Who will win title? The big prediction special

With five games to go, Manchester City and Arsenal are only separated on goals scored at the top of the Premier League table.

"It's a new league now," says Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, whose side had been top of the table for 209 days until Wednesday.

Manchester City's 2-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday boosted their hopes - and a 1-0 victory at Burnley on Wednesday sent them top. realschule-moosburg.de

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Who is going to win the title now?

BBC Sport has got pundits, reporters and fans to predict a score for each club's five remaining games - to tell us who will be the champions.

• 'Arsenal have been trying to nick 1-0 wins' - do they need mindset change?
• Advantage Man City? 'Queen bee' Guardiola leads them to summit

What do the reporters say?

BBC Sport's Manchester City reporter Shamoon Hafez: "The handbrake is about to come off.

"With the title on the line, both teams will be free-scoring in the final five games of the Premier League campaign. They won't have flawless records - there will be a draw apiece and results will dictate both teams ending up with the same goal difference of +46. Although Manchester City have a tougher run-in than Arsenal on paper, their knowhow in terms of getting the job done during a tight race will prove crucial.

"We've had the Agueroooo goal, now we're about to see Semenyoooo doing similar. The Gunners will be leading against Crystal Palace on the final day of the season with one hand touching the Premier League trophy on goal difference.

"But City's January signing will score in injury time against Aston Villa to level the metrics and hand Pep Guardiola's side the title by virtue of scoring more goals than Arsenal, sparking wild celebrations at Etihad Stadium.

"It will allow City to complete a second domestic treble and a tearful Guardiola will sail off into the sunset after a decade of unprecedented success.

"Stranger things have happened in football, right?"

BBC Sport's Arsenal reporter Alex Howell: "Even though Arsenal have lost the momentum in the title race and have won just one of their past six games in all competitions, I still see them being champions at the end of the season.

"That's because Manchester City have a tougher run of games and I believe that Pep Guardiola's side will drop points too.

"I can see Mikel Arteta's side winning four of their five remaining league games with Manchester City drawing against Everton and Bournemouth, who are both chasing European football.

"There were positives for the Gunners even as they lost 2-1 to City last Sunday.

"Arteta selected Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard, who showed that they could be key in providing chances and a goal threat in an Arsenal attack that has increasingly looked short of ideas and fluidity in recent weeks.

"The title could be decided by goal difference depending on results and I think that Eze and Odegaard are going to have some big moments in deciding where the trophy ends up."

What does BBC's predictions expert say?

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton predicts the outcome of all 380 Premier League games for BBC Sport - so he seemed an obvious choice to have his say on the title run-in.

"In the reverse fixtures, Arsenal beat all five of the teams they still have to play this season, by an aggregate score of 8-1. I think they will beat all five of them again," he said.

"Of the teams City have to play, they lost away at Aston Villa in October but beat everyone else.

"But I think City's games now are tougher, because they have to play Everton and Bournemouth away. I think they will drop points in one of those games and it is more likely to be at Everton.

"For Arsenal, I am expecting them to beat Newcastle on Saturday. Newcastle have given them a good game in the past but they are struggling at the moment and, with what's at stake, Arsenal should get the job done.

"The tricky game for them is West Ham away. It comes a few days after they play the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, which makes it even trickier, but I still think they will edge it.

"The way I see it when I've worked out the remaining games, Arsenal will win it.

"I know City have just beaten them, which was massive, but I don't think it is straightforward for Pep Guardiola's side from here - and I also don't think Arsenal are as bad as some people are making out."

But he asks if City's forwards could be a key factor.

"Could Erling Haaland be the difference this season?" Sutton continued. "I looked at how many Premier League goals he has scored each season since he joined City in 2021 and his totals were 36, 27, 22 and - so far this season - 24.

"Arsenal's top Premier League scorers over the same period have scored 15, 16, nine and Viktor Gyokeres has got 12 this season.

"I still think Arsenal can win it, I really do. But if you are looking for a difference maker, someone who will kill these games off, then Arsenal had Gyokeres on the bench at the weekend [against City].

"If City do it, that will be why - they have some great attackers, and Rayan Cherki is coming to the fore.

"But I still think Arsenal could just click again, and it will go to the wire.

"City's goal difference is better than theirs at the minute but they have already played Burnley at home, and beat them 5-1 in September.

"Arsenal have to play Burnley at the Emirates. If they need to boost their goal difference at that stage, then that could be their chance."

• Sutton's predictions v Race Across the World podcast host Alfie Watts

Every week Sutton takes on a guest, usually from the entertainment world, in his predictions - as well as taking on AI chatbot Copilot and the BBC readers.

