With Chelsea already basking in Premier League glory, the final days of the English Premier League season are upon us.
We focus on the bottom end of the table, where the race for survival is at melting point. With Burnley and QPR already down to second division football, who will be the next to face the chopping block?
Southampton versus Aston Villa
With Aston Villa fighting for survival and a win almost guaranteeing another season in the top flight, and Southampton needing a win to make deserved European football, this game is set to be a six-pointer.
Southampton have gotten 4 points from their last five games and have scored only six goals, it’ll have to be their best game of their season. A well earned away win at Goodison and home win against West Ham leaves Aston Villa needing needing 4 points from their next two games to clutch safety.
Will the Saints be blessed with a European journey?
My Prediction – Southampton 1-1 Aston Villa
Burnley versus Stoke City
With Burnley having nothing to play for, heading home to Turf Moor knowing they won’t be in the Premier League next season hurts. It hurts even more when they are facing a Stoke side that has 8 points from their last five games and is having one of the best seasons of their history.
Stoke are set to finish in the top half of the table, one of their highest finishes since 1935/36 season where they finished fourth.
Can the Potters seal a great season?
My Prediction – Burnley 1-2
QPR versus Newcastle United
After last weeks 6-0 drubbing that sent QPR down to the championship, here is another game where there is nothing to play for. There is however a chance for QPR to bring down Newcastle with them to the second division.
Newcastle got their first point in nine games last week in a home draw against West Bromwich Albion, and this game at Loftus Road is a must win for them to stay alive.
If not could it spell the end for the Magpies?
My Prediction QPR 2-1 Newcastle United
Sunderland versus Leicester
This week just keeps getting better and better. Another six-pointer as 3 points for either team just might be enough to find the promised land. One point separating the two teams means if Leicester grab three points away from home they’ll go 4 points ahead of Sunderland, which will do all but keep them safe.
The exact same goes for Sunderland. A loss might drop them back down to fourth last and relegation is then inevitable.
Can the Black Cats pounce on the Foxes?
My Prediction – Sunderland 2-1 Leicester City
Tottenham Hotspur versus Hull City
Spurs suffered and embarrassing loss last week away to Stoke City 3-0. Hull didn’t get the better of the deal either, going out 1-0 at home to relegated Burnley.
Tottenham have only picked up 4 points from five games and they are looking quite deflated, not a good thing if you’re vying for European football. Hull need 3 points to escape the dreaded third last spot.
Will Spurs find stardom? Or will the Tigers die out?
My Prediction – Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Hull City
West Ham United versus Everton
Everton’s golden form of late died out over the past few weeks, giving away a 3-2 loss to storming Aston Villa and a home loss to relegation fighting Sunderland.
Up and down form of West Ham has seen them hanging around mid-table for most of this year. An Everton win by 2 goals will push them into the top half over West Ham.
Will the Hammers do the double? Or will the Toffees serve it bittersweet?
My Prediction – West Ham 2-2 Everton
Liverpool versus Crystal Palace
Coming off a 1-1 draw with the champions, Liverpool need maximum points to claim Europa League for next season. Crystal Palace, without a win in four games, can no longer hit their record number of points in a Premier League season – 49 in 1992-93 where they were relegated.
I’d say it was one of Liverpool’s most miserable seasons. Knocked out of Champions League Group Stage, FA Cup semi against Aston Villa and now incapable of grabbing Champions League again, the uppercuts haven’t stopped coming against the reds.
Can the Eagles fly away with three points?
Liverpool 3-2 Crystal Palace
Swansea City versus Manchester City
Swansea City, currently sitting in eighth place would be more than happy with the way the season has gone so far. They’ve picked up 3 wins in 3, and relying on other results, a win in Wales could give them a sniff of Europe.
It seems the departure of Wilfried Bony to Manchester has not fazed Swansea, as their will be a battle within the waters this weekend. Manchester City, now former champions, can do nothing but add more points to the table, although still vulnerable to finish fourth this season.
Can the Jacks stab a dagger in the hearts of City fans? or will The Citizens revolt?
My Prediction – Swansea 0-1 Manchester City
Manchester United versus Arsenal
This weekend’s top flight blockbuster has the Red Devils against the Gunners in the battle for third. unfortunately Arsenal’s nine-game unbeaten run was halted as a goal-line technology shot ruled Gomis’ header the difference against Swansea.
A 2-1 away win against Palace for United stopped a three-game losing streak, the longest in 18 years for Manchester United. Let’s not let that crowd our minds – we must focus on the beautiful football these two teams have been producing this year.
Will the Red Devil’s firepower be enough to outgunn Arsenal?
My Prediction – Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal
West Bromwich Albion versus Chelsea
Our last game of the week sees the champions travel to the Hawthorns. It is expected younger players like Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be starting again and reports that Isiah Brown could make an appearance from the bench. The Baggies have to be careful. They have dropped to 13th spot they can’t get too complacent at this end of the season.
Can West Brom bag this one?
My Prediction – West Brom 1-3 Chelsea
There’s my prediction for this weekend’s round of English Premier League football. What do you think Roarers?
144
Roar Guru
I agree. We've seen Manchester United gain and lose form throughout the season and Manchester City form drop at the back end of the season. And the nonchalant rise of Arsenal where through the month of April found themselves in second place. I believe that at the rate Chelsea are performing and the team that is currently upon them i think they will continue to dominate the epl scene going into next season What i am interested in is how the English clubs will perform on the European Stage. we had all English clubs out of the Champions League at the Round of 16. Chelsea knocked out by PSG, Arsenal out by Monaco and Manchester city cracked by Barcelona And the final club at the time playing European football, Everton, who fought for a deserved 2-1 win at home against dynamo kiev but crumbled in Kiev as they lost 5-2. The Performance of english clubs has to improve in Europe to assert their dominance as one of the biggest and best leagues in the World
Micahel Wilson
Guest
Are you mad? Everyone knows the Baggies will win 8-0. By the way Albion have not dropped to 13th but climbed to 13th and are safe. Pullis plays different football with 4 big centre backs and one or two defensive midfielders. Hence poor old Davidson cant get a game. He likes fast wingers who complement this old style and if he can get them in the off season- 7th or so is possible next year.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Gotta say this has been a horribly dull EPL season. Chelsea basically had it won in December. No one put up a fight. UCL spots pretty much all secured, again with those lower down not putting up a great fight. Relegation battle made somewhat interesting thanks to some clubs just falling apart at the seams. But still only 1 relegation spot has been in question for a while now. Aside from Chelsea, no one looked even half decent in Europe this season. Arsenal, Man City and Man United have a lot of work to do, otherwise Chelsea will walk to the title again.