Just two rounds of Premier League fixtures left then. Whilst the issues have at the top have been largely resolved, it is all still to play for at the bottom and there is every chance we will go into the final weekend without any side’s relegation being confirmed. To the chagrin of many, the FA Cup final is also plonked amidst the top flight fixtures over the next couple of days, with United’s seemingly inevitable crowning as champions likely to overshadow the winner’s achievement at Wembley. Here’s our usual preview and predictions for those fixtures on the SportGuru card, with one for the FA Cup final thrown in for good measure.
Manchester City vs. Stoke City (FA Cup Final)
Roberto Mancini’s side go into this one as favourites, but this should be a far from one-sided affair with the two teams separated by just four league places. As Stoke proved in their 5-0 semi-final annihilation of Bolton, and at the weekend in their 3-1 victory over Arsenal, they pose a serious attacking threat. With the second meanest defensive record in the Premier League, City are well placed to nullify this however and they have kept things tight in the big games this season, to the disappointment of the purists. There remain question marks over the fitness of key participants for both sides – Carlos Tevez for Manchester City, Matthew Etherington and Robert Huth for Stoke – but Mancini and Tony Pulis will have planned accordingly for their absences. An intriguing game ahead, this one could go beyond the 90 minutes.
The Football Blog Prediction: 2-1 (after extra time)
Blackburn Rovers vs. Manchester United
With just a point required to secure their status as champions, the United faithful will be expecting to be enjoying a title party at Ewood Park come the final whistle in tomorrow. However, Sir Alex Ferguson has some difficult selection decisions to make with one eye on the Champions League final encounter with Barcelona. There is every chance he will rest some key personnel, but will be wary of complacency, especially against a Blackburn side who are still in the relegation mire. Steve Kean’s side are three points off the drop zone and the Scot will be eager to secure at least a point from this game so that their Premier League safety is not riding on the final day trip to Molineux. Rovers are unlikely to prove a pushover then, but even allowing for some changes in the United line up, the 37 point gap in the league should tell.
The Football Blog Prediction: 0-2
West Bromwich Albion vs. Everton
Roy Hodgson and David Moyes will be eager to deliver a maximum return from their last two games following a difficult campaign for both sides. For West Brom, their aim of top flight survival was looking far from certain until Roy Hodgson steadied the ship. Having not yet had the chance to recruit any of his own players, it should be interesting to see how Hodgson shapes the Albion squad over the summer and whether that can deliver further returns next season. For Moyes, there is still the chance of finishing sixth above Spurs, which would be a credible achievement given their poor start to the season. With limited funds likely again in the summer, many will be asking what else the Scot can realistically expect to achieve next season, during which he will celebrate his tenth anniversary with the club.
The Football Blog Prediction: 2-2
Chelsea vs. Newcastle United
Whilst the title may have been put mathematically out of Chelsea’s reach by the time this game kicks off, the Blues will surely want to out in a strong performance in this one to make amends for last weekend’s limp display at Old Trafford. Indeed it may well be Carlo Ancelotti’s final appearance at Stamford Bridge, with the axe hanging over him ominously after a disappointing season which will end with the trophy cabinet bare. A summer of upheaval potentially lies ahead in West London. After a season of consolidation for Newcastle following their promotion from the Championship this time last year, the expectation levels are likely to be significantly higher at St. James’ Park next season and Alan Pardew will need to recruit intelligently over the summer. For now though, his players’ minds have surely turned to a summer on the beach.
The Football Blog Prediction: 3-0
Arsenal vs. Aston Villa
Arsene Wenger will be keen to ensure that Arsenal are not caught for third place by Manchester City, and thus avoid the need to go through the Champions League qualifying round. If this isn’t incentive enough, Wenger and his side will surely want to put in a strong performance in front of their home support after a season which promised so much, once again failed to reap any silverware. There will be some big decisions to make for Wenger this summer with regards to playing personnel. As a number of Aston Villa players have alluded to in the past week or so, nobody really knows what is going with regards to Gerard Houllier’s position as manager or when a decision on the matter can be expected. It will need to be resolved very soon though, with potential suitors beginning to swarm around Ashley Young and Stewart Downing.
The Football Blog Prediction: 3-1
Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Following yesterday’s news that Kenny Dalglish has been handed the managerial reins at Liverpool on a permanent basis, and with the side in a rich vein of form, Anfield is likely to be in celebratory mood for the final home game of the season. Dalglish will know that three points on Sunday will seal fifth spot and a Europa League place for his side next season, in what would be a remarkable turnaround for the Reds. Whilst Harry Redknapp has turned his nose up at the prospect of a place in the second tier European competition, if his side do miss out they will be left to reflect on a disastrous three months which has seen them record just one win in all competition. The high of their Champions League victory over AC Milan seems like a distant memory now, and there could be major repercussions over the summer.
The Football Blog Prediction: 2-1
And our predictions for the remaining Premier League fixtures:
Blackpool 2-1 Bolton Wanderers
Sunderland 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Birmingham 1-1 Fulham
Wigan Athletic 2-2 West Ham United
As ever, let us know your thoughts on the fixtures and which way you think they will go. Enjoy the matches and good luck with your predictions.
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