The Premier League returns after the international break on Tuesday evening, with a full fixture list taking place from April 1-3. Matchday 30 means we’re into the final stretch of the 2024/25 campaign, with only eight games remaining, so this is last chance saloon for many teams who are still attempting to achieve their goals before the final whistle of the season is blown.
Tuesday, April 1
Arsenal vs Fulham
The action on Tuesday evening kicks off at the Emirates with a London derby. Arsenal vs Fulham is a clash between two teams who are right in the mix in terms of their own targets. The title looks beyond the Gunners, but second place isn’t secure, so they’re out to ensure they finish runners-up to Liverpool at the very least, knowing Nottingham Forest are applying pressure. Fulham are in the hunt for a finish which will see them qualify for Europe, and while they’re in 8th, they’re only 4 points adrift of Chelsea in 4th. A win here is vital for both teams.
Wolves vs West Ham
If you asked both sets of supporters ahead of Wolves vs West Ham if their respective teams still had something to play for this season, they’d certainly argue it’s the case that they do. And you should always go out and try and win, regardless. However, Wolves in 17th on 26 points, 9 points clear of Ipswich Town in 18th, and West Ham in 16th on 34 points, look safe, especially the Hammers. Both teams have been inconsistent of late form-wise, and while Wolves could probably do with another win just to make sure, it feels like this is a match between two teams who will now be preparing for next season.
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United is the pick of the action on Tuesday evening for several reasons. Forest, who many expected to fall away at some point, are pushing Arsenal all the way in the table and have their sights set on 2nd. They’re currently 3rd and have won their last two games, one of those victories being over reigning Premier League champions Manchester City. Manchester United, on the other hand, have endured a difficult season. However, while they’re still down in 13th, performances and results have been improving steadily under manager Ruben Amorim of late, with the belief being that the players are getting to grips with the Portuguese’s system.
Wednesday, April 2
Manchester City vs Leicester City
It’s not been the season that Manchester City expected for one reason or another. Pep Guardiola’s side have fallen well below the high levels they’ve consistently set for themselves, and now they’re in a battle to qualify for the Champions League next season. While City’s form has been inconsistent, they’ll be looking forward to Manchester City vs Leicester City because the Foxes have been consistent, losing game after game. Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s team are all but relegated, and an out-of-sorts City will be licking their lips at the prospect of taking maximum points at the Etihad.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
Not many will have predicted that Newcastle United vs Brentford would be a match where the Bees are taking on the 2024/25 Carabao Cup winners, but they are. The Magpies, fresh off their victory at Wembley over Liverpool, will be in buoyant mood at St. James’ Park, but they will need to stay focused as they’re still looking to make the cut for the Champions League. Brentford, who are currently one of the top away sides in the division, are out to stop them, as Thomas Frank’s side make a late push to qualify for Europe themselves.
Southampton vs Crystal Palace
It’s been a dismal season for Southampton, who are on course to officially be named the worst team in Premier League history. Any fixture right now involving the Saints feels like it’s only going to go one way, but Southampton vs Crystal Palace perhaps more so, as Oliver Glasner’s men have won their last three in the league and have won four from five. It’s a matter of when, not if, Southampton will be relegated, and even their own fans are asking to be put out of their misery. They’re playing for pride at this point, and even that’s not working. Palace could sneak Europe if they keep up their winning form.
Liverpool vs Everton
Liverpool vs Everton, the Merseyside derby, is undoubtedly the game to watch on Wednesday evening, even if you’re not a fan of either club. Liverpool, surprisingly in the eyes of many, come into the match having been dumped out of the Champions League by PSG and after losing to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final in their last two games. They retain a healthy lead at the top of the table, but their title challenge fell away last season after their game against Everton. The Toffees, now safe under David Moyes, will be out to spoil the party. They’ll know their neighbours could be vulnerable, and they’d love nothing more than to pile on the misery. Alternatively, the Reds could exact revenge.
Bournemouth vs Ipswich Town
It wasn’t so long ago that Bournemouth were being talked up as one of the most impressive teams in the top flight, with European qualification a reality for the Cherries. However, fast forward to now, and their form has slid off a cliff. They’ve lost three from four and are down in 10th. Potentially, luckily for them, their next fixture reads Bournemouth vs Ipswich Town, with the latter on a four-game losing streak. A win for Andoni Iraola’s side will see them back in the mix for Europe. Kieran McKenna’s team need to win to keep their survival hopes alive.
Brighton vs Aston Villa
Brighton vs Aston Villa will be one of Matchday 30’s most intriguing fixtures. It’s 7th vs 9th, and there are currently only 2 points separating the two teams. Brighton and Villa come into the game with the same overall target: to qualify for Europe. And they’re both on course to make it happen. However, in these types of games, while a win will help the cause, it will also put a dent in the other team’s aspirations, which could prove pivotal come the end of the season. Brighton are in form right now and will fancy their chances. Villa continue to be inconsistent, and this has been their downfall this term.
Thursday, April 3
Chelsea vs Spurs
Matchday 30 is wrapped up at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea vs Spurs taking place on Thursday evening. It’s West vs North in this London derby, and it’s fair to say both teams are out of sorts and struggling with inconsistency. Chelsea are in danger of letting Champions League football slip through their fingers, while Spurs have endured a torrid season and are well off the pace in 14th. Both sets of supporters will be desperate to see their team not only win this one but to then kick on for the remainder of the season. Otherwise, disappointment will be felt all round.
