Home of football statistics and historyFootball fans are in for a treat in May, with the upcoming Premier League schedule loaded with standout fixtures in several leagues and competitions in Europe.
The Premier League and La Liga are among the leagues with several massive games on the agenda, while the finals of UEFA’s club competitions are also scheduled to take place.
There is still plenty to play for over the next few weeks, so read on as we identify some of the big matches worth watching.
Chelsea vs Liverpool – Premier League – May 4
Liverpool have already won the Premier League title, but they could still have a big say in who joins them in the Champions League next season.
Chelsea head into May in the fifth and final qualification spot and will be desperate to hang on to it over the final four games of the season.
Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah will bid to scupper their hopes as he continues his quest to break the all-time Fantasy Premier League points record.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid – La Liga – May 11
Barcelona have a four-point lead over Real Madrid with five games to play and are odds-on favourites to wrestle the La Liga title back from their biggest rivals.
However, the battle for top spot could go down to the final game if Madrid can record a much-needed victory in the latest El Clasico on May 11.
That will be easier said than done given that Barcelona have recorded three victories over Madrid in different competitions this season.
Liverpool vs Arsenal – Premier League – May 11
Games between Liverpool and Arsenal are generally entertaining affairs and this one should be no different despite neither side having much to play for.
Liverpool have already wrapped up the title while Arsenal look nailed on to finish second, but they will both be eager to make a statement in this game.
The reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium finished 2-2 and it would be no surprise if their latest meeting is another high-scoring encounter.
Newcastle United vs Chelsea – Premier League – May 11
Newcastle United and Chelsea will embark on their May schedule with their sights firmly set on securing a place in next season’s Champions League.
The Magpies are third in the standings, two points ahead of Chelsea with four games to play. With Aston Villa just three points adrift of the Blues, the race will likely go to the final day.
Newcastle have won eleven and drawn two of their 17 home games this term and could edge what promises to be a tight contest.
Inter Milan vs Lazio – Serie A – May 18
Inter Milan and Lazio have plenty to play for heading into the final month of the Serie A campaign and their clash on May 18 should be a cracker.
The Nerazzurri are still challenging for the league title, while Lazio remain firmly in contention to secure Champions League qualification.
Inter triumphed 6-0 in the reverse fixture in December and Lazio will be eager to set the record straight at the San Siro on May 18.
Europa League Final – May 21
An all-English final is still a possibility in the Europa League, with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur both reaching the last four of UEFA’s secondary club competition.
The Red Devils meet Athletic Club in the semi-final, with Tottenham face surprise package Bodo Glimt. All four clubs will be eager to make further progress.
With the winner of the Europa League gaining automatic entry into next season’s Champions League, the stakes could not be higher for each of the four teams.
Athletic Club vs Barcelona – La Liga – May 25
The La Liga clash between Athletic and Barcelona on May 25 could have the league title and Champions League qualification riding on it.
Barcelona’s clash with Madrid earlier in the month will determine whether the title race reaches the final day and the trip to Bilbao is a potential banana skin if it does.
Athletic are currently fourth in the table and on course to qualify for UEFA’s top club competition. They will hope to have booked their place before they face Barca.
Champions League Final – May 31
Paris Saint-Germain are in pole position to reach the Champions League final after recording a 1-0 victory at Arsenal in the first leg of their last four tie.
The winners of that match-up will face either Barcelona or Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, May 31.
Barca and Inter have both previously lifted the prestigious trophy, but PSG and Arsenal are yet to break their duck in the competition.
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