As the Premier League curtain begins to fall on another sensational season, a weekend of high drama awaits with European places still up for grabs and pride at stake across ten mouth-watering fixtures.
CHAMPIONS LIVERPOOL READY TO PARTY AGAINST WOUNDED GUNNERS
Anfield will be rocking on Sunday as newly-crowned champions Liverpool welcome an Arsenal side still nursing their Champions League wounds. Jurgen Klopp’s men, with the trophy already in the cabinet, show no signs of taking their foot off the gas after three straight home wins. Meanwhile, the Gunners arrive with dreams shattered after their European exit, desperately needing a response to salvage something from their trophy-less campaign.
NEWCASTLE AND CHELSEA CLASH IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SHOWDOWN
The race for Europe’s elite competition reaches boiling point as Newcastle host Chelsea in a genuine six-pointer at St James’ Park. Only goals scored separate these fourth and fifth-placed titans, but the Magpies’ formidable home record (five straight Premier League wins) gives them the edge over a Blues side with just one victory in their last nine top-flight road trips.
EUROPEAN HOPEFULS BOURNEMOUTH AND VILLA LOCK HORNS
The season’s surprise package Bournemouth, now unbeaten in five, welcome European contenders Aston Villa to the Vitality Stadium in Saturday’s late kick-off. The Cherries continue to defy expectations while Villa’s away form has crumbled with three defeats in their last four travels. Could another upset be on the cards?
RELEGATION AFTERMATH: CITY SET TO PUNISH SAINTS
Already relegated Southampton face the unenviable task of hosting a Manchester City side in ruthless form. With five consecutive victories across all competitions, Pep Guardiola’s men smell blood against the Premier League’s basement dwellers. Expect fireworks as the Saints attempt to restore some pride before their Championship journey begins.
BATTLE OF THE BIRDS: FOREST AND FOXES IN EAST MIDLANDS DERBY
Despite three consecutive home defeats, Nottingham Forest’s European dreams remain alive as they welcome already-relegated Leicester to the City Ground. The Foxes, with 12 away defeats already this season, might find themselves lambs to the slaughter in this emotionally-charged East Midlands showdown.
FULL WEEKEND FIXTURES AND PREDICTIONS:
Saturday’s Action:
Fulham vs Everton (3pm)
Marco Silva’s Cottagers look to halt their slide against former boss Sean Dyche’s struggling Toffees, who have just one win in ten.
Prediction: Fulham 1-0 Everton
Ipswich vs Brentford (3pm)
The already-relegated Tractor Boys face a Brentford side buzzing with three straight wins and European ambitions rekindled.
Prediction: Ipswich 1-3 Brentford
Southampton vs Manchester City (3pm)
Rock-bottom Saints brace for impact against Guardiola’s relentless City machine.
Prediction: Southampton 1-4 Manchester City
Wolves vs Brighton (3pm)
Gary O’Neil’s resurgent Wolves, with six wins from seven, host a Brighton side with just one victory in their last eight outings.
Prediction: Wolves 2-1 Brighton
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa (5.30pm)
The high-flying Cherries welcome Villa with European qualification on both teams’ minds.
Prediction: Bournemouth 3-1 Aston Villa
Sunday’s Showdowns:
Newcastle vs Chelsea (12pm)
Champions League qualification hangs in the balance in this season-defining clash at St James’ Park.
Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Chelsea
Manchester United vs West Ham (2.15pm)
Europa League hangover looms for United as they host a Hammers side desperate to end their eight-match winless run.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-1 West Ham
Nottingham Forest vs Leicester (2.15pm)
East Midlands pride at stake as European-chasing Forest face their relegated rivals.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Leicester
Tottenham vs Crystal Palace (2.15pm)
Europa-fatigued Spurs face a Palace side aiming to complete a rare season double.
Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Crystal Palace
Liverpool vs Arsenal (4.30pm)
The weekend’s main event sees champions Liverpool welcome an Arsenal side looking to salvage pride after European heartbreak.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal
