It ain’t over till it’s over

May 2023

Manchester City may have wrapped up the Premier League title, but the remaining matches in the English top-flight are still of utmost importance as the places for European competitions next year are still to be finalised, as well as the battle for survival from relegation.

By Mark Gleeson

The Premier League title race may be over with Manchester City confirmed as champions on Saturday before even kicking the ball and with three games in hand, but there are still some intriguing matches ahead.

Tomorrow, Pep Guardiola’s men are away at Brighton & Hove Albion in their penultimate game of the campaign.

It could prove an intriguing battle of tactical wits as the much-acclaimed Manchester City manager goes up against his Italian counterpart Robert de Zerbi, who has made a quick and dramatic entrée into English football by taking the small seaside club up to sixth in the standings.

With their win on Sunday over Southampton, Brighton claimed a first ever excursion into European competition next season but if they finish sixth, they go into the more prestigious Europa League. If Aston Villa overhaul them, it will be the Europa Conference League.

Either way, De Zerbi has won many plaudits for his different approach to the game where keeping possession is key.

Provoking the press is the hallmark of De Zerbi's approach. It demands players be comfortable on the ball in their own half because he is happy to draw the opposition there. Back off and Brighton dominate. Become sucked in and Brighton play through. Guardiola has already said he is a fan.

There have been several pundits in recent weeks who have predicted Brighton might even chase for a Champions League berth next season, if they are able to hang on to their players.

Manchester United can make 100% sure of Champions League football with a single point against Chelsea on Thursday. That would seem a doable assignment.

In La Liga, there are still three rounds to play including one in midweek where the focus will be on Villarreal, who might yet catch up to fourth placed Real Sociedad and qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Already-crowned champion Barcelona, second placed Atletico Madrid and Real, who dropped to third after losing to Valencia on Sunday, are already bound to contest the Champions League.

Sociedad should put themselves into the bracket tonight at home to Almeria.

Clarity about the relegation battle will also be further provided as third from bottom Real Valladolid host Barcelona tonight and second from bottom Espanyol take on Atletico Madrid tomorrow. Not the kind of fixtures to offer much hope.

Getafe, who are one place above the relegation zone, have a chance to move further clear but also have a tough one away at Real Betis tomorrow. It could be that there will be no changes in places, and no points gathered, down at the bottom.