The historical dream of the Nottingham Forest Champions League is still alive because they are preparing for a dramatic confrontation against Chelsea, while Liverpool will finally get their hands on the Premier League trophy. While the English high -flight season ends on Sunday, Forest and Chelsea are among the five clubs that run the first three top five, with Manchester City, Newcastle and Aston Villa. The villa of Unai Emery goes to face Manchester United, whose misery was aggravated by their final defeat of the Europa League against Tottenham in the middle of the week. AFP Sport chooses the main discussion points before this weekend’s action.
The forest dares to dream
Nottingham Forest has had a remarkable rebirth, but they will always end the season with regrets if they fail to reach the Champions League.
The twice European champions played for the last time in the continent’s club competition in 1980/81.
They have resided in the top five for most of the season, but have lost momentum in recent weeks and must now beat the rivals of Chelsea and Hope Villa or Newcastle Drop points.
Even if they may not qualify for the Champions League, the forest has at least the comfort of knowing that they have obtained European football next season.
They finished just outside the relegation spots last season, but evolved under Nuno Espirito Santo, becoming the first team in the history of the Premier League to double their total points from one season to another.
Forestier Nuno said his team savor the challenge against Chelsea despite the intense pressure.
“One thing we appreciate is to prepare a big match, so why not take advantage of it? Everyone appreciates it here,” he said.
Liverpool’s moment of glory
Liverpool players will finally have the chance to lift the Premier League trophy in front of their own fans after their match against Crystal Palace, winner of the FA Cup on Sunday.
The champions won their first English League title for 30 years in 2020, but were forced to celebrate in camera due to coastal restrictions.
If the reaction to Anfield has his triumph of trophy last month – sealed with a 5-1 victory against Tottenham – is something to pass, Sunday’s party will be to remember.
A stranger is how supporters will say goodbye to local defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who seems to be a move to Real Madrid after announcing his departure earlier this month.
The English international was hua during the 2-2 draw at home last week against Arsenal and did not play in 3-2 defeat in Brighton.
The boss of the Reds, Arne Slot, says that he has not yet decided what role Alexander-Arnold will have but said that he “deserved” to be part of the celebrations.
“It should one day be that everyone will appreciate it,” said Slot. “It’s been 35 years old, everyone is waiting for this moment and I think we have given an example against Tottenham.”
Manchester United Gloom
It is difficult to predict what Old Trafford atmosphere will look like when Manchester United will welcome the first five contenders Aston Villa.
United, which lost 1-0 against Tottenham in the Europa League final on Wednesday, have been intended for their lowest league since they were relegated in 1974.
Ruben Amorim’s men were desperately poor this season, winning only six championship games since the Portuguese took over from the Erik Ten Hag in November.
Villa has only won Old Trafford twice in the era of the Premier League, but will go with a spring in their stage, knowing that a victory would give them a chance to qualify for the Champions League for next season, according to the results elsewhere.
They have little to fear against a united team that is disjointed, stewed and missing motivation, with nothing to play.
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