Premier League Decision Day: How the title, Champions League race and relegation could be decided today

Tuesday, May 19, could be a hugely significant day in the 2025-26 Premier League season. Only two games take place today, but the results could see champions crowned, Champions League qualification settled and relegation decided before the final weekend of the season.

How Arsenal can win the Premier League title today

Let’s start at the top. League leaders Arsenal aren’t in action but will still be crowned champions if second-placed Manchester City fail to win away at Bournemouth. Pep Guardiola’s team can only overhaul the Gunners by winning their two remaining games and hoping Arsenal lose to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

If City finish the season with back-to-back victories and Mikel Arteta’s side draw at Palace, the title will be settled on overall goal difference. Both teams currently have a +43 goal difference, although City would move ahead by defeating Bournemouth. The second tiebreaker is goals scored, which also favors the Manchester club, 75 to 69.

How Liverpool can clinch Champions League qualification today

A win for City over Bournemouth would both keep the title race alive and ensure Liverpool qualify for next season’s Champions League. The Reds, who host Brentford on the final day, have a four-point lead over the Cherries, who still have two games to play.

The top five Premier League teams qualify for the Champions League, so a defeat for Bournemouth would guarantee Liverpool finish fifth at worst. A draw would almost certainly do it too, as Arne Slot’s team have a six-goal advantage in goal difference.

There is, though, one scenario in which the sixth-placed team could still qualify for the Champions League. For that to happen, Aston Villa would need to finish fifth and win Wednesday’s Europa League final against German club Freiburg.

For that to occur, Liverpool must beat Brentford and Villa lose to City, which is entirely possible. In that case, the sixth-placed team, either Bournemouth or Brighton depending on results, would play in the 2026-27 Champions League.

How Tottenham can finally escape relegation today

Tuesday’s other game sees Chelsea host Tottenham Hotspur. Mathematically, the Blues can still finish as high as sixth, although it’s highly unlikely even if they win their final two games.

The main interest lies with Spurs, who can finally put any relegation fears to bed with a victory at Stamford Bridge, which would relegate West Ham. Burnley and Wolves already know they are going down.

A draw for Tottenham would also be enough, although not officially. That would leave Robert De Zerbi’s team three points clear of West Ham and 13 goals better off in goal difference.

There would have to be a 14-goal swing on the final day. In other words, Spurs would have to lose 7-0 to Everton while West Ham beat Leeds 7-0 for the two teams to swap places.

In short, if Manchester City fail to beat Bournemouth, Arsenal will be champions. If Bournemouth don’t beat City, Liverpool will qualify for the Champions League. And if Tottenham win at Chelsea, West Ham will be relegated.

Premier League games on Tuesday, May 19

• Bournemouth vs Manchester City, 2:30 p.m. ET
• Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur, 3:15 p.m. ET

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