Frank Christian
Liverpool has clinched their 20th title in the English league and the relegation spots have been filled.
However, there remains significant competition in the Premier League for the 2024/25 season, particularly for spots in European tournaments.
Arsenal, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Nottingham Forest are all vying for positions in the next UEFA Champions League during the final two weeks of play.
Yet, on Saturday, May 17 — just a week before the season wraps up — no Premier League games are scheduled.
What is the reason for no Premier League matches on Saturday, May 17?
In April of last year, the Premier League and the Football Association established a new partnership regarding the FA Cup.
This historic knockout competition, recognized as the oldest in club football, traditionally concludes at Wembley after the league season ends. However, as part of the new agreement, the FA Cup final is now set to occur on the second-to-last weekend of the Premier League season for six upcoming years.
This arrangement grants the FA exclusive rights to that day, preventing any Premier League matches from occurring. The FA Cup final for the 2024/25 season is set for 4:30 p.m. local time in London on Saturday, May 17, which explains the absence of Premier League games that day.
Why is Manchester City not participating in Premier League fixtures this weekend?
Manchester City has reached the FA Cup final for the third consecutive year and will compete against Crystal Palace at Wembley, providing a clear reason for both teams’ absence from the Premier League this weekend.
City’s match versus Bournemouth and Palace’s game against Wolves have been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 20, starting at 8 p.m. BST (3 p.m. ET).
Similarly, Tottenham and Manchester United have had their matches against Aston Villa and Chelsea moved to Friday, May 16, to allow for additional preparation for the all-Premier League Europa League final set for Wednesday, May 21.
On Sunday, May 18, five Premier League matches from matchweek 37 will occur, including Everton’s final men’s game at Goodison Park. Champions Liverpool are set to face Brighton on Monday.
Full Premier League matchweek 37 schedule
*all times in BST
Friday, May 16
- Aston Villa vs. Tottenham (7:30 p.m.)
- Chelsea vs. Manchester United (8 p.m.)
Sunday, May 18
- Everton vs. Southampton (12 p.m.)
- West Ham vs. Nottingham Forest (2:15 p.m.)
- Brentford vs. Fulham (3 p.m.)
- Leicester City vs. Ipswich (3 p.m.)
- Arsenal vs. Newcastle United (4:30 p.m.)
Monday, May 19
- Brighton vs. Liverpool (8 p.m.)
Tuesday, May 20
- Crystal Palace vs. Wolves (8 p.m.)
- Manchester City vs. Bournemouth (8 p.m.)
