Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle United all secured places in the Champions League on a lacklustre final day in the Premier League that offered little drama.
Given the easiest task ahead of kick off Pep Guardiola’s City ensured they breezed into Europe’s top-flight after Ilkay Gundogan’s scissor kick sent them ahead against Fulham and Erling Haaland secured the points from the spot.
Things were slightly more tricky at the City Ground where Chelsea defeated Nottingham Forest 1-0. It took until the second half for the breakthrough to come as Neco Williams failed to deal with an aerial ball into the box and set Pedro Neto free. He squared a pass to the back post and Levi Colwill netted the winning goal. Forest offered little threat with Chris Wood missing their best chances.
Newcastle, meanwhile, owe their Champions League spot to Aston Villa after losing at home to Everton. Villa needed to defeat Man Utd at Old Trafford to leapfrog the magpies but went down 2-0 and ended up sixth. Forest’s seventh place finish sends them into the Conference League.
Follow the latest updates from the Premier League’s final day in our live blog below:
Premier League final day LIVE
- RATINGS: Wasteful Chris Wood leaves hosts frustrated
- FT Chelsea confirm Champions League place with 1-0 win over Forest
- 50' - GOAL! Colwill converts Neto's cross to hand Blues the lead [NFO 0-1 CHE]
Nottingham Forest FC 0 - 1 Chelsea FC
Why was Morgan Rogers’ goal disallowed and did it cost Aston Villa Champions League football?
18:52 , Mike JonesMorgan Rogers was denied a goal in Aston Villa’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United after a controversial decision ruled out his opener for a foul on goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
Villa came into the match knowing they needed to defeat Ruben Amorim’s men to secure a spot in the Champions League next season and thought they had gone ahead, following Emiliano Martinez’s red card, only for Rogers’ effort to be chalked off.
Why was Rogers’ goal disallowed and did it cost Villa Champions League football?
Matz Sels wins the golden glove
18:28 , Mike JonesThe Nottingham Forest goalkeeper has had a superb season and has helped his team secure European football.
It is not the Champions League like they wanted at the start of the day but the Conference League instead.
Forest will have a great chance of winning that tournament next season especially if Sels can repeat his performances.
He is the Premier League golden glove winner, shared with Arsenal’s David Raya, after 13 clean sheets in 38 games.
Amorim apologises to fans
18:25 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim spoke to the Manchester United fans after a 2-0 win over Aston Villa and apologised for their dreadful season.
“First of all, I want to apologise for this season,” he said after taking the microphone in the centre circle.
“I know you are very disappointment with me and with the team. I want secondly to say thank you. We are very grateful for your support during the season. Now we have to make a choice or we stay stuck in the past because this season is in the past. We fight each other or we stick together and move forward.
“Six months ago in my first three games in charge, with two victories and one draw I said the storm is coming. Today, after this disaster season, I want to tell you the good days are coming. If there is one club that prove in the past that can overcome any situation, any disaster, it is our club it is Manchester United. Now I want to say also to my players that sometimes I was not fair but I try always to be honest to you guys.”
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea player ratings as wasteful Chris Wood leaves hosts frustrated
18:14 , Mike JonesChelsea held on to clinch Champions League football for next season after a hard-fought victory over Nottingham Forest to conclude the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
The Blues took the lead in the second half when Levi Colwill converted from close range at the back post after Pedro Neto’s square pass.
Here’s our player ratings from the City Ground after a nervy final day of the Premier League season:
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea player ratings as wasteful Wood costs hosts
Nine English teams in Europe next season
18:09 , Mike JonesThere’s a mammoth nine English teams going to be in Europe next season.
Six in the Champions League, two in the Europa League and one in the Conference League.
Here’s who has qualified for each competition:
Champions League: Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham (Europa League winners).
Europa League: Aston Villa and Crystal Palace (FA Cup winners).
Conference League: Nottingham Forest.
Premier League full-time scores
18:06 , Mike JonesBournemouth 2-0 Leicester
Fulham 0-2 Man City
Ipswich 1-3 West Ham
Liverpool 1-1 Crystal Palace
Man Utd 2-0 Aston Villa
Newcastle 0-1 Everton
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea
Southampton 1-2 Arsenal
Tottenham 1-4 Brighton
Wolves 1-1 Brentford
FT Man Utd 2-0 Aston Villa
18:04 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordAnticlimax and anguish at the end of the season for Villa.
They can lament one decision, to disallow Rogers' goal, but they should rue Martinez's decision-making and lament their own performance today.
They made Manchester United look good. And United rarely make themselves look good.
Who has qualified for the Champions League?
18:03 , Mike JonesManchester City defeated Fulham at Craven Cottage easily securing their place in the European top-flight.
Chelsea did the same at the City Ground to ensure they’re fighting for the Champions League trophy in Enzo Maresca’s second season.
