ARSENAL V BRIGHTON
Arsenal still have a likely chance of qualifying for Europe with the Gunners just one point behind 7th placed Spurs. No one would seen this coming a few weeks ago but four straight wins from their last four games have put them back in contention going into the last day of the season. A win here could turn a disappointing season into a somewhat successful one as it would move them into the European places depending on what results Everton and Spurs get in theirs games against Man City and Leicester respectively.
The season as a whole for Arsenal has been a poor one because a club of their stature should not be 9th in the table. They were expected to finish in the top six at the start of the season which was never going to happen because of their poor form between November and December which had them closer to the relegation zone. The youngsters came to their rescue after that spell and they later became key players for the club because of the performances they were putting in compared to most of the senior players. They'll need an overhaul of their squad in the summer if they're to be anywhere near the top six next season.
How many people saw Brighton's win over Man City coming? I bet you no one did. They may have been helped by the sending off of Joao Cancelo but the Seagulls showed great character to come from 2-0 down to beat the Champions 3-2. They went up another level after the sending off which gave them the confidence to go on and win the game despite conceding another goal between the red card and their first goal. That result will give them confidence going into this game because of the quality of opposition they beat.
Brighton's season you could say has been a success because they stayed up which was their minimum aim at the start of the season. But at the same time they could've finished higher because of the amount of times they failed to kill teams off. They play some decent football at times but haven't been able to take their chances which has been their problem all season and it is why they've been involved in a relegation battle. They have two good strikers in Neal Maupay and Danny Welbeck but they need someone more clinical in front of goal if they're to avoid being in another relegation battle next season.
I'm going for an Arsenal win because they're ending the season really well and I can see them carry that form into this game. With the quality they have in their side they should have enough in them to win this game.
PREDICTION: 2-0
ASTON VILLA V CHELSEA
Aston Villa reacted well to a slow start against Spurs in midweek as they came from behind to win the game 2-1. They forced Spurs into mistakes particularly for their second goal and they put in a good performance overall by being solid defensively and creating lots of chances going forward. It was their fourth win against the established big six this season having already beaten Liverpool and done the double over Arsenal. As they're facing another big six team in this one against Chelsea they might fancy themselves to win here because of the confidence they're in after beating Spurs along with having Jack Grealish back in the side.
This season has been a big year of progress for Villa because this time last season they were very close to getting relegated and one season later they're 11th which shows huge progress. They've looked better at both ends of the pitch and most of that has been down to the manager and his recruitment staff. They found a striker in Ollie Watkins who knows where the goal is and a keeper in Emiliano Martinez who can keep the ball out and make a defence look solid. Those two have been key to their improvement at both ends of the pitch and they have both made the team better by doing what they do.
Chelsea put their FA Cup final defeat behind them in midweek by putting in a good performance to beat Leicester who beat them in the cup final last weekend. The result moved them up to 3rd in the table which leaves them in a very good position going into this game because they know that they will secure Champions League qualification if they win this one. A draw won't be enough as both Leicester and Liverpool are one point behind with Liverpool having a better goal difference. They'll need to win this one in order to secure that top four place.
Chelsea's season has been both a good and mixed season this year. Good in that they're probably going to finish in the top four along with potentially winning the Champions League and mixed in that their season hasn't been plain sailing. They were looking like title contenders at the beginning of December until a drop off in form saw them drop down to 9th and Frank Lampard unfairly sacked as manager. Thomas Tuchel later came in turned things around as he guided them back towards the top four. The Blues have looked better defensively since the German came in and if they can buy a 20+ goal a season striker they could challenging Man City for the title next season.
I'm going for a Chelsea win because I think they'll have just enough to win this game. It should be a close game because of how solid both teams are defensively. But I think Chelsea will just edge it because of the quality they have.
PREDICTION: 1-2
FULHAM V NEWCASTLE
Fulham played Newcastle on the last day of the season two years ago when they got relegated back in the 2018-19 season and the same has happened again. They lost that game 4-0 two seasons ago and Scott Parker will not want that to happen again because he'll want his side to end a disappointing season with a win so they have some confidence to take into the Championship next season. They did well to get a point at Man United last time out and they'll want another good result here so they can end the season on a high.
The Cottagers as we all know have had a poor season because they've been relegated after just one season in the Premier League. They made a decent go of it after a poor start where they conceded a lot of goals but in the end they didn't have enough quality. They didn't score enough goals with Aleksandar Mitrovic who scored 26 in the Championship last season only managing 2 and current top scorer Bobby Decordova Reid managing just 5 all season. Goals have been their problem all season and it's the main reason why they've gone down.
