With the English Premier League title race and relegation battle all but sewn up, the focus now shifts to the tussle for European qualification and the storylines still playing out across the league.
With must-win clashes in the race for Europe, Salah’s new contract and the debut of new offside tech, there’s still plenty to get stuck into this weekend.
Here are five things to look forward to in Matchweek 32.
Can Crystal Palace’s Trouble City Again?
Crystal Palace have caused problems for Manchester City at the Etihad in recent years, losing just two of their last six visits in all competitions. The Eagles head into Saturday’s early kick-off unbeaten in their last 10 away league games and brimming with confidence after a red-hot run under Oliver Glasner.
Following the 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park back in December, Glasner was candid about the tactical edge that helped his side go toe-to-toe with the champions:
“We knew we can play a higher intensity [than Manchester City], all the data showed this,” he said. “When you play with one number six, 4-1-4-1, like City is playing, there is a lot of space on the left and right of the No 6.”
Palace exploited those Rodri gaps with quick transitions and high pressing – and they may look to do the same again on Saturday. Jean-Philippe Mateta has nine goals in 2025 alone, and with just three goals conceded in their last five, this confident Palace side may fancy an upset.
That said, this will be Kevin De Bruyne’s first game at the Etihad since announcing he will leave City in the summer. Fittingly, his first-ever EPL appearance for the club came against Palace back in 2015. A romantic moment, perhaps?
Manchester City host Crystal Palace on Saturday at 12:30pm. Place your bets now with Bet9ja
Will Salah Celebrate His New Contract Against West Ham?
Liverpool announced this week that Mohamed Salah has signed a new two-year contract, keeping him at Anfield until 2027. After months of speculation and Saudi rumours, the Egyptian King made his commitment clear:
“I have played eight years here, hopefully it’s going to be 10. I’m enjoying my life here, enjoying my football. I have had the best years of my career here.”
Mo Salah is STAYING at Anfield! ???? pic.twitter.com/ipyDoXrsdH
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It’s fitting, then, that he returns to Anfield on Sunday looking to celebrate the deal with a big performance. Salah has 32 goals this season, including 27 in the league, but Liverpool faltered last weekend, losing their 26-game unbeaten league run to Fulham.
With West Ham in town, the Reds have a golden opportunity to start a more relaxed run-in with a statement win and edge closer to a 20th league title.
Liverpool take on West Ham on Sunday at 2:00pm. Back your winner with Bet9ja here.
Semi-Automated Offside Technology Makes Its EPL Debut
It’s a landmark weekend for officiating, as the EPL officially rolls out semi-automated offside technology. Already tested in the FA Cup, this innovation aims to improve the speed and consistency of offside decisions.
Using optical player tracking and virtual graphics, the system will automate placement of the virtual offside line, supporting VAR with quicker and more accurate calls. Fans can also expect better in-stadium visuals and faster resolutions to tight calls.
This could be a major step forward for the matchday experience, but they said the same about VAR…
Bournemouth vs Fulham: European hopes on the line at the Vitality
Don’t be fooled by the Monday kick-off – Bournemouth vs Fulham might just be the most important fixture of the entire matchweek.
Fulham’s thrilling 3-2 comeback win against Liverpool last weekend kept their European hopes burning bright. Now they head to the south coast sitting eighth in the table, just five points off fifth place, and with real belief that they can sneak into a European competition for the first time since 2011.
For Bournemouth, however, the situation is more desperate. The Cherries were fifth in February but have since slipped to tenth, winless in six and badly in need of a spark. A home victory over a direct rival is not just desirable, it feels essential if they’re to keep their European dream alive.
Their recent home form is a concern though, with defeats to Ipswich, Brentford and Wolves, and another slip-up here could all but end their challenge.
A win for Fulham would be a statement. A Bournemouth win could restart their season. There’s plenty on the line.
Bournemouth host Fulham at 8pm on Monday night – bet on the game here!
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Can Brighton Bounce Back Against Struggling Leicester?
After three consecutive defeats and an FA Cup exit, Brighton badly need a result to get their European hopes back on track. Fortunately, they welcome a Leicester side in freefall.
The Foxes have lost eight league games in a row without scoring – the first team in English football history to do so at home. Brighton, despite missing key players, will be licking their lips at the chance to turn things around.
A win here could inject life back into their season, and potentially restart their push for a top-seven finish.
Brighton welcome Leicester to the Amex on Saturday at 3:00pm. Find the latest odds now on Bet9ja