Finally, Newcastle were beaten at St. James’ Park but results elsewhere mean their defeat to Everton doesn’t matter and Eddie Howe’s men add a Champions League campaign to their Carabao Cup win.
Full-time! Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea
18:01 , Mike Jones90+8 mins: There goes the whistle. Chelsea are heading into the Champions League.
As are Manchester City, as are Newcastle United.
Nottingham Forest will finish seventh and that means a place in the Europa Conference League.
A poor end to the season for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, especially given they spent so long inside the top four this year.
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea
17:58 , Mike Jones90+5 mins: Chris Wood gets another great opportunity as the ball drops to him in the box. He snaps a shot at goal and hooks it well over the top.
Those chances were going in earlier this season. Not to be today.
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea
17:52 , Mike Jones90 mins: Into stoppage time and there’s eight minutes of them!
Where have the officials got that number from?
Man Utd 2-0 Aston Villa
17:51 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordIt's all over for Villa now.
Bruno Fernandes allowed the departing Christian Eriksen to take a penalty and he scored what should be a parting goal.
Surely no way back for the 10 men from the midlands.
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea
17:50 , Mike Jones87 mins: Gibbs-White wins a corner late in the game. Elanga takes it and lofts the ball to Nikola Milenkovic at the back post.
The Forest defender nods it down where Cucurella scrambles it way. The ball eventually bobbles out to Chris Wood who turns it into the arms of Robert Sanchez.
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea
17:46 , Mike Jones83 mins: Aston Villa have dropped back down to sixth thanks to Man Utd’s goal.
Newcastle have a reprieve and Forest can still clinch something but they need a goal.
Jota Silva is on for Ola Aina. Can he have an impact?
Man Utd 1-0 Aston Villa
17:42 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordAmad Diallo has scored at Old Trafford after a moment of controversy.
Now the Villa fans really aren't happy.
A personal view is that it wasn't a foul by Rogers on Bayindir and that the Villa goal should have stood.
Instead, they trail, Amad scoring United's first home league goal since 9 March.
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea
17:41 , Mike Jones78 mins: Is there a twist to come at the City Ground?
Murillo switches the play and finds Aina who nods the ball to Gibbs-White.
His back is to goal and he can’t turn. Chelsea crowd out the threat before Ola Aina is booked for a loose lunge towards Cucurella.
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea
17:38 , Mike Jones75 mins: Chelsea seem happy to let Forest have the ball but they aren’t doing much to change their fortunes.
A couple of floated passes into the box are cleared but Morgan Gibbs-White wins a free kick thanks to the exuberant Marc Cucurella running into him.
Fulham 0-2 Man City
17:36 , Mike JonesErling Haaland has his 22nd goal of the season having converted from the penalty spot for Manchester City.
That’s Pep Guardiola’s men safely into the Champions League with near 20 minutes to play at Craven Cottage.
Just two spots remain to be won. Chelsea and Aston Villa have them as things stand.
Man Utd 0-0 Aston Villa
17:32 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordThe Villa fans have heard about Everton's goal at St James' Park.
They are buoyant.
And now, as it stands, their 10 men don't need to score. Providing neither they nor Everton concede.
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea
17:30 , Mike Jones68 mins: Ryan Yates replaces Nicolas Dominguez and receives a warm round of applause from the fans.
The club captain takes possession of the armband and will need to lead his team to two goals if they want to turn things around.
Newcastle 0-1 Everton
17:29 , Mike JonesDrama!
Carlos Alcaraz has scored at St. James’ Park and Everton have taken the lead.
That means Newcastle slip down to sixth and Aston Villa are up to fifth if things stand.
Forest would then go into the Europa League and Brighton (in eighth) would take a place in the Conference League.
Big ramifications for that goal.
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea
17:27 , Mike Jones63 mins: Cole Palmer has an issue after coming together with Hudson-Odoi.
The ball rolls out for a Chelsea throw in which is launched up the pitch by Reece James.
Noni Madueke weaves inside with the ball before being clattered by Nicolas Dominguez after he pokes the ball away.
Man Utd 0-0 Aston Villa
17:25 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordYouri Tielemans is back.
It seemed as though his season was over, but Villa's probable player of the year has come on for the last half-hour.
Jacob Ramsey is on, too, with Amadou Onana and John McGinn going off. McGinn's last contribution was just Villa's second shot of the match.
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea
17:25 , Mike Jones61 mins: Elliott Anderson swings a corner, Forest’s fifth, deep into the box.
It comes to Wood who heads the ball back across goal. Tosin takes it off his goalkeeper’s nose and only manages to get the ball outside the box.
Ola Aina takes up possession and blazes his effort high and wide.
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea
17:20 , Mike Jones58 mins: Chance for Chris Wood! Nikola Milenkovic nods the ball into the Chelsea box and Wood volleys a shot over the top of the crossbar.
He was miles offside though so it wouldn’t have stood even if he’d hit the target.
This is better from Forest though.