Newcastle have played more on the front foot in recent games and part of that has been down to the form of loanee Joe Willock. Willock has been excellent since arriving from Arsenal on loan and especially in his last six games where he was scored in all of them. He's given the midfield the energy and threat it lacked before he arrived and Newcastle fans will want to see him tied down to a permanent deal because of the form he's been in throughout his time at the club.
The Magpies' season overall has been rather mixed because they achieved their minimum goal at the start of the season in staying up but the football they've played throughout season hasn't been great to watch and its one of the reasons why they've been in a relegation battle. Manager Steve Bruce has faced a lot of criticism throughout the season from both the fans and the media for that very reason and its the main reason why the fans don't want him at the club. He's done a decent job at Newcastle in terms of keeping them in the Premier League. But the fans will want more for sure?
I'm going for a Newcastle win because they've played well over the last few games and I can see them put in another good performance in this one. They may be without Callum Wilson who is a big loss, but I can stilll see them just edge this one.
PREDICTION: 0-1
LEEDS V WEST BROM
Leeds are having a strong end to the season with only one defeat from their last 10 games which came against Brighton at the beginning of the month. They've been solid defensively in that time with 4 clean sheets kept and just five goals conceded which is a big improvement from them in that area having conceded a lot of goals earlier in the season. They've adapted their game as the season has progressed and that had lead to them ending the season on a strong note.
Leeds' first season back in the Premier League overall has been a very good one because they've secured a top 10 finish which is always a good season for a newly promoted club. They would've been happy with survival at the start of the season and they were always going to do that because of the football they play and the manager they have in Bielsa. They've been the most entertaining team to watch all season by playing on the front foot in almost every game which has won admirers among fans and ex players in general.
Sam Allardyce announced his departure from West Brom following his sides midweek defeat to West Ham which came as a surprise because you would've thought that the club may have made a decision at the end of the season. With him leaving the Baggies can now start looking for a new manager so they can begin preparing for life back in the Championship next season in order to give themselves the best possible chance of bouncing straight back up. A win here will hopefully give them the confidence to start next season well despite not having the same manager in charge.
The Baggies' season has without a doubt been a poor one as they ended up relegated which was expected because their squad was never good enough to stay in the Premier League. They've conceded the most goals in the league with 73 and going forward they didn't score goals which is why they went down after a season back in the Premier League. Sam Allardyce was brought in to save them after replacing Slaven Bilic in December but the job turned out to be too big for him.
I'm going for a Leeds win because I they have more than enough quality to win this game. They beat the Baggies 5-0 in the reverse fixture and I can see them win by a similar score line.
PREDICTION: 3-0
LEICESTER V TOTTENHAM
Leicester appear to be having a bit of deja vu as they're set to miss out on Champions League football yet again. They've been in the top four for most of the season like they were last year and they appear to have oince again fallen at the final hurdle. They had to beat Chelsea in midweek as a win would've secured them a place in the top four. But they weren't able to as they lost the and fell out of the top four a day later following Liverpool's win over Burnley. They have to win this one and hope that either Liverpool or Chelsea drop points if they're to finish in those Champions League spots.
Leicester's season overall has been good because they won the FA Cup and coped well with the distraction of the Europa League. Most clubs not used to playing in Europe usually struggle in the league but Leicester didn't because they used their squad well. The fringe players stepped up when they had to and they delivered whenever they were given an opportunity. Having won the FA Cup last weekend the Foxes will hopefully kick on and try and push for a Champions League spot next season.
This looks like it could be Harry Kane's final game for Spurs and I won't be surprised if it is. He applauded the fans after his sides 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa which made most people think that his time at Spurs is coming to an end. It's definitely looking that way with Spurs facing the possibility of not being in Europe next season along with their lack of silverware over the last few years. With a golden boot to win he'll be looking to leave the club on a high by scoring in this game to give him his third Premier League golden boot.
Spurs' season has been another disappointing one because they've missed out on Champions League qualification and another trophy. They were top of the league in November with many of us saying that they were title contenders. But their form flew out the window as they fell out of the top four after dropping so many points from winning positions which lead to Jose Mourinho getting the sack because of his negative tactics. With no Champions League for another season star players could be on their way out of the club with Harry Kane being the prime example. I wouldn't be surprised if Heung Min Son was to follow him.
I'm going for a draw in this one because I think it will be a close game with both teams going for it as they both have something to play for. They both have good players going forward and as Leicester are without Jonny Evans, I can't see a winner from either side because you never know which Spurs will turn up.
PREDICTION: 2-2
LIVERPOOL V CRYSTAL PALACE
Liverpool were expected to go on and win the title following their 7-0 win over Palace back in December which put them five points clear at the top of the Premier League. But it didn't turn out that way as their title defence crumbled in a matter of months with the teams around them gaining points at the same time they were dropping points. Having dropped out of contention for a top four finish a couple of months ago they now find themselves in pole position to take that all important Champions League spot after a good run of form since the end of March. The International break in March helped them a lot as it gave them the break they needed and they benefitted from that by winning 6 of their last 8 games since that break.
The reds' season as a whole has been rather a disappointing one because they were expected to once again challenge for the title having won the league last season. Virgil Van Dijk has without a doubt been a big loss for them because of the amount of times they've had to change their back four with midfielders Fabinho and Jordan Henderson having to play in there. Their midfield suffered when those two had to play at the back but Fabinho return there recently has brought back some much needed solidity.
Roy Hodgson's last game as Palace boss and quite possibly the last game for most of their players with their contracts up in the summer. Christian Benteke could be one of the few who could sign an extension because of the recent form he's been in. He's netted in his last four games and has scored more than half the amount of goals this season than he has in the last three seasons combined. Another goal here in this one against his former club could earn him a new contract.
Palace's season overall has been a solid one because they finished where they were expected to finish at the start of the season. They may target survival at the beginning of every season but mid-table is where Palace realistically are because they always have more than enough to stay up but not enough to push for a top 10 finish. Next season could be a challenge for them as they have a number of players out of contract which may prompt them to bring in a load plus they have a new boss to appoint along with potentially losing star man Wilfried Zaha.
I'm going for a Liverpool win because they're full of confidence and in good form going into this game. Palace may make it difficult but I think Liverpool will have enough quality to win the game.
PREDICTION: 2-0
MAN CITY V EVERTON
This game will be Sergio Aguero's last one in the Premier League for Man City and he'll surely get a guard of honour before the game because of the player he has been for the club. He'll definitely want a start in this one with it being his last game for the club and he'll also be looking to get on the score sheet so he can go out on a high before lifting the Premier League trophy alongside club captain Fernandinho.
City's season as we all know has been incredible because they won the league and could complete the treble next weekend when they face Chelsea in the final of the Champions League. They had a slow start to the season as they were well off the pace in mid-table between October and November. But they soon picked up after Christmas by going on a 15 match winning run between December and March which moved them to the top of the table and helped them create a huge margin between themselves and the teams below them. They've operated without a recognised striker for most of the season and it has clearly paid off as they've only gone on to win the title.
Everton kept their hopes of European football alive in midweek by beating Wolves 1-0 to move level on points with Spurs. That win was their first at home since March and having the fans back inside Goodison Park made a big difference for them because they've missed them all season like most clubs in the Premier League have missed theirs. They've been better away from home this season and with this one being an away fixture they might fancy themselves. Even though they're up against the champions.
Everton's season could be a success if they win this game as it would move them above Spurs in 7th. But at the moment it looks like it's been a season of failure because many people were expecting them to be in the top six because of the money they spent in the summer on the likes of Allan and James Rodriguez. That was certainly the case after the good start they had but consistency and poor form at home have let them down. They will need to address both of those issues next season if they're to finish in that area of the table.
I'm going for a Man City win because I think they'll have enough quality to win this game. They'll hopefully play a strong team ahead of the Champions League final next weekend and if they do they'll have no problems in winning this match.
PREDICTION: 3-1
SHEFFIELD UNITED V BURNLEY
Sheffield United will be happy once this game if over because they've wanted the season to be over for a long time. A defeat for them here will break the record for most defeats in a season which is currently at 29 and that is the exact amount of games that the Blades have lost this season. Paul Heckingbottom will want his side to get a result in this one so they can have some confidence to take with them going into next season and so they can avoid breaking that record of most defeats in a season.
The Blades as we all know have had a shocking season because they've been bottom of the table for pretty much the entire campaign. They never looked like staying up after a bad start where they only picked up just 2 points from their opening 15 games and they didn't win their first game until January when they beat Newcastle 1-0 at Bramall Lane. With Chris Wilder gone the Blades could face a tough year in the Championship next season because Wilder was seen as the best man to get them back up. Whoever takes the job in the summer has a big task on his hands.
