|
SATURDAY
NORWICH CITY vs WEST HAM UNITED (1230)
A home defeat will see the hosts mathematically relegated. But our record at Carrow Road makes curiously uninspiring perusal, with our last victory there coming 47 years ago. Mikhail Antonio has been arguably our most influential player in recent games, but will he be able to overcome the exertions of three games in seven days to put in another physical performance? Norwich have no choice today, they must attack. They’re no mugs in getting forward, so our defence has to plug those leaks. But that should make for an open, entertaining game, with goals aplenty (cue: 0-0). Victory today would give us an effective seven point lead over Bournemouth, which will all but ensure survival. Anderson is out (I never thought I’d say this, but his absence will be no great loss), with Haller in line for a start, which should reduce the pressure on Antonio. Soucek and Yarmo will have to be on their respective games. Tears and pies. Farewell, Norwich. Away win.
WATFORD vs NEWCASTLE UNITED (1230)
Both these sides have stumbled of late after recording some decent results. Watford, like us, are the masters of their own destiny and will also want to bank the three points that will virtually assure survival – the more so as they have us, Man City and Arsenal to play after this. Newcastle have less to play for in terms of points, but Steve Bruce will certainly have half a beady eye on his future under new ownership. Draw.
LIVERPOOL vs BURNLEY (1500)
Burnley can still realistically aspire to Europe, while Liverpool’s aspirations are now measured in terms of record points. The visitors won’t make it easy and this game is unlikely to be a feast for purist eyes. Home win.
SHEFFIELD UNITED vs CHELSEA (1730)
In August, many expected the Blades to be closer to Norwich than to today’s visitors. This will be a tough encounter for both sides, as Chelsea look to cling on to third spot while Sheffield can still make sixth. Chelsea should be too good, but don’t bank on it. Goals. Away win.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs MANCHESTER CITY (2000)
Brighton’s all but mathematical safety is a remarkable achievement considering the mountain that loomed above them just a month ago. They can afford to play without fear and City will be well advised not to underestimate them. Should be an open, entertaining match. Away win.
SUNDAY
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS vs EVERTON (1200)
Everton have underperformed in a dull season. Wolves lead an impressive chasing pack of five in their quest for an incredible sixth place finish. They’ll deserve it and should see off the Toffees with ease. Home win.
ASTON VILLA vs CRYSTAL PALACE (1415)
It’s do or die for Villa. The longer they can keep a clean sheet this afternoon, the more they will believe they can get something and boost their rapidly fading chances of survival. An early goal for the visitors, though, would crack the hosts’ confidence. Only a win will good enough for Villa, with Everton, Arsenal and us to come. Draw.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs ARSENAL (1630)
An end-of-season meeting of two mediocre mid-table sides. Nuff said. Draw.
BOURNEMOUTH vs LEICESTER CITY (1900)
The Foxes have scarcely emerged from their den since football resumed, and have lost the third spot that was theirs for much of the season to date. There should be a massive incentive for them to turn things around if they are not to forfeit a top four finish. For the CHERRIES, life is bleak, their prospects if they don’t win this even more so. Last chance saloon time. Draw.
MONDAY
MANCHESTER UNITED vs SOUTHAMPTON (2000)
Southampton have turned their season around quite magnificently, while Man U have started poking their head out of the wilderness. The hosts have more to play for – Champions League qualification – and that with home advantage should see overcome the battling Saints. Home win.
TUESDAY
CHELSEA vs NORWICH CITY (2015)
If they’re not already down, the visitors will be by the end of this. Home win.
WEDNESDAY
BURNLEY vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (1800)
Two contrasting styles of play. May the superior approach win. Away win.
MANCHESTER CITY vs BOURNEMOUTH (1800)
By the end of this, only mathematics can save Bournemouth. Home win.
NEWCASTLE UNITED vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (1800)
Where’s Gazza? Draw.
ARSENAL vs LIVERPOOL (2015)
Anyone remember that 1989 game between these two? A real test for the home team. Away win.
THURSDAY
EVERTON vs ASTON VILLA (1800)
The Championship morning breaks and the Premier League’s vain shadows flee. Home win.
LEICESTER CITY vs SHEFFIELD UNITED (1800)
A good battle in prospect. Draw.
CRYSTAL PALACE vs MANCHESTER UNITED (2015)
Roy Hodgson has desire, but OGS has the European carrot. Away win.
SOUTHAMPTON vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (2015)
There will be another south coast derby in the top division next season. Home win.
FRIDAY
WEST HAM UNITED vs WATFORD (2000)
By the time the whistle blows for kick-off, both sides could be virtually safe or deep in the mire. We’re better than Watford and should win this one to guarantee safety. A last day play off holds little appeal, so let it not go down to that. Home win.
|