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea
17:18 , Mike Jones55 mins: Callum Hudson-Odoi is called on to turn this match around for Forest.
The former Chelsea man must now sink his old club to send his new one into the Champions League.
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea
17:16 , Mike Jones53 mins: Chelsea’s goal means they have a more secure grip on a spot in the top five. They’re only the second of the five teams trying to reach the Champions League to score today.
Levi Colwill’s goal could end up sending the Blues back into Europe’s top flight.
GOAL! Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea (Levi Colwill, 50')
17:13 , Mike JonesMassive moment!
Chelsea pile the pressure on Forest at the start of this half and get their reward.
Cole Palmer’s cross is headed away by Murillo but it’s collected by Marc Cucurella who flicks a pass back into the box.
Neco Williams nods the ball to Pedro Neto who squares it to the far post where Levi Colwill taps it home!
Man Utd 0-0 Aston Villa
17:10 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordHuge 45 minutes for Villa's 10 men.
The only scenario, as far as I can work out, where a draw is enough for them is if Newcastle lose at home to Everton.
So Villa need to find a winner.
Meanwhile, United, who don't, are on to their third right wing-back of the afternoon (Amad Diallo).
Second half! Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
17:07 , Mike JonesChelsea get the ball rolling again at the City Ground as the Forest fans serenade their players to try to inspire them to victory.
Who will take the three points today?
HT Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
17:06 , Mike JonesAs things stand, Man City, Newcastle and Chelsea are heading into the Champions League alongside Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham (who qualified through their Europa League win).
If Forest beat Chelsea though they’ll shoot up the table. Something has to give in this half.
Crystal Palace finally daring to let dreams run wild as European expedition awaits
16:59 , Will CastleWembley shook and it was beautiful. Now, Crystal Palace are raring for a European tour.
The details of Tuesday’s Premier League visit of Wolves were insignificant to those home fans inside Selhurst Park. For them, it was party time, a homecoming for their FA Cup heroes. And it's a celebration that will last long into next season, when Palace hit the continent for the first time in their history.
After achieving what many assumed was out of reach, Eagles fans may now be forced to alter their psyche - now with reason to dream big.
Crystal Palace finally daring to let dreams run wild as European expedition awaits
Half-time scores
16:55 , Mike JonesHere’s how things stand halfway through the afternoon in the Premier League:
Bournemouth 0-0 Leicester
Fulham 0-1 Man City
Ipswich 0-1 West Ham
Liverpool 0-1 Crystal Palace
Man Utd 0-0 Aston Villa
Newcastle 0-0 Everton
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
Southampton 0-1 Arsenal
Tottenham 1-0 Brighton
Wolves 0-1 Brentford
Man Utd 0-0 Aston Villa
16:51 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordRed card!
Off goes Emi Martinez, who somehow contrived to complain about the most obvious of red cards.
It could be an undignified end to his Villa career, though.
And maybe an unfortunate end to Marco Asensio's, as he is the player sacrificed to bring on goalkeeper Robin Olsen.
HT Fulham 0-1 Man City
16:49 , Mike JonesManchester City are doing exactly what they need to do at Craven Cottage.
They’re up by one goal to nil and have a secure grip on third place.
Another goal and it’ll be job done for Pep Guardiola and co.
Half-time! Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
16:48 , Mike Jones45+1 mins: The whistle ends a dull half at the City Ground.
Both teams need to win but are playing as though they don’t want to lose.
It’s a bit frustrating. Forest probably edging the first half thanks to Chris Wood’s big chance.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
16:44 , Mike Jones42 mins: Chance!
That’s the first real moment of the game. Forest break out of their own half and work the ball well over to Ola Aina.
He lifts a fine cross into the box where Chris Wood beats Robert Sanchez to the ball.
Wood meets it on the volley but lifts his effort over the crossbar!
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
16:43 , Mike Jones39 mins: Anthony Elanga goes over in the penalty area as Cole Palmer is forced to track back to help ouot the defence.
There’s a loud shout for a penalty, mainly from the fans, but the referee wants none of it and Chelsea threaten to counter.
Neco Williams is well placed though and slides into a tackle on Pedro Neto to dispossess the forward.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
16:38 , Mike Jones33 mins: Chelsea have dominated possession for the last 10 minutes but haven’t done much with it.
Enzo Maresca is waving his arms and gesticulating like a wild man on the sidelines. He wants more from his players.
Man Utd 0-0 Aston Villa
16:34 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordAt some point in the next hour or so of football, Aston Villa need to score at least once (and possibly about 17 goals if it comes down to goal difference).
Not too many signs of a goal from them so far.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
16:32 , Mike Jones30 mins: Half an hour into the afternoon and there’s been no changes to the positions of the Champions League contenders in the table.
Elliott Anderson curls an effort at goal from range but directs the shot just wide of the far post.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
16:28 , Mike Jones26 mins: Chelsea are struggling to get anything going here.
