West Ham United vs Tottenham
With West Ham safe from relegation and Tottenham looking to secure a Europa League spot, it is easy to see only one team playing for a result at Upton Park when the two sides meet. Sam Allardyce has been widely criticized for his negative tactics this season, but it is unlikely that these will change. Spurs have proven to be sharp up front in recent weeks and it is possible that they could snatch a win in a low scoring affair.
Prediction
West Ham United 0 – 1 Tottenham
Aston Villa vs Hull City
With relegation still an outside chance for Aston Villa, Paul lambert’s men desperately need to pick up points against Hull City this weekend to avoid next weekend’s final matches being a perilous experience. Villa have lost 5 of their past 6, whereas Hull have won only two of theirs, not recently. Against an essentially safe Hull team, this is Villa’s best chance to grab points before the last, cut throat day of the season.
Prediction
Aston Villa 1 – 2 Hull City
Manchester United vs Sunderland
Manchester United, searching for Ryan Giggs’ second win in charge will welcome Sunderland and in-form striker Connor Wickham to Old Trafford with the Black Cats looking to continue their charge out of the relegation zone. Wickham has scored 5 in his last 3 games, and if he can continue this form against an inconsistent United defence, then Sunderland may have a real chance. However with the Red Devils hitting their scoring straps last week, Sunderland’s defence will need to stand tall.
Prediction
Manchester United 2 – 2 Sunderland
Newcastle vs Cardiff
Newcastle have lost all six of their last six games, scoring only one goal in the process. Cardiff are a side with their head below the water in the relegation fight and desperately looking to survive but it is hard to see them staying up, win or not. After losing 0-4 to relegation bedfellows Sunderland this week, the Blue Birds will look to rebound against Alan Pardew’s deplorable Magpies outfit, and give themselves a fighting chance. Pardew and his players will be looking to give their fans something to enjoy finally, and maybe giving Hatem Ben Arfa a chance at playing would be a good start.
Prediction
Newcastle 1 – 1 Cardiff
Stoke City vs Fulham
Stoke have won four of their last six games at home this season, and welcome second last Fulham to the Brittania looking to pursue their highest ever Premiership finish, the points tally of which they can equal with a win here over the Cottagers. Fulham have only a small chance of staying up, but will need to be at their best against a Stoke side that is still highly motivated by their fans.
Prediction
Stoke City 2 – 0 Fulham
Swansea City vs Southampton
Probably the only game of the round in which neither team has anything other than pride on the line, two of the league’s best passing sides will meet at the Liberty Stadium to fight for bragging rights. Neither side will push too hard to avoid injury, especially heading towards the World Cup, but there may be some good goals scored.
Prediction
Swansea City 2 – 2 Southampton
Everton vs Manchester City
In yet another match that could decide the destination of the title, Everton who still have a slim chance of fourth place, will welcome title favourites Manchester City to Goodison Park in a match that is attracting a lot of attention. Many people seem to think that Everton will play poorly to prevent neighbours Liverpool from winning the title, however Roberto Martinez has explicitly stated that they will play for a win. Missing key players including Kevin Mirallas & Gareth Barry, Everton may relinquish midfield control to the exceptional Yaya Toure; a dangerous proposition. City have won just one of their last 15 at Goodison, although it may prove to be a stat with no bearing tonight.
Prediction
Everton 2 – 2 Manchester City
Arsenal vs West Bromwich Albion
With a draw all but certain to securing Arsenal Champions League qualification for next season, Arsene Wenger’s men will most likely look to soak up pressure and counter against a West Brom team looking to ensure they stay away from relegation, which is by no means a certainty. Most likely a low-scoring affair, given the Baggies’ less than proficient front line this season.
Prediction
Arsenal 2 -0 West Brom
Chelsea vs Norwich
Norwich travel to Stamford Bridge this week as the first team to face Chelsea at home since Mourinho’s undefeated league record was broken, and the Canaries must win to maintain their very slim hopes of survival. After defeating Liverpool in the league before losing to Atletico Madrid at home in Europe, the Blues may look to just attack against a vulnerable Norwich defence, knowing that they must take huge risks if they are to try and chase the title realistically.
Prediction
Chelsea 3 – 0 Norwich
Crystal Palace vs Liverpool
Liverpool will travel to Selhurst Park facing the daunting task of coming away with a result if they are to keep their title hopes alive. With Manchester City having a game in hand, the Reds must win against a determined Palace outfit who have shown great resilience in the second half of the season under Tony Pulis. If Mile Jedinak can shield his defence like he has so far this season though, then Liverpool may find it hard to break them down, as against a parked Chelsea last week.
Prediction
Crystal Palace 0 – 1 Liverpool