AI is doing better over the season than the expert in terms of total points scored for its predictions. But that is skewed by the points system that gives 40 points for an exact score and 10 points for the correct result.

It has predicted City and Arsenal will both win their five remaining games - with Pep Guardiola's side taking the title on goal difference.

Sutton was talking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan

What about the fans?

BBC fan writers Laura Kirk and Emily Brobyn have both had a go at predicting the champions too.

Arsenal fan Kirk: "My hope for Arsenal's first league title in 22 years rests on David Moyes. I have deluded myself into thinking that the Everton manager, under whom Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta played for six years, will take points off Manchester City as a tribute and a favour to his former captain.

"Beyond that, Arsenal should feel galvanised by the performance at the weekend, with the error from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma perhaps also providing a glimmer of hope that there are flaws within this Manchester City side. Or maybe just one flaw, but that could be all that's needed.

"On paper, Arsenal have a slightly easier run-in but the momentum is very much with Manchester City.

"Faith and fear both demand you believe in something you cannot see. Today I choose faith (for the next few hours at least)."

Find more from Laura Kirk at the Latte Firm podcast

City fan Brobyn: "I really believed at one point that this was a season too soon for this evolving, young Manchester City squad. Nobody is more surprised that City are still in the title race than me - a period of sloppy draws has been followed by powerhouse performances against Arsenal twice, Liverpool and Chelsea.

"But I believe the final games of the title race could still spring surprise results. City have the momentum, but their positive display at the Etihad will give Arsenal belief.

"I think there could be a final day shootout - winner takes all. It could be down to whoever scores the most between now and the end - and whoever is brave enough to feel the fear, but embrace that energy and turn it into their driving force.

"I say City may just edge it on goal difference."

Emily Brobyn is regularly on BBC Radio Manchester - find all their Manchester City audio here

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The Seattle Seahawks were the last pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, such is life when you’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. There was great expectation that they would trade back to gain more capital later on in the draft, but once again they did a stick and pick.

With the 32nd pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select…

Jadarian Price, running back, Notre Dame

Yes, the Seahawks have gone with running back in the first round. Kenneth Walker left to go to the Kansas City Chiefs, Zach Charbonnet is injured, and the only addition in free agency was Green Bay Packers backup Emanuel Wilson. Price himself was a backup running back to Jeremiyah Love, who went to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 overall.

Not a lot of touches for Price (indeed only 295 total over his three seasons), but he’s shown a lot of NFL talent even in his limited reps with the Fighting Irish.

Here’s the rundown of Price from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler:

A part-time player at Notre Dame, Price was the primary backup behind Jeremiyah Love in offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock’s varied run scheme (counter, pin-pull, outside zone). Despite not logging a single start over four years in South Bend, he would have been RB1 for most FBS programs and was consistently productive when given opportunities (6.2 yards per carry in 2025). He also impacted the game on special teams, becoming the first player in Notre Dame history to have multiple kick-return touchdowns of 100 yards or more in the same season.

With square, low pads, Price changes gears quickly to anticipate lanes and cut through them. He can strafe behind the line to out-leverage pursuit and smartly uses his blocking to create running room. He averaged fewer than 10 offensive touches per game in both 2024 (7.8) and 2025 (9.9), so he’ll enter the league with plenty of tread on his tires.

“His pro day was outstanding,” Seahawks GM John Schneider said. “I’m very good friends with his agent. His agent went to him a couple years ago and was like, ‘Hey, you need to improve in the passing game’ or whatever, so he would listen to him. Went and got with the receiver’s group and worked with those guys, the
receivers coach, too. I just think it’s a pretty cool story that these guys get drafted in the first round too, from the same school. It was really the story you watched all fall. I mean, these guys were dynamic, the two of these guys. Different runners. I feel like it’s like talking to you guys about [Jaxon Smith-Njigba], just like with his high school career in Texas. Like 5,000 yards and like 55 touchdowns.“

“The Seahawks love to run the ball,” Price said in his media call on Thursday night. “You see what they did in the Super Bowl and what really got them that far and winning it all. You have to run the ball. And what I can do in the backfield and also protecting the quarterback and catching out of the backfield is phenomenal, but also the stretch game. Outside zone, that’s my bread and butter. Just being able to make one, decisive move and
get vertical.”

Welcome to Seattle, Jadarian! He’s the first RB the Seahawks have taken in the first round since Rashaad Penny in 2018.

