Premier League Matchday 38 Predictions: It Ends Here!
Arsenal v Brighton
A few weeks ago, the Gunners looked set to finish in the middle of the league. After four straight league wins, they are now very much in the hunt for a European place. Looking at the final day fixtures as well means for me they are the favourites. It would still be a disappointing season but at least it would end on a high. Brighton have done OK this campaign but definitely have the potential to do more next season.
Prediction 3-1
Aston Villa v Chelsea
Chelsea should be alright for a top four finish, although there are easier games they could have finished with. A narrow win over Leicester in their last game steadied the ship after a couple of agonising defeats, but the home side will not roll over for them. Villa have been solid this season and only began losing their way when Jack Grealish got injured. However, he is back now and their performances have picked up again. I expect Chelsea to win here but it might be a nervy afternoon for their fans.
Prediction 1-2
Fulham v Newcastle
It wasn't that long ago that people saw this as a potential relegation decider. However, a contrast in recent form has seen Fulham sink back to the Championship and Newcastle climb to safety. Joe Willock has been a big part of that becoming the first Newcastle player ever to score in six consecutive league games. They will be desperate to keep him but I don't think Arsenal will let him go. How Fulham could do with such a consistent goal scorer.
Prediction 0-2
Leeds v West Brom
Both of these teams were promoted last season but it is the home side who have looked like they belong at this level. My worry for them is that teams will be more switched on to them now so they might need another way of playing next season, especially against the better sides. Sam Allardyce will be leaving West Brom after this game which is no real surprise to me. They need someone with experience of the Championship if they are to mount a challenge next season.
Prediction 2-0
Leicester v Tottenham
What a massive game this is for both teams. Leicester have to win to give themselves any chance of Champions League qualification, whereas Spurs have to win to avoid missing out on European football altogether. They will have a summer of transition with Harry Kane on his way out and a new manager having to come in. In the here and now, I am backing the hosts.
Prediction 2-1
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
After a very rocky spell in the middle of the season, it looks like Liverpool have done enough to secure Champions League football for next season. Having said that, they still need to win here to secure that and their home form has been far from stellar this season. It will be Roy Hodgson's last game as the Palace manager, and at 73, maybe his last game in football. My heart wants him to win it but that would be a massive shock.
Prediction 2-0
Manchester City v Everton
It is clear to see that Manchester City have taken their foot off the gas lately as they try to keep everyone fresh and fit for the Champions League final next weekend. However, they will be getting presented with the league trophy in front of their fans and will want to end on a high. Everton are still battling for European football, but I just can not see them winning at the Etihad.
Prediction 2-0
Sheffield United v Burnley
The sooner this game is finished the happier Sheffield United fans will be. It has been a torrid season for them and quite simply they have been awful. I genuinely fear that they could be in another relegation dog fight next season too. Sean Dyche either needs to ask for money to spend or leave because Burnley fans can't be happy with 17th place every season. I wonder if they would swap with a yo-yo team such as Norwich so they can at least see some success?
Prediction 0-0
West Ham v Southampton
The fact that David Moyes is disappointed to have missed out on a place in the top four tells you how good their season has been. They just had too many games they should have won until they threw away leads, and at this level you get punished for that. It is concerning how Southampton's season has fallen away since the turn of the year, although they have a decent squad and I expect them to improve for next season.
Prediction 2-1
Wolves v Manchester United
Nuno Espirito Santo will be leaving Molineux for the last time this weekend in what has been some very surprising news. He must already have a bigger job lined up because there is no reason for him to leave otherwise. He has been superb at Wolves and he will be deeply missed by the fans. From a Manchester United perspective, they will want to keep everyone fresh for the Europa League final but also will want to head into that game with a win.
Prediction 1-1
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