It’s the penultimate Playmaker Power Rankings of the season as we near the end of another thrilling campaign.

We’ve got our English champions in Manchester City now and there’s no surprise where they end up on this week’s list. But there’s plenty more to delve into with another breathtaking round of semi-final play-offs complete.

Alright then, here we go...

10th, Brighton & Hove Albion

Last 5: WLWLW

What a job Roberto De Zerbi has done at Brighton. The departure of Graham Potter (which seems like a long time ago now) had people worried whether the Seagulls would flounder but instead, they’ve only improved under the Italian manager.

Young Evan Ferguson’s brace in a 3-1 win over Southampton helped Brighton secure European football for the first time in the club’s history.

Despite that, De Zerbi wasn’t happy with the manager keen not to rest on his laurels and secure Europa League football instead of the Conference League.

FORZA. ✊🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/URidlUOOVa

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 23, 2023

9th, Manchester United

Last 5: WLLWW

The Red Devils haven’t been at their best on the road this season but they managed to grind out a victory at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday that puts them one step closer to Champions League football next season.

Casemiro’s acrobatic early effort was enough for the visitors who can seal their top-four status with a win over Chelsea on Thursday.

The signs look good for Erik ten Hag’s men who have lost just one at Old Trafford and have the best defensive record at home (just eight goals conceded in 17 games).

8th, Sunderland

Last 5: WDWWL

A place on the Power Rankings isn’t much of a consolation for Sunderland but alas, here it is. The Black Cats were second best to Luton Town (who ironically don’t make the rankings this week) at Kenilworth Road going from a 2- 1 lead in the first leg to a 3-2 aggregate defeat.

Still, Tony Mowbray has done a fine job with a team who were in League One just a season ago. Sunderland fans should feel positive for next season.

7th, Stockport County

Last 5: WWDLW

The Hatters came from 1-0 down in the first leg to win a penalty shoot-out over local rivals Salford City that sees them in the League Two play-off final at Wembley.

Isaac Olaofe’s header in the second half took the game to extra-time where the visitors managed to go ahead through Stevie Mallan’s (fortunate) goal. However, in the 115th minute, Jack Stretton levelled the score to send the game into penalties where Ben Hinchcliffe was the hero for Stockport.

Only Carlisle United stand in Stockport’s path to League One and back-to-back promotions.

6th, Coventry City

Last 5: WWDDW

It was a tough tie between Middlesbrough and Coventry City over two legs but the Sky Blues’ defensive prowess is probably what made the difference. Coventry defended heroically and were able to strike when it mattered thanks to Gustavo Hamer’s goal.

They’ll face Luton Town this Saturday with a place in the Premier League up for grabs in what is one of the feel-good stories of the last few seasons.

It all comes down to this 🩵

After 22 years, a date with destiny stands between @Coventry_City and a top flight return 📈

It's time to step up 🆙 #SkyBetPlayoffs #PUSB pic.twitter.com/gjsESioVuS

— Sky Bet (@SkyBet) May 22, 2023

5th, Sheffield Wednesday

Last 5: WWWLW

We all wrote Wednesday off and they absolutely proved us wrong. 4-0 down in the first leg? Not a problem, apparently.

The Owls roared (hooted?) into the play-off final with a 4-0 win in regular time at Hillsborough to take the tie into extra-time. To add an extra dramatic twist, a Lee Gregory own goal put Peterborough United back ahead 5-4 on aggregate. 

However, Callum Paterson was able to draw Darren Moore’s team level again to set up a further dramatic shoot-out win. Phew. Hopefully, Sheffield Wednesday aren’t too mentally exhausted after all that for their play-off final against Barnsley.

=3rd, West Ham United

Last 5: WWLWW

European finalists West Ham United put former manager Sam Allardyce’s Leeds United closer to the drop after coming from behind to win 3-1. That result also moves the Hammers up to 14th in the Premier League table with things starting to look a lot more rosy all of a sudden.

David Moyes’ team have won out of their last five games in all competitions and now just have a final league game against Leicester City to come before that Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina in June.

=3rd, Brentford

Last 5: WWLWW

The Bees have kept their European dreams alive for next season by coming from behind to defeat Tottenham Hotspur with a brace from Bryan Mbeumo and another from Yoane Wissa completing a 3-1 win. Thomas Frank’s team showing they can still score goals even without Ivan Toney.

However, Brentford will need results to go their way on the final day of the season to make it into the top seven and they’ll also need a win over Manchester City.

One more game to go and everything to fight for 👊 pic.twitter.com/6ZIRKU10qw

— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) May 22, 2023

2nd, Liverpool

Last 5: WWWWD

Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions took a knock when they could only muster a point at home to Aston Villa, although Roberto Firmino was able to say goodbye to the Anfield faithful with a last-minute equaliser.

Regardless of whether they make the unlikely jump into the top four, the Reds can take this late-season run as confidence going into next year. And if reports about agreeing a deal for Alexis Mac Allister are to be believed they’re starting a much-needed rebuild.

1st, Manchester City

Last 5: WDWWW

The Citizens were already champions of England once again before a ball was rolled at but they didn’t let the party atmosphere go to their heads with a 1-0 win over Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s team still have four games left to play but winning the final two of those would give City a sensational treble. But before they potentially finish another famous season they have trip victories away to Brighton and then Brentford on the final day of the season.

💯 goals 🆙 at home in all competitions!

That's 34 more goals than any other side from Europe's top five leagues 🤯 pic.twitter.com/5V8kSYKEfQ

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 22, 2023