The thrilling conclusion of the Premier League season for 2022-23 is approaching, with the focus on the intense battle to avoid relegation from the English top flight.
Southampton is already confirmed to drop to the Championship, and either Leeds, Leicester, or Everton will join them. While the top four positions have been determined, there are still European spots up for grabs.
Additionally, this final day will witness the farewells of several managers who are set to depart at the end of the season.
Exciting storylines are unfolding, and here are some of the things what to watch out for in this gripping finale.
The relegation battle takes center stage, with Leeds United, Leicester City, and Everton anxiously awaiting their fate in the league.
Leeds currently finds themselves in 19th place, two points away from safety. Sam Allardyce’s side must secure a victory against Tottenham, and nothing less than three points will suffice.
Allardyce has enlisted the help of Leeds legends Gary McAllister, Eddie Gray, and Gordon Strachan to inspire his players, emphasizing the importance and history of the club.
Leicester’s chances of survival could have been stronger if not for a remarkable save by Nick Pope in their recent goalless draw against Newcastle.
They now must win their final match against West Ham at home to have a shot at staying in the Premier League.
Leicester manager Dean Smith emphasizes the need to focus on their own game and not be distracted by Everton’s result.
Everton, with a goal difference six worse than Leicester, is in the strongest position to avoid relegation. However, they must secure a victory against Bournemouth at Goodison Park, as a draw would be insufficient if Leicester wins.
Everton manager Sean Dyche acknowledges the pressure on his team, stating that such pressure is the demand of being at Everton Football Club.
Relegation from the Premier League is a costly experience for clubs, as they face a significant reduction in revenue from television payments.
The revenue gap between the Premier League and the Championship is immense, wiping off approximately £60 million from the clubs’ balance sheets overnight.
The financial implications of relegation are substantial, affecting clubs like Everton, Leeds United, and Leicester City, who have recently earned revenues in the range of £181.0 million to £214.6 million.
While the top four positions are already determined, there is still a battle for the seventh position, which secures a place in the Europa Conference League play-off round.
Aston Villa currently holds this spot but faces competition from Tottenham and Brentford. Aston Villa hosts Brighton, Tottenham travels to Leeds, and Brentford faces Manchester City in their final matches, with each team vying for that coveted seventh position.
As the season comes to a close, it also marks the end of an era for several managers. Roy Hodgson is set to bid farewell to Crystal Palace after a successful return to his boyhood club.
Frank Lampard’s tenure at Chelsea concludes, with Mauricio Pochettino taking charge from the upcoming season.
The futures of managers Ruben Selles (Southampton), Sam Allardyce (Leeds), and Dean Smith (Leicester) will likely be influenced by their teams’ relegation fate.
There is uncertainty surrounding Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui’s future due to the club’s financial situation, while Ruben Neves is expected to depart Wolves in pursuit of Champions League football.
In a pressure-free final day for Manchester United, who have secured Champions League qualification, goalkeeper David de Gea may bid farewell to the club.
De Gea, who won the Golden Glove for the most Premier League clean sheets this season (17), is approaching the end of his contract.
While there is hope for a new deal, his role as United’s first-choice goalkeeper next season remains uncertain.