Arsenal need just one win on the Premier League’s final day to end their 22-year title wait. GW38 kicks off simultaneously at 16:00 on May 24 — our full preview covers the title race, relegation battle and betting tips.
The Premier League’s GW38 Final Day on Sunday 24 May promises one of the most dramatic afternoons in the league’s history. Arsenal sit top on 79 points, two ahead of Manchester City, who currently occupy second place with 77 points. For Arsenal, this is the moment 22 years in the making — a first Premier League title since the Invincibles of 2003/04. One win at Crystal Palace and the trophy is heading to the Emirates.
Manchester City will simultaneously face Aston Villa at the Etihad. City must win and hope Arsenal slip — both conditions need to be met. The arithmetic is simple: Arsenal win and the title is theirs regardless of City’s result. A draw at Selhurst Park could still be enough, depending on goal difference. All ten GW38 fixtures kick off simultaneously at 16:00 BST, ensuring nothing is decided until the final whistle blows across every ground.
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal (Selhurst Park, 16:00 BST) — Arsenal are the visitors and the favourites. Manager Mikel Arteta has guided this team to the brink of glory through a season of consistent brilliance. Palace, under their manager, will be motivated by home pride, but they have nothing riding on the result in terms of survival or European spots.
Manchester City vs Aston Villa (Etihad, 16:00 BST) — City must win to have any hope of catching Arsenal. Pep Guardiola’s side will be fully charged, but Villa arrive with their own agenda — they face Freiburg in the Europa League Final on May 20, four days before this match. Villa manager Unai Emery is likely to rotate, which could work in City’s favour. But Emery is intelligent enough not to field an under-cooked side.
Relegation fight — At the bottom, several clubs still face the drop. The final day will settle at least one, possibly two relegation spots. Matches involving the bottom cluster will carry enormous stakes, and Nigerian bettors should watch out for shock results as survival anxiety drives under-pressure performances.
Arsenal have been the standout team of 2025/26. Their defensive organisation, pressing intensity, and clinical attacking play have been the best in England. They arrive at Selhurst Park with a +42 goal difference, their best in the Arteta era, and a squad almost fully fit.
Bukayo Saka has been in breathtaking form over the final run-in, while Martin Ødegaard has grown into the role of title-winning captain. Up front, the combination of centre-forward movement and wide deliveries has tested every Premier League backline. If Arsenal are on their game, Crystal Palace will have their hands full.
City, meanwhile, have been relentless in their pursuit. Their +43 goal difference is marginally better than Arsenal’s, which means that if the two sides finish level on points, City could still take the title on goal difference. The pressure on Arsenal to not just win but to win convincingly is very real.
Arsenal to win vs Crystal Palace — The Gunners are favourites at approximately 1.55. In a final-day title match, Arsenal’s motivation is enormous. Palace have been inconsistent at home in recent weeks. Arsenal to win is a strong selection.
Over 2.5 goals: Man City vs Aston Villa — With City needing to score and Villa rotating after their European exertions, expect an open game. Over 2.5 goals at around 1.75 is solid value. City have been averaging 2.4 goals per home match in 2026.
Arsenal to win and Man City to win — If you want the double for maximum drama, back both winners at approximately 2.50. This sets up the scenario where Arsenal hold their nerve while City win but fall just short on points.
Correct score: Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace — Arsenal have kept clean sheets in five of their last eight away matches. At around 6.00, the 2-0 correct score carries appeal for a disciplined Arteta side.
Nigerian fan tip: Arsenal have been the favourite club for Nigerian supporters throughout this campaign. A first title in 22 years would complete one of the most talked-about seasons in recent memory. See our SportyBet Nigeria Review 2026 for the best odds on final day markets.
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Bukayo Saka has been the Premier League’s most electric wide player this season. The England international has combined pace, directness, and composure in front of goal to produce numbers that rival anything in European football. If Arsenal are going to win the title today, expect Saka to be at the heart of it.
At the other end, Erling Haaland carries City’s hopes. The Norwegian has scored 28 goals in the league this season and will need a hat-trick and an Arsenal slip to make this final day truly unforgettable. The battle between Arsenal’s backline and Haaland at the Etihad — played out in every fan’s mind simultaneously with events at Selhurst — is the storyline that makes English football unique.
Arsenal win at Crystal Palace. The 22-year wait ends. Manchester City do their job against Aston Villa but it is not enough. The gap on points separating the top two proved to be decisive across the season’s final stretch.
For the title race narrative, this has been a Premier League season for the ages. Check our GW37 review for context on how Arsenal reached the brink heading into the final day.