Jadon Sancho plays Cole Palmer into space on the left but Palmer’s pass into the area is easily dealt with by Nikola Milenkovic.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
16:26 , Mike Jones23 mins: Elanga hooks a corner into the box but the referee had already blown his whistle for a bit of argy bargy in the box.
The set piece repeat is lofted in again but Tosin leaps high and nods the ball way from Nikola Milenkovic.
Fulham 0-1 Man City
16:23 , Mike JonesThey had the easiest task of the day and are going about it with professionalism.
Of the five teams vying for the top five, Manchester City are the first to striker with Ilkay Gundogan giving them the lead over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Man Utd 0-0 Aston Villa
16:22 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordAn injury blow for United's post-season tour as Noussair Mazraoui goes off.
This is his 57th game of the season.
United won't play 57 games next season; not unless they have a very long post-season tour.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
16:22 , Mike Jones20 mins: Tottenham have taken the lead against Brighton and Crystal Palace are ahead against Liverpool.
Neither one of those results would impace the top five positions but Brighton are hoping eighth might be enough to get them into Europe.
At the City Ground a cross comes in from left aimed at Chris Wood but the offside flag goes up against the striker.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
16:19 , Mike Jones17 mins: Cole Palmer is harassed by Ibrahim Sangare and is forced deeper and deeper into his own half. Sangare sticks out a leg and pokes the ball out of play for a throw in but the Forest supporters enjoyed his forceful pressing right there.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
16:15 , Mike Jones14 mins: Noni Madueke gets past Neco Williams too easily and is allowed to offload the ball to Enzo Fernandez.
The midfielder sends a cross over to the far side of the area but Sancho, once again, can’t get on the end of it.
Man Utd 0-0 Aston Villa
16:13 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordManchester United have had four shots on target in the first eight minutes.
It is as though they have been liberated by the sense their season is beyond salvation.
They are actually playing well, too.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
16:12 , Mike Jones11 mins: Forest have started well enough and haven’t overcommitted themselves going forward.
Chelsea have some quick forwards and Forest won’t want to leave themselves vulnerable at the back.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
16:09 , Mike Jones9 mins: Enzo Fernandez receives a nice pass from James who spins and bombs forward.
He looks for the cross-field pass to Jadon Sancho but sneds the ball over his head.
Man Utd 0-0 Aston Villa
16:08 , Mike Jones7 mins: Big moment at Old Trafford as Emi Martinez reacts quickly to twice deny Mason Mount.
Manchester United should perhaps have taken the lead but the Aston Villa goalkeeper proves his worth again between the posts.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
16:06 , Mike Jones6 mins: Oh my. Forest’s first real movement sees Morgan Gibbs-White drift in behind Reece James but the Chelsea captain recovers well to poke the ball away from the threatening Forest man.
It comes across to Anthony Elanga but the forward can’t bring the ball under control in time to shoot and Chelsea force him wide.
Forest eventually win a corner that Elanga drills at the first defender.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
16:03 , Mike Jones3 mins: Chelsea are the ones to push forward in these early stages. Cole Palmer wins the Blues a corner which gets knocked short.
Palmer then whips the ball into the middle but it’s headed away by the hosts.
Kick off! Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
16:01 , Mike JonesNottingham Forest have already secured a place in Europe next season but they don’t yet know which competition they will be in.
Chelsea know a win puts them in the Champions League and will do all they can to secure it.
The Forest fans are in full voice ahead of kick off, they’ve had a superb season and are already gearing up for the European tour at the end of the year.
The hosts get the ball rolling at the City Ground, which way will this one go?
Man Utd vs Aston Villa
15:59 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordThe Aston Villa supporters are singing "Europe again, ole, ole".
Meanwhile, for just the second time in 35 years, United have failed to qualify for Europe.
As the Villa fans have now moved on to chanting about Marcus Rashford, it was clearly a pointed reference.
Can Sels keep Chelsea out?
15:50 , Mike JonesForest goalkeeper Matz Sels has failed to keep a clean sheet in his previous seven league matches but has 13 shutouts overall this term.
That is a joint-league high with David Raya, and equals the club record set by Mark Crossley in 1994-95 (in a 42-game season).
A goal drought for Palmer
15:45 , Mike JonesCole Palmer has failed to score from open play in any of his last 21 appearances in all competitions, with his only goal in this run a penalty against Liverpool on 4 May.
Only two of Palmer's 15 goals this season have been scored outside of London – strikes at Wolves in August and Southampton in December.
Quick starters
15:40 , Mike JonesNottingham Forest have scored the opening goal in 25 Premier League fixtures this season, a joint high with Arsenal and Liverpool.
If they do so again today then pressure will massively mount on Chelsea.
Maresca's young guns
15:35 , Mike JonesChelsea’s starting XI in the Premier League this term has an average age of 24 years and 28 days, which is on course to be a new record by any side in a season, eclipsing Leeds in 1999-00 (24 years and 162 days).
