Sports

EPL: Eight Major Battles To Be Decided On Premier League Final Day

Published

3 years ago

May 22, 2022

While the climax to the Premier League title race is the main focus at the end of an enthralling season, there will be plenty of drama today.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are one point clear of second-placed Liverpool’s heading into Sunday’s do-or-die matches.

If City drop points, Liverpool will be crowned champions for an English record-equalling 20th time if they beat Wolves at Anfield.

Tottenham should be certain of returning to the Champions League after a two-season absence if they avoid defeat at relegated Norwich.

Spluttering Arsenal have to beat Everton at the Emirates Stadium and hope their north London rivals lose to steal fourth spot.

Sixth-placed Manchester United must win at Crystal Palace to avoid the ignominy of slipping into the Europa Conference League.

A draw or defeat for United would open the way for West Ham to leapfrog them into the Europa League if they beat Brighton.

At the other end of the table, Burnley and Leeds are locked in a tense fight for survival.

If Burnley drop points, Leeds could stay up depending on their result at Brentford.

The Final Day deciders at a glance

Champions: Title-chasing Man City and Liverpool will start the final day separated by a single point.

Third place: Chelsea still need a point to mathematically secure third place although it would require an unprecedented swing on goal difference for Tottenham to leapfrog Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Champions League qualification: Tottenham effectively just need a point at Norwich to be sure of finishing fourth. Barring another improbable swing on goal difference, Arsenal can only jump ahead if they beat Everton and Tottenham lose at Norwich.

Europa League: Either Arsenal or Tottenham will be joined in the Europa League by Manchester United or West Ham – Man Utd currently head the Hammers by two points but David Moyes’ side have a much better goal difference.

Europa League Conference: Were Manchester United to lose or draw at Palace and West Ham beat Brighton on the final day then Man Utd will play in the Europa League Conference next season.

Relegation: One of Burnley and Leeds will be relegated alongside Norwich and Watford. Although Burnley and Leeds will start the final day level on points, Leeds’ vastly inferior goal difference means they will have to better Burnley’s result to stay up. Burnley are sure of survival if they win or if Leeds lose.

Golden Boot: Mo Salah is currently top of the scoring charts (22) by a single goal from Heung-Min Son. Cristiano Ronaldo is four back from Salah.

Golden Glove: Alisson and Ederson are currently tied on 20 clean sheets apiece this term.

PUNCH.

Sports

FULL LIST: Ballon d’Or Unveils 2025 Women Nominees

Published

18 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

The Ballon d’Or has released the full list of nominees for the highly anticipated 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or, showcasing 30 outstanding female footballers from across the globe.

Leading the nominations are established stars such as Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Pernille Harder, and Lucy Bronze, alongside rising talents including Melchie Dumornay, Temwa Chawinga, and Frida Leonardsen-Maanum.

Also named in the prestigious list are Barbra Banda, Claudia Pina, Sandy Baltimore, Marta, Chloe Kelly, Leah Williamson, and Esther Gonzalez, among others.

The Ballon d’Or recognition celebrates the best women’s footballers for their excellence, impact, and achievements over the past season.

The final winner will be announced at the official awards ceremony later in the year.

FULL LIST
Sandy Baltimore
Barbra Banda
Aitana Bonmati
Lucy Bronze
Klara Bühl
Mariona Caldentey
Sofia Cantore
Steph Catley
Temwa Chawinga
Melchie Dumornay
Emily Fox
Cristiana Girelli
Esther Gonzalez
Caroline Graham Hansen
Hannah Hampton
Pernille Harder
Patri Guijarro
Amanda Gutierres
Lindsey Heaps
Chloe Kelly
Frida Leonardsen-Maanum
Marta
Clara Mateo
Ewa Pajor
Claudia Pina
Alexia Putellas
Alessia Russo
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd
Caroline Weir
Leah Williamson

Sports

Super Falcons Coach Madugu Nominated For 2025 Ballon d’Or Award

Published

18 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

Super Falcons’ tactician, Justine Madugu, has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or Women’s Team Coach of the Year Trophy.

The nomination, announced Thursday, places Madugu among the global elite of women’s football coaching, following his remarkable leadership with the Nigerian women’s national team.

The accolade celebrates coaches who have demonstrated outstanding strategy, motivation, and performance in guiding their teams on the international stage.

The recognition comes as Nigerian football continues to gain momentum on the global stage, with Super Falcons players and coaches increasingly drawing international attention after winning the Women’s African Cup of Nations.

Madugu’s nomination is not only a personal triumph but also a moment of pride for Nigeria, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a powerhouse in African women’s football.

Sports

Ballon d’Or Unveils 2025 Men’s Club, Coach Of The Year Nominees

Published

19 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

The Ballon d’Or, on Thursday, unveiled its list of nominees for the 2025 Men’s Club of the Year and Men’s Team Coach of the Year awards.

Competing for the Men’s Club of the Year honour are football giants FC Barcelona, Botafogo, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain. These clubs have been recognised for their outstanding performance and influence in global football over the past season.

Meanwhile, the five contenders for the Men’s Team Coach of the Year Trophy are Antonio Conte, Luis Enrique, Hansi Flick, Enzo Maresca, and Arne Slot, all celebrated for their tactical brilliance, leadership, and impressive results with their respective teams.

The announcement is part of the build-up to the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards ceremony, which annually celebrates excellence in world football.