United’s midfield.

Those wanting to spend big in midfield could look at Mohamed Salah (£14.0m). The Egyptian has been staggeringly inconsistent this season, but looked lively during his goalscoring performance at Everton last weekend and could punish a Palace defense with one eye on a European semifinal. Dominik Szoboszlai (£7.1m) could also deliver for the Reds.

Fulham vs. Aston Villa is not so appealing from a defensive standpoint, but there are strong options in midfield. Harry Wilson (£6.0m) remains a solid choice at a middling price, while Morgan Rogers (£7.4m) delivered nine points last weekend and could be galvanized for the trip to Craven Cottage.

Fresh from his hat trick and 20-point haul against Burnley last time out, Morgan Gibbs-White (£7.5m) cannot be ignored against Sunderland. Similarly, Spurs’ Xavi Simons (£6.5m) delivered a goal, assist and 11-pointer against Brighton last Saturday and could run riot against Wolves.

Forwards

Ollie Watkins (£8.7m) appears determined to work his way back into the England squad ahead of the World Cup. Having scored 16 points last weekend, he’s now bagged six times in his last five matches across all competitions.

Another in claret this weekend is Jarrod Bowen (£7.7m) of West Ham United, who face Everton (H) in a crucial encounter for Premier League survival. The Englishman has managed 41 points across his past five home games and is West Ham’s likeliest route to goal.

There are few elite forward options worth considering in GW34, meaning managers could take a risk with their selection. Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey (£5.3m), Everton’s Beto (£5.0m) and West Ham’s Dominic Solanke (£7.2m) are all potential one-week wonders.

When Is the FPL Gameweek 34 Deadline?

With Gameweek 34 beginning before the weekend arrives with Sunderland vs. Nottingham Forest, the current deadline is Friday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m. BST (1:30 p.m. ET, 10:30 a.m. PT).

READ THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS, ANALYSIS AND INSIGHT FROM SI FC

• Tottenham Working on ‘Statement Signing’ for Roberto De Zerbi
• ‘Serious Attention’—Man Utd Eye Mateus Fernandes’s West Ham Teammate
• What Next for Marcus Rashford After Barcelona Transfer Deadline Expires?
• Transfer Rumors: Nunez Seals Liverpool Return; Rashford Decides on Man Utd Future
• How 2026 World Cup Breakout Star Would Fit Into Arsenal Lineup

This article was originally published on www.si.com as 2025–26 FPL: Best Players to Pick for Gameweek 34.