Villa set to break club record?
15:30 , Mike JonesIt's 32 wins in all competitions for Aston Villa in the current campaign – their most in a season as a top-flight club.
Victory on Sunday would also set a club record tally of 69 points in a 38-game Premier League season.
However, they have won just once on the last 26 occasions their final league fixture of the season has come away from home, beating Chelsea 3-1 in 2002.
'No Garnacho for Manchester United'
15:25 , Richard Jolly“No Alejandro Garnacho in the Manchester United squad to fuel the suspicion his relationship with Ruben Amorim has broken down, after the winger was omitted from the starting 11 for the Europa League final, a decision which both he and his brother disagreed with.
“Admittedly, Leny Yoro, Andre Onana and Joshua Zirkzee are also out of the squad, but there are fewer reasons to suspect their days are numbered.
“Meanwhile, Villa have the bonus of Youri Tielemans returning to the bench.
“They have an awful record at Old Trafford, but will rarely get a better chance to win here.”
Alejandro Garnacho and Andre Onana left out of Man Utd squad as possible exits loom
15:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleAlejandro Garnacho and Andre Onana have been left out of the Manchester United matchday squad to face Aston Villa in their final fixture of the Premier League season.
The pair have both been linked with moves away from the club in recent weeks with manager Ruben Amorim set for a significant overhaul of his squad in his first summer at Old Trafford.
Onana, replaced in goal by Altay Bayindir with Tom Heaton brought on to the bench, has endured a mixed season, making a number of high-profile errors in the league and European campaigns.
Alejandro Garnacho and Andre Onana left out of Man Utd squad as possible exits loom
Will Man Utd defeat Villa?
15:15 , Mike JonesThis is only the third season in Manchester United's history in which they have failed to win back-to-back league matches, after 1893-94 and 1921-22.
United are winless in their past eight Premier League fixtures (D2, L6), losing the last three. They last suffered four defeats in a row in the same season in February 1979.
However, United have won their final Premier League match of the season 22 times – second only to Arsenal's 23 – and only lost on four of 32 such occasions.
How can Villa earn Champions League football?
15:10 , Mike JonesAston Villa will secure Champions League qualification if they win and either Manchester City lose or Newcastle or Chelsea fail to win. A Villa draw would be enough if Newcastle lose.
Unai Emery's side have earned an unrivalled 24 points since the beginning of March, winning eight of their nine Premier League matches during that period.
Everton to ruin the party
15:05 , Mike JonesEverton could end the season with three successive league victories for the first time since 1989.
Only four sides have amassed more points than Everton's 28 since they won their first Premier League game under David Moyes this season on 19 January.
If they beat Newcastle today it will probably mean the Magpies miss out on the Champions League.
Newcastle's head-to-head with Everton
15:00 , Mike JonesNewcastle are unbeaten in four top-flight home meetings with Everton, winning three and drawing one.
However, the Toffees have kept 18 Premier League clean sheets against the Magpies, only shutting out Liverpool (21) and West Ham (23) more often.
How can Newcastle qualify for the Champions League?
14:55 , Mike JonesNewcastle have won six successive Premier League home games and are vying to win seven in a row for the first time since December 2023.
Victory would guarantee Champions League qualification for next season.
A point would also be enough if Aston Villa fail to beat Manchester United or Chelsea draw with Forest.
Newcastle vs Everton line-ups
14:53 , Mike JonesNewcastle XI:
HOWAY THE LADS! ✊ pic.twitter.com/mNUDlRuH69
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) May 25, 2025
Everton XI:
Your Toffees for our final game of the season! COYB!! 🔵#NEWEVE pic.twitter.com/fEcnz9J32z
— Everton (@Everton) May 25, 2025
Man Utd vs Aston Villa line-ups
14:52 , Mike JonesMan Utd XI:
🔴 Today's starting XI.#MUFC || #MUNAVL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 25, 2025
Aston Villa XI:
Your starting XI from Old Trafford, Villans 👊 #MUNAVL pic.twitter.com/BdarXzfEq5
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 25, 2025
Fulham vs Man City line-ups
14:51 , Mike JonesFulham XI:
Marco Silva's Fulham. 🤍#FULMCI pic.twitter.com/W6mnVtJ6cP
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) May 25, 2025
Man City XI:
Your final City XI of 24/25 🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 25, 2025
XI | Ederson, Nunes, Akanji, Dias (C), Gvardiol, Nico, Gundogan, Bernardo, Marmoush, Doku, Haaland
SUBS | Ortega Moreno, Ake, Rodri, De Bruyne, Savinho, Echeverri, Foden, O'Reilly, Lewis#ManCity | @etihad pic.twitter.com/xpVBMSpHir
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea line-ups
14:46 , Mike JonesNottingham Forest XI: Sels: Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Dominguez, Sangare, Anderson; Gibbs-White; Wood, Elanga
Your final Forest XI of 2024/25. 👊 pic.twitter.com/1mk9xCUh0J
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 25, 2025
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Neto
Your final day team news. C'mon you Blues! ✊🔵#CFC | #NFOCHE pic.twitter.com/zCCDxd5Gtf
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 25, 2025
Why a unique Premier League final day will be more interesting than it might appear
14:37 , Miguel DelaneyIf the 2024-25 season won’t exactly stand out in history, it will finish with one genuinely unique element.