The Carolina Panthers walked away from the first night of the 2026 NFL Draft believing they hit a home run with their choice of offensive tackle Monroe Freeling. Just ask general manager Dan Morgan, head coach Dave Canales and even quarterback Bryce Young.

But of course they thought they nailed the pick. They made it.

So perhaps we should get a little outside perspective about their use of this year's 19th overall selection.

Here are some early expert grades on the team's investment in the 6-foot-7, 315-pound hog molly . . .

• Scott Dochterman (The Athletic): B
• Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News): A
• Danny Kelly (The Ringer): B+
• Charles McDonald (Yahoo Sports): B+
• Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (USA Today): B
• Rob Rang (FOX Sports): B
• Mike Renner (CBS Sports): B+
• Mark Schofield (SB Nation): B+
• Brent Sobleski (Bleacher Report): C
• Matt Verderame (Sports Illustrated): B-
• Hayden Winks (Underdog Sports): A+

Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.

This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL draft grades: Experts weigh in on Panthers' Monroe Freeling pick

Aston Villa are interested in signing Manchester City star James Trafford.

Emiliano Martinez is Villa’s first-choice goalkeeper this season, with the Argentine starting 28 Premier League matches.

But the 33-year-old has had an uneasy relationship with the Midlands club since he failed to get his desired transfer last summer.

Martinez hoped to join Manchester United, Chelsea or Atletico Madrid, but a move didn’t materialise.

The World Cup winner could still leave Villa Park this summer, despite his contract not expiring until 2029.

According to The Times, Villa are monitoring Trafford as a potential replacement for Martinez.

The young goalkeeper rejoined City for an initial £27 million from Burnley last summer.

But the Manchester club also brought in Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is currently Pep Guardiola’s first-choice stopper.

Trafford has made 14 appearances across all competitions this season, with only three coming in the Premier League.

He has still impressed as City’s back-up keeper, making a stunning triple save to help his side win the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.

Trafford would be an impressive signing for Villa, as he is young, boasts exceptional shot-stopping ability and has strong distribution skills.

But a transfer fee could be a major stumbling block, as City are likely to demand around £40 million to let their player leave this summer.

Villa also face competition for the 23-year-old’s signature, with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur also keen on him.

Stats from Transfermarkt

Well, I didn’t think it would be possible, but Chelsea’s 6-0 defeat at the Etihad back in 2019 is no longer the worst Chelsea performance in the history of the WAGNH Community Player Ratings. It wasn’t quite beaten, but it was exactly matched by Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat to Brighton.

Three of Liam Rosenior’s last six games in charge are now all on this list, The Hall of Shame if you will. He’s the first head coach to have three entries on the list, which is especially impressive considering the rather abbreviated length of his overall tenure. He had to go, which he’s now done, though the players are still here and they haven’t exactly been covering themselves in glory for quite some time now either. Will that change now? Seems unlikely, but surely it cannot get any worse … can it?

vs. BRIGHTON (PL, A, L 0-3)

EXCEPTIONAL (8.5-9.5): —

EXCELLENT (7.5-8.4): —

GOOD (6.5-7.4): —

AVERAGE (5.5-6.4): —

SUBPAR (4.5-5.4): —

BAD (3.5-4.4): Acheampong (4.3, sub), Hato (3.6), Chalobah (3.5)

TERRIBLE (2.5-3.4): Sánchez (3.4), Essugo (3.3, sub), Cucurella (3.2), Guiu (3.2, sub), Enzo (3.0), Caicedo (2.9), Lavia (2.8), Neto (2.6)

MAN-AGED (1.0-2.4): Garnacho (2.4, sub), Fofana (2.2), Gusto (2.2), Delap (2.0)

OVERALL

THE HALL OF SHAME

The Hall of Shame is now up to 14 entries. I’m going to have to start cutting this down to like a top ten if we keep adding to it at the rate we’re going.

3.02 — Manchester City 6-0 Chelsea (2019.II.10.)

I’m still keeping this first on the list in an executive decision (or on goal difference). For over seven years, it was tough to see Chelsea ever “topping” this performance. Technically, we still haven’t done so, but we did match it by average ratings. City’s finishing was more clinical in this game however, and as result, it remains the team’s worst loss in over three decades. We were down three inside of 20 minutes, down four by half, and gave up two more in the second half for good measure. The nadir of Sarri-ball, or (almost) any ball.

3.02 — Brighton & Hove Albion 3-0 Chelsea (2026.IV.21.)

The players are not fit to wear the shirt, said Liam Rosenior in his final post-match press conference. A coach not fit for the job, a squad not fit for the shirt, an ownership not fit for the club.

3.36 — Brighton & Hove Albion 3-0 Chelsea (2025.II.14.)

