Premier League final day preview: Chelsea, Liverpool and Leicester in top-four fight

One of the most entertaining days of the footballing calendar is upon as the Premier League season draws to a close on Sunday, with European places still yet to be decided.

Expect a few twists and turns over the final 90 minutes of what has been a topsy-turvy season. We take a look at the key games below.

Leicester aiming to keep top-four hopes alive

Leicester banked their first FA Cup last Saturday with a thrilling win over Chelsea. Yet their joy was short-lived as Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat by Thomas Tuchel’s team saw the Foxes drop to fourth in the league table. Liverpool’s win at Burnley 24 hours later meant Leicester dropped out of the top four completely and Brendan Rogers’ side are now 9/4 to qualify for the Champions League.

To do that they’ll likely need to beat Spurs and pray Liverpool or Chelsea drop points. While stranger things have happened – such as Alisson’s sensational headed winner for Liverpool at West Brom last weekend ­– the Foxes look destined to just miss out again.

Rogers will tell his team to at least complete their part of the bargain but that will be easier said than done after two emotionally and physically draining matches against Chelsea. Spurs have plenty to play for – they are currently seventh and in the final European place. They’ll also be after a win to help ensure they finish the season above north London rivals Arsenal.

Taking all that into consideration there is every reason to believe Spurs – who have won five of the last seven meetings – could edge this at 12/5. Leicester are 21/20 to win but that looks like a risky bet, especially if things aren’t going their way in the two other games involving Chelsea and Liverpool. The draw, which could end up suiting neither team, is 11/4. Would you like to work out your potential winnings? Try our online betting calculator.

Champions League spot on the line for Chelsea

Chelsea, meanwhile, face a tricky trip to Villa Park to face Aston Villa as they look to book their Champions League place for next season.

On the face of it, Tuchel’s team appear to have done the hard work by beating Leicester and jumping above them in the table. However, there is still only one point separating the three teams so Chelsea need a win to be sure of a happy ending. It’s hard to see them slipping up now and Tuchel has a fully fit squad to pick from. The Blues are 1/8 to seal a top-four spot.

Aston Villa have enjoyed a fine season that promised more at times. Their home form has been mixed with six wins and eight defeats, but this is an outfit who are dangerous, especially with talismanic playmaker Jack Grealish fit and well again as he proved in the 2-1 win at Spurs.

Chelsea will need to be careful, but they should edge what could be a surprisingly open affair. Hakim Ziyech, who had been rested midweek, may return to the starting line-up and with his eye for goal recently, you can find him at a tasty 2/1 to score anytime.

Villa are 11/2 to help their Midland rivals Leicester and pull off a shock, while Chelsea are 1/2 to win, with the draw at 17/5.

Liverpool looking to keep hold of top-four finish

Rewind to the 94th minute at the Hawthorns last week and Liverpool’s Champions League qualifying dream was all but over. But then their goalkeeper Alisson had them in wonderland with his late headed winner. And that incredible momentum was carried into Turf Moor in midweek where they notched up an impressive 3-0 win against Burnley.

Fast forward to Sunday and Liverpool are now 1/6 to finish the job in front of their returning fans at Anfield with a win against lowly Crystal Palace. They are also the 1/10 favourites for a top-four spot ahead of Chelsea and Leicester.

In a season which has thrown up some remarkable results and shocks there seems more chance of Palace boss Roy Hodgson changing his mind on quitting than a win for his Eagles here. Hodgson deserves all the plaudits going for keeping a lacklustre Palace team clear of relegation, but this could be a humbling farewell if Liverpool turn up in the same mood as they did at Selhurst Park earlier this season when they won 7-0.

Could we get a repeat? It’s a 70/1 chance if you fancy it. Palace are 16/1 to win – with the draw 13/2, but with The Kop back and in full voice, surely the Reds have got this in the bag.

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