There have never been so many clubs going for Champions League qualification on the final day. It has admittedly become a bit more than “the battle for fifth”, as it has occasionally been derided.
Instead, five clubs are going for three places, with two of them – Nottingham Forest and Chelsea – directly facing off.
The elements are there for an exciting last day, if not quite an epic one.
Why a unique Premier League final day will be more interesting than it might appear
Can Forest beat Chelsea?
14:30 , Mike JonesChelsea have lost their final league match in just two of their last 13 campaigns (eight wins, three draws).
However, they are winless in the last three seasons they have finished away from home (one draw, two defeats).
Back-to-back for Forest
14:24 , Mike JonesNottingham Forest are vying to win consecutive top-flight matches for just the second time since a six-game winning streak ended on 6 January.
Even if they lose today, their total of 65 points more than doubles their figure from 2023-24, when they finished with 32 points after four were deducted for breaching profitability and sustainability rules.
Nottingham Forest ban Gary Neville from final game as Sky Sports forced to change plans
14:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleSky Sports have been forced to change their plans for coverage on the final day of the Premier League after Nottingham Forest took the extraordinary step of banning Gary Neville from the City Ground.
Neville, Sky’s lead co-commentator, had been due to provide commentary on the crucial clash between the hosts and Chelsea with both sides looking to book their place in next season’s Champions League.
Nottingham Forest ban Neville from final game as Sky Sports forced to revamp plans
Premier League top five permutations
14:12 , Mike Jones7th - Nottingham Forest
Points: 65
Goal difference: +13
Final fixture: Chelsea (H)
What they need: To beat Chelsea, no other result will be good enough unless Manchester United beat Aston Villa and Newcastle lose by nine to Everton - the latter of which will surely not happen.
If Forest win, they would still need one other result to go their way, so Newcastle failing to beat Everton, or Aston Villa failing to beat Manchester United.
Premier League top five permutations
14:06 , Mike Jones6th - Aston Villa
Points: 66
Goal difference: +9
Final fixture: Manchester United (A)
What they need: Unai Emery’s side are the in-form team in the division and go to a Manchester United side who will be playing in the Europa League final on Wednesday night. Villa’s are not in their hands, however, with Manchester City going above them after beating Bournemouth in midweek.
Villa will need to win and hope one of Newcastle, Manchester City or Chelsea fail to pick up three points on the final day.
Premier League top five permutations
14:00 , Mike Jones5th - Chelsea
Points: 66
Goal difference: +20
Final fixture: Nottingham Forest (A)
What they need: Chelsea’s fate is also in their hands as they travel to a top-five contender at the City Ground. A win would be enough for Enzo Maresca’s side to finish in the top five while eliminating Forest.
A draw would leave Chelsea open to being knocked out of the top-five by Aston Villa. But a draw would be enough to qualify if Aston Villa fail to win and Newcastle lose.
If Chelsea lose, Nottingham Forest would go ahead of them and Chelsea would need the following: Aston Villa to lose at Manchester United, plus Newcastle lose at home to Everton, and lose by three goals more.
Premier League top five permutations
13:54 , Mike Jones4th - Newcastle United
Points: 66
Goal difference: +22
Final fixture: Everton (H)
What they need: Defeat to Arsenal means there will be some nerves when Newcastle host Everton at St James’ Park - but they know a win will book a return to the Champions League for the second time in three years.
If Newcastle draw or lose, they could be overtaken by Aston Villa and one of Chelsea or Nottingham Forest, but three points will be enough given their goal difference is far superior to Villa’s.
Premier League top five permutations
13:48 , Mike Jones3rd - Manchester City
Points: 68
Goal difference: +26
Final fixture: Fulham (A)
What they need: After picking up a crucial win in their game in hand against Bournemouth, a solitary point on the final day should be enough for City to finish in the top five, due to the fact they possess a far superior goal difference to Villa.
If City lose, their fate will not be in their hands. But they could still qualify on 68 points if Chelsea and Nottingham Forest draw on the final day.
An easy job for City?
13:42 , Mike JonesManchester City have beaten Fulham in each of the last 17 encounters in all competitions.
It's the longest winning run one English league side has had against another in history.
Should City extend that run today they’ll easily finish third and secure their place in Europe’s top flight.
Mohamed Salah named Premier League Player of the Season
13:36 , Will CastleLiverpool talisman Mohamed Salah has been named the Premier League Player of the Season.
