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Another nine months of ups, downs, toil and speculation boils down to one last down to be confirmed, along with the league winners. For us, at least seventh place and a European semi-final makes this the best season for donkey’s years. All games kick off at 1600.
ARSENAL vs EVERTON
Arsenal occupied the bottom three early in the season, Everton late in the season. Now both are safe, with Arsenal looking set for a fifth place finish – unless they win and Spurs lose. Unlikely, but the last day is often full of odd stuff. Home win.
BRENTFORD vs LEEDS UNITED
Poor old Leeds. For a while, they looked safe. Now, they need Lady Luck doing her stuff in West London and the northwest. Unlikely, again. Pity. Tara, luv. Tara. Draw.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs WEST HAM UNITED
Lawro, who made his bearded name at Brighton, has this down as a draw. That wouldn’t be enough to pip Man U to a UEFA Cup spot, if they fail to win at Palace. Nothing but a win will do that. The game probably marks Mark Noble’s last game for us. He scored his first West Ham goal against Brighton (in 2007) and another today would give a neat final symmetry to his career in claret and blue. Brighton have bene up and down in recent weeks, at times winning against the odds, then spoiling it all with an abject performance against a bottom three team. That sounds painfully familiar. As for Lawro, he may just have it right today. But why change the habit of a lifetime? Away win.
BURNLEY vs NEWCASTLE UNITED
Before they struck oil, Newcastle were considered more likely than Burnley to be playing in the Championship next season. Burnley have home advantage, but the Barcodes will want to show their metal in preparation for next season – which is going to be a lot different from this. An early goal for either side will set the tone for what promises to be an emotional afternoon. Whatever happens. Draw.
CHELSEA vs WATFORD
An irrelevance that has to be played. Expect double figures. Home win.
CRYSTAL PALACE vs MANCHESTER UNITED
2-0 up at half time, but leave with null points? And that against a relegation-threatened side. Patrick Viera will not be a happy man. Time to put things right. His Palace team can play, there’s no doubt about that. And with several league positions riding on the outcome, perhaps there’s sufficient incentive for the Eagles (or the Glaziers – anyone remember that?) to put I one last superhuman effort. Let’s hope so. Home win.
LEICESTER CITY vs SOUTHAMPTON
Let’s see what these clubs’ reserves are like. Draw.
LIVERPOOL vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
For Liverpool, it’s a must win. For Wolves, it doesn’t matter much what happens. One of the two easiest games to predict today. Home win.
MANCHESTER CITY vs ASTON VILLA
The other of the day’s two easiest games to predict. Despite all the talk of Stevie Gee doing it for his beloved Reds, it’s not going to happen, is it? The title is heading for the Etihad. Home win.
NORWICH CITY vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Freed from the shackles of necessity or expectation, Norwich have absolutely nothing to lose against Spurs. An unexpected win today will probably see them finish the campaign not bottom. But Conte won’t be having any of that. No, mama, no way. Away win.
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