Who let the record skip? The team showed no desire, said head coach Enzo Maresca, but our mentality was just one of the many aspects lacking in this one. In fact, we were found lacking in just about every aspect of the game, from attack to defense, from planning to focusing, from strategy to execution.

3.42 — Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea (2024.IV.23.)

“When we conceded the third goal the team gave up.”

-Mauricio Pochettino

3.45 — Everton 3-0 Chelsea (2026.III.22.)

The second of back-to-back 3-0 losses, and back-to-back Hall of Shame entries, and our third three-goal defeat in four games (all losses), conceding twelve goals in that span. Everton’s greatest margin of victory over Chelsea in the Premier League era. The only player showing any fight: 18-year-old Estêvão. Liam Rosenior: aging men and creating ifs. BlueCo masterplan: chef’s kiss.

3.62 — AFC Bournemouth 4-0 Chelsea (2019.I.30.)

This was the away game before the (aforementioned) City away game, and with Chelsea giving up four goals in the second half of this one and four goals in the first half of that one, we managed to lose 90 minutes of (away) football by a combined 8-0 scoreline. Now that is truly impressive!

3.69 — Chelsea 0-3 PSG (2026.III.17.)

Chelsea had lost this Champions League Round of 16 tie in the first leg already, so all we really wanted to see was some reasonable effort, a bit of quality entertainment, and some desire. We conceded twice in the first 15 minutes, and it only got more embarrassing from there. Not one player stood out; everyone was simply bad. Our worst home game*, and worst European match in WAGNH Player Ratings history.

*not counting the 4-2 home defeat against third division Bradford City in the 2014-15 FA Cup, which wasn’t televised

3.69 — Newcastle United 3-0 Chelsea (2018.V.13.)

Antonio Conte’s last Premier League game in charge, which began with Chelsea holding a slim chance of qualifying for the Champions League (Liverpool won so it didn’t matter in the end), but ended up with yet another hilarious collapse. A week later, Chelsea beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final so yeah, good luck figuring out football.

3.83 — Steaua Bucharest 1-0 Chelsea (2013.III.13.)

There were many lows of the (We’re-Just-Not-That-)Interim Blues, and this was certainly one of them. Chelsea came back to smash Steaua 3-1 in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16 and would eventually go on to win the competition. In retrospect, viewed through the lens of recent seasons, it must be acknowledged that this interim era looks pretty okay.

3.95 — Chelsea 2-4 Wolverhampton Wanderers (2024.II.4.)

The second lowest rated game at Stamford Bridge in the history* of our WAGNH Community Player Ratings (*see Bradford City caveat above). That said, we would finish both this season (2023-24) and the following season (2024-25) strongly despite the springtime games that made this list. Can we do the same this season?

3.95 — Sheffield United 3-0 Chelsea (2020.VII.11.)

Outside of the first few minutes, Chelsea were never in this game, which was played in July in an empty stadium thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. What made the result even more shocking was Chelsea’s generally very good play and form during “Project Restart”. Like the current editions, this was a fairly young and inexperienced team, but with Frankie’s Fledglings we at least seemed to be on the right path for (re-)building towards a more positive future.

3.95 — Watford 4-1 Chelsea (2018.II.5.)

Conte lost 3-0 to Bournemouth in the game before this and asked the club for an official vote of confidence, which was then followed by an even worse performance as 10-man Chelsea were destroyed at Vicarage Road. In fairness, Chelsea, after falling behind, actually equalized in the final ten minutes despite playing a man down since the 30th (Tiémoué Bakayoko taking the ultimate prize with a 1.4 individual rating). But Watford took the lead again immediately after Hazard’s equalizer and the Blues folded from there.

Fun fact: Bakayoko’s rating stood for a long time as the lowest individual rating. It was “bettered” by Robert Sánchez’s 1.1 against Manchester United earlier this season (when he got himself sent off in the fith minute).

3.96 — Chelsea 1-3 Southampton (2015.X.3.)

The Mourinho Season was already in full swing by the time Sadio Mané inspired Saints to their first win at the Bridge in 13 years. Fun fact: this was Falcao’s one and only start in the Premier League (he would play just three more times for us that season for a grand total of 35 minutes, and we would lose all three games).

3.99 — Chelsea 0-2 Brentford (2023.IV.26.)

The worst of a most terrible season, the first of the post-Abramovich era. This was the fifth in a run of six successive defeats in all competitions as we wanted nothing more than for the season to end. We set quite a few new marks for futility in this season, and unfortunately, improvement on that has been marginal at best…