The Egyptian brings home the award after a stunning individual campaign, propelling the Reds to title glory by notching 28 goals and 18 assists in 37 Premier League games.
It is the second time Salah, 32, has claimed the accolade, which is decided by combining public votes with those from a panel of football experts, having also won it after his spellbinding debut season at Anfield in 2017/18.
How can Villa reach the Champions League?
13:30 , Mike JonesAston Villa will secure Champions League qualification if they win and either Manchester City lose or Newcastle or Chelsea fail to win.
A Villa draw would be enough to finish in the top five if Newcastle lose to Everton.
United's worst season in half a century
13:24 , Mike JonesManchester United's tally of 20 defeats in all competitions is their most in a season since 1973-74, when they lost 22 times and were relegated from the top flight.
They have conceded the opening goal in 31 games this season, more than any other Premier League side.
Is a famous Old Trafford win on the cards for Villa?
13:19 , Mike JonesManchester United have beaten Aston Villa in 40 Premier League games. It's the second most one-sided fixture in Premier League history, behind United's 42 wins over Everton.
Villa have only won twice in their past 39 competitive matches at Old Trafford, both by 1-0 in the league in 2009 and 2021.
However, eight points from the last seven league meetings is as many as Aston Villa managed in the previous 31.
Cody Gakpo: ‘If I want to keep growing in football, I’ve got to keep my mind open’
13:12 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s a big week for Cody Gakpo and there is a lot on his mind. On Sunday, Liverpool will lift the Premier League title at Anfield, the culmination of a season’s work that will result in a party that’s been 35 years in the making.
It will last all night long, into the next day when hundreds of thousands of supporters, from around the country and across the world, will congregate to light the city red and experience the title parade.
Gakpo has seen the clips from 2019, when Liverpool won the Champions League. “I’m expecting a lot,” he smiles. “These will be memories for a lifetime.”
Chelsea's poor away form
13:06 , Mike JonesChelsea won six of their first eight away league games under Enzo Maresca but have taken just six points from a possible 30 on the road since with just one win from those 10 games.
The only sides to have taken fewer away points in that period are Leicester and Southampton, with five each.
Where will Forest finish?
13:00 , Mike JonesNottingham Forest have won 19 Premier League matches this season, one more than their combined tally in the two previous campaigns. They have never won 20 or more fixtures in a 38-game top-flight season.
They are assured of a top-seven finish, making this their most successful Premier League campaign since ending third in 1994-95.
If they finish sixth they’ll end up in the Europa League, seventh will put them in the Conference League and any higher will send them into the Champions League.
Forest's record versus Chelsea
12:54 , Mike JonesNottingham Forest have not beaten Chelsea at home since a 2-0 victory at the City Ground in January 1997, when Stuart Pearce and Chris Bart-Williams scored.
The Reds' only win in the past 12 meetings in league and cup came at Stamford Bridge in September 2023 courtesy of a goal from Anthony Elanga (three draws, eight defeats).
How Sunderland’s talent for surprise can help them survive in the Premier League
12:48 , Richard JollyThey have been to Accrington more recently than Anfield, Cheltenham more recently than Chelsea. They played Morecambe, not Manchester United, AFC Wimbledon not Arsenal. The fixture list bore an incongruous look with Fleetwood and Burton, Rochdale and Scunthorpe. Sunderland were slumming it, the club marooned in League One for four seasons.
They would happily get stuck in a division again; now that, as the chant went, they are Premier League, the return to the elite sealed in spectacular fashion at Wembley. For manager Regis Le Bris, whose players had told him earlier in the season they wanted to get promoted, “they believed in their dream”.
How Sunderland’s talent for surprise can help them survive in the Premier League
Guardiola on Rodri's return
12:42 , Mike JonesRodri is set to play a part in today’s clash with Fulham having returned from a long-term knee injury as a late substitute against Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Pep Guardiola said: “We’re really pleased he’s back, really pleased for the reaction from our people to him.
“I am pretty sure he is so pleased for that but he’s a long way to be what Rodri was.
“We always have to be careful, otherwise you have muscular problems and this kind of stuff. It is the first kind of step, for his mind, for his knee, but still it is not the Rodri we know.”
Guardiola promises to take care of ‘baby boy’ Foden
12:36 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola has promised to give Phil Foden the rest he needs this summer after a challenging season for the Manchester City midfielder.
Foden spoke this week of the difficulties on and off the field he has experienced during a campaign in which City have failed to match their usual high standards.
City manager Guardiola said: “It’s true, Phil said that and of course he has not been. Not (only) for him, all of us, his family – for us he’s a baby, a baby boy from the academy and becoming a star with us.
“We want to help him, that’s the most important thing. He needs rest and it’s going to happen now, after Sunday.
“Step by step he is going to come back, that is what we want. I just want want to help him. I don’t care about his performance on the pitch. I want him to feel good and after the rest will come in an easy way.”