Burnley are not having their best end to the season having lost three times in their last five games including back to back defeats to Leeds and Liverpool in their last two games. They will want to avoid defeat in this one so they don't start next season low on confidence which can happen to teams who don't end the season well. Sean Dyche will be well aware of that will want his players to be at it for the whole 90 minutes against an already relegated side.
Burnley's season has been a reasonably solid one because they've secured another season in the Premier League which is what they set out to do every season. Sean Dyche deserves a lot of credit for this because he didn't have a lot of money to spend in the summer and yet he still managed to keep Burnley in the Premier League. He's once again done a decent job at Turf Moor and with new owners in he'll hopefully have more money to spend in the summer to keep Burnley away from the relegation battle.
I'm going for a draw in this one because I can't really see anything between the two sides. Both sides aren't in the best of form and have nothing to play for so I expect this one will be a cagey affair.
PREDICTION: 0-0
WEST HAM V SOUTHAMPTON
West Ham boss David Moyes was disappointed that his side didn't qualify for the Champions League but is still proud of the season that his team have had. The Europa League is the minimum they deserve based on their efforts this season and they can qualify for that competition with a win in this one on the final day. They have have wobbled in recent weeks but they should enough to win this one to end a good season on a strong note.
The Hammers have had an incredible season and it's arguably been their best one. They would've been happy with survival or a mid-table finish at the start of the season and they've gone on to push for a place in the Champions League. David Moyes deserves a lot of credit for this because of the team he has built and the job he has done since returning to the club last January. He's proved many of the doubters wrong and deservedly deserves to be nominated for manager of the season.
Southampton will have Oriol Romeu back for this one after a few months out with a ankle injury which will be a massive boost for Southampton. The Saints have missed his protection and solidity in midfield during his absence and having him back for this one gives the Saints a better chance of getting a good result. They have missed Danny Ings when he's been out but I think Romeu has arguably been as big a miss because of what he brings to the team from midfield.
This season has been a year of two halves for Southampton. First half excellent second half poor. They were top of the league in November and on course for a potential European challenge. That soon fizzled out as they lost key players to injury and felt tired as a result of having a small squad and playing at a high intensity. Ralph Hasenhuttl will be looking to add players to his squad in the summer so they don't suffer a similar capitulation next season.
I'm going for a West Ham win because they've had a great season and I can see them sign off with a win in this one. With the majority of their key players available they should have more than enough to win the game comfortably.
PREDICTION: 3-0
WOLVES V MAN UNITED
Nuno Espirito Santo leaving Wolves was news that I was not expecting. Wolves may have had a poor season but I thought he might've stayed to try and get them back towards the European places next season which is where Wolves want to be having finished 7th for two seasons in a row. In terms of who will replace I think it will be a big name because of the standards that Wolves have set themselves over the last two or three seasons. I can't see them go for someone who is unproven or keeps things safe.
Wolves' season overall has been a poor one considering where they've finished for the last two seasons. Raul Jimenez has been a massive loss because they haven't scored as many goals plus they lost Matt Doherty and Diogo Jota in the summer with Doherty arguably being the bigger miss. Defensively they haven't been as solid as they've flicked between a back four and their usual back three which hasn't helped them at all plus they've conceded a lot of goals from crosses and set pieces. The new manager will need to sort this out next season as well as bring in some new players to get them back into the top half of the table.
Man United may make some changes in this one with the Europa League final against Villarreal coming up for them later in the week. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will want all his key players available for that one as it's a cup final so I won't be surprised if he rests the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba. He may play some of his big hitters as he'll want to make United the first team in Premier League history to go an entire season unbeaten away from home but at the same time I expect he might rest some of them so they're fresh and ready for the final in midweek.
United have had a promising season of progress this year because they're 2nd in the table behind Man City which is where they deserve to be and they have a chance of ending the season with a trophy in the Europa League. Solskjaer deserves a lot of credit for this because he was under a lot of pressure earlier in the season and he stood up to that pressure by getting results which enabled United to push themselves further up the table after a slow start. It's arguably been their best season since Fergie left because of the football they've been playing and the positivity around the team itself.
I'm going for a United win because I think they'll have enough quality going forward to win the game. They may rest some key players with the Europa League final in mind but I still think they'll have enough to win the game.
PREDICTION: 0-1
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