By BABATUNDE OGUNRINDE

The penultimate weekend of the English Premier League will feature dramatic showdowns, with the FA Cup final adding more excitement to the football-packed schedule.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that with two rounds left, the race for Champions League spots is fierce.

Friday night kicks off with Aston Villa hosting Tottenham at 7:30 p.m., before Chelsea face Manchester United at 8:15 p.m.

Villa and Chelsea are level on points, but Chelsea edge ahead in fifth. One slip could shift the balance dramatically.

Meanwhile, United and Spurs, 15th and 16th respectively, are Europa League finalists with hopes of Champions League qualification.

Saturday brings the FA Cup final at Wembley. Manchester City meet Crystal Palace at 4:30 p.m.

City are fighting to avoid a season without silverware. Palace seek a historic first major trophy win.

Sunday?s headline clash sees Arsenal, in second, host Newcastle at 4:30 p.m. Only two points separate them.

Victory secures Arsenal a top-five finish. A Newcastle win would leapfrog them into second.

Earlier Sunday, Everton play Southampton at noon. West Ham face Forest at 2:15 p.m. Brentford, Fulham, Leicester, and Ipswich also feature.

Monday night closes the weekend with Brighton facing Liverpool at 8:00 p.m. Brighton then play Bournemouth on Tuesday.

These two matches could prove crucial in the final Champions League shake-up. (NAN)

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