5 games to watch: Premier League title will be decided
By Adam Stocker
Here are five of the best matches from Europe this weekend, headlined by the conclusion of the Premier League title race.
On Sunday, the Premier League title race will be decided. However, it will not be the only title race that can be decided this weekend. Bayern Munich can claim the Bundesliga title with a victory over RB Leipzig. In the Netherlands, Ajax and PSV enter the penultimate weekend of the season with 80 points apiece. PSV have a difficult game against AZ Alkmaar.
In Serie A and La Liga, where the title races have already been decided, the race for fourth place and the final Champions League spot is incredibly close. In Italy, three teams are within five points of fourth place Atalanta with three games to play. While in La Liga, Getafe hold a three-point lead over Sevilla and Valencia with two games remaining.
5. AZ Alkmaar vs. PSV Eindhoven — Sunday, May 12, 8:30 a.m. ET (ESPN+)
The two most successful clubs in the Netherlands are Ajax and PSV. One of those clubs will add to their title count at the end of the season. Entering the penultimate game of the season, Ajax and PSV are tied with 80 points. On Sunday, bot clubs are in action. PSV play AZ Alkmaar at AFAS Stadion. Alkmaar are fourth in the table with 55 points. Alkmaar have played both Ajax and PSV tough this season, even taking a point from Ajax earlier this season. If Alkmaar are able to steal a point from PSV, it could be the difference in the title race.
Ajax host fifth-place Utrecht only days after their devastating Champions League collapse against Tottenham. Despite being fifth in the table, Utrecht are 30 points behind Ajax. Utrecht will look to become the first Dutch club this season to win inside the Johan Cruijff Arena. However, if Utrecht are able to steal a point, it could be enough to ruin their title hopes.
4. Barcelona vs. Getafe — Sunday, May 12, 12:30 p.m. ET (BeIN Sports)
Honorable mention: Atletico Madrid vs. Sevilla — Sunday, May 12, 12:30 p.m. ET (BeIN Sports)
Honorable mention: Valencia vs. Alaves — Sunday, May 12, 12:30 p.m. ET (BeIN Sports)
Barcelona wrapped up the title weeks ago. While the title has been decided, the race for fourth and the final Champions League spot is extremely tight. Getafe are currently fourth but have to play Barcelona on Sunday. Barcelona suffered a humiliating defeat at Anfield on Tuesday, losing 4-0 to be eliminated from the Champions League.
With Getafe playing Barcelona, both Sevilla and Valencia could level Getafe on points. Sevilla have a tough game against Atletico Madrid. While Valencia host Alaves. With only two games remaining in the season, the race for the final Champions League spot will be decided on the final weekend of the season.
3. Roma vs. Juventus — Sunday, May 12, 2:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
The Serie A title race has been over for a couple of weeks after Juventus wrapped up their eighth straight title. On Sunday, Roma host Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico. Roma are in a four-horse race for fourth, with three games remaining. Atalanta enter the weekend with a three-point lead over Roma and AC Milan and a five-point lead over Torino. Atalanta are on fire and are unbeaten in their last 10 games.
This weekend, Atalanta are looking to extend their unbeaten run to 11 against Genoa, who are just above the relegation zone. With Atalanta playing such weak competition, Roma cannot afford to lose to Juventus. A loss on Sunday to Juventus will likely doom Roma to the Europa League. however, Roma could fall out of Europe altogether if they struggle down the final three games and Torino and Lazio finish the season strong.
2. RB Leipzig vs. Bayern Munich – Saturday, May 11, 9:30 a.m. ET (FOX)
The Bundesliga title race can be decided on Saturday as third place RB Leipzig host table-topping Bayern Munich. After watching Borussia Dortmund draw with Werder Bremen last weekend, Bayern can win their seventh straight title with a victory on Saturday. Bayern can also win the title if Dortmund lose to Fortuna Dusseldorf. If both Dortmund and Bayern draw, Bayern will win the title.
However, winning on Saturday will be no easy task for Bayern. Leipzig have been one of the hottest teams in Europe, going unbeaten in their last 14 games and have something to prove against Bayern. The Red Bulls have ridden the strong play of Timo Werner and Yussuf Poulsen, who have combined for 31 goals this season.
Not to be outdone, Bayern have lost only once since the start of December, allowing them to overcome a nine-point deficit. Polish striker Robert Lewandowski is poised to win the Bundesliga scoring title again this season, scoring 22 goals. Lewandowski will lead the Bayern with young wingers Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry.
1. Liverpool vs. Wolves — Sunday, May 12, 10 a.m. ET (NBC)
Honorable mention: Brighton vs. Manchester City — Sunday, May 12, 10 a.m. ET (NBCSN)
The Premier League season wraps up on Sunday will all 10 games kicking off at 10 a.m. ET. With the race for the top four and the relegation battle already determined, only two games on the schedule matter and those two games will determine the title.
Manchester City enter the final weekend one point ahead of Liverpool. If the Citizens go to Brighton and win, they will be crowned champions again. However, if City drop points, it will open the door for Liverpool to win the title. The Reds host Wolves at Anfield. Liverpool have to win and get some help from Brighton if they are going to win the title. Either way, it will make for an entertaining final weekend. At the end of Saturday, one team will be celebrating while the other will be left disappointed.