NottinghamForest vs Chelsea team news
12:30 , Mike JonesThe biggest clash of the day is between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea. The winner of this one will almost-certainly play in the Champions League next season (Villa and Newcastle results depending).
Here’s a look at the early team news:
Nottingham Forest will assess centre-back Murillo who has been unable to train this week.
Callum Hudson-Odoi made his comeback from a hamstring injury as a substitute on Sunday but Taiwo Awoniyi is recuperating following abdominal surgery.
For Chelsea, Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu are both available after recovering from injury.
Nicolas Jackson is still suspended but Jadon Sancho is back in contention.
A Forest victory will give them a top-five spot unless both Newcastle and Aston Villa win.
Manchester City’s bloated squad leaves Pep Guardiola facing tough transfer choices
12:24 , Richard JollyPep Guardiola isn’t quitting. He wasn’t in the worst run of results in his managerial career and he won’t, even if Manchester City fail to get the point on Sunday that would earn them a 15th successive season in the Champions League.
He won’t, despite his rather exaggerated choice of words on Tuesday when he said the size of his squad would make him walk away. Guardiola being Guardiola, he was complaining he had too many players, not too few.
But there will be departures from the Etihad Stadium this summer. Guardiola is preparing for a clearout. He has a squad of 26; too many, he says, when all bar the injured John Stones and the suspended Mateo Kovacic are available for Sunday’s trip to Fulham. He has had to dispense too much bad news recently, to omit too many players from matchday squads.
Manchester City’s bloated squad leaves Pep Guardiola facing tough transfer choices
Can Aston Villa leapfrog Chelsea?
12:18 , Mike JonesAstonv Illa have a tough task on their hands but one they can realistically achieve.
They are reliant on Chelsea and Nottingham Forest playing out a draw at the City Ground whilst also ensuring they defeat Manchester United.
In their favour, United remain without long-term absentee Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt may also miss out. Ruben Amorim’s men are still licking their wounds after the Europa League final defeat and it could be a good time to play them.
Unai Emery has Jacob Ramsey available after suspension but Marcus Rashford is ineligible to face his parent club.
Villa's player of the season Youri Tielemans returned to training on Friday and could be involved after a two-match absence with a calf issue.
Man City in pole position
12:12 , Mike JonesOf the five teams vying to secure Champions League football on today’s Premier League finale, Manchester City sit in the best position.
They are third in the table and need a draw or better against Fulham to secure a place in the top five. That’s due to their superior goal difference over Aston Villa.
Pep Guardiola will hail it as a massive achievement but more pressingly today’s match will give Rodri a better run out before the Club World Cup this summer.
The midfielder has been absent for the majority of the season with an ACL injury but made a substitute appearance in City’s last match. Guardiola has confirmed he will not start at Craven Cottage but expect to see him on the pitch at some point.
As for City’s other injury concerns, John Stones is the only injury absentee although Mateo Kovacic is suspended.
Newcastle early team news
12:06 , Mike JonesNewcastle United take on Everton in the Premier League this afternoon and know that a victory will guarantee them a spot in the Champions League next season.
A draw might even be enough but they will leave themselves vulnerable to be overtaken by two of Chelsea, Aston Villa or Nottingham Forest.
Eddie Howe’s men have a good chance against the Toffees and will hope to utilise their home advantage to cap off a great season.
In terms of team news, top scorer Alexander Isak has not trained this week but Howe says there's still a chance he could be involved.
Kieran Trippier is also a doubt but fellow full-back Matt Targett may return to the squad after a month out.
Unai Emery insists Manchester United still carry aura of 'greatness'
12:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleAston Villa boss Unai Emery insisted today’s opponents Manchester United still had an aura of "greatness" despite their ongoing struggles.
Villa are bidding to seal a Champions League place on the Premier League's final day and visit Old Trafford four days after United's Europa League defeat to Tottenham compounded one of their worst-ever seasons.
Emery's side are level on points with Newcastle and Chelsea and one better off than Nottingham Forest as the race for a top-five finish goes down to the wire.
Despite United's woes, Emery said: "Always, (I expect) the best of them. The best. The greatness of Manchester United is still there. The great coach (Ruben Amorim) they have is still there.
"He did a fantastic job in Sporting Lisbon, fantastic and not for one year, not two years, not three years - consistently. When he arrived here, it was a difficult moment.
"Only one of them in the (Europa League) final could achieve their objective and they (United) lost. But their greatness is still being there. The coach is a great coach and the players are very good players.
"We have played here with Aston Villa for three years and I didn't beat them here (Old Trafford). My respect is a massive respect for Manchester United, their players and for the coach."
Ruben Amorim plans apology to fans for dismal season after Villa clash
11:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleRuben Amorim plans to apologise to Manchester United fans after a dismal season comes to close against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
Four days after their last hope of salvaging anything from the campaign was extinguished in a 1-0 Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, United will show their appreciation to their suffering supporters after the final whistle at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim plans apology to fans for dismal season after Villa clash
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