Premier League Final Day Drama: Who Has Something to Play for on the Final Day of Action?
By David Parkes
Europa League battle: Manchester United (58), West Ham United (56)
While this pairing will capture less attention, the other Europa League place is yet to be secured.
As a result of Liverpool topping Chelsea in both the FA Cup and EFL Cup finals, the Europa League and Europa Conference League spots attached to those cup wins have been transferred to the sixth and seventh place Premier League teams, respectively.
Ralf Rangnick’s United hold a slender lead over the Hammers, with a win from the Red Devils being required to assure Europa League football next September.
David Moyes’ West Ham will pip United for sixth with a win at Brighton plus Crystal Palace taking points in their final home game of the season. The Hammers have the advantage on goal difference with a +11 in comparison to United’s +1.
The team that finishes seventh will start their European journey next August in the Europa Conference League playoff round. Neither Brighton nor Palace are in danger of relegation nor will they qualify for European football competitions.
Only placement is on the line here, with either side being able to finish as low as 14th. The former can end up eighth while the latter’s highest possible finish could be 10th.