With just two weekends to go in the Premier League, we are approaching crunch time at the top and bottom.
Manchester City are not in league action – they face Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday – giving Arsenal the chance to solidify their hold on top spot.
At the bottom, West Ham can pile the pressure on Tottenham with a result at Newcastle.
Here, we take a look at the fixtures and offer up our Premier League predictions for this weekend.
FRIDAY
Aston Villa v Liverpool (8pm)
A big game in the race for Champions League qualification with the winner guaranteed to play in Europe’s elite club competition next season. The loser will be anxiously looking over their shoulder to see how sixth-placed Bournemouth get on in their last two games. Villa, of course, have two avenues in: their league position or victory over Freiburg in the Europa League final. The latter may also open the door for Liverpool. It’s complicated but both sides can eliminate doubt by winning this one. Therefore…
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-2 Liverpool
SUNDAY
Manchester United v Nottingham Forest (12.30pm)
Reports this week suggest Manchester United are willing to convert Michael Carrick’s interim position into a full-time role. He can enhance his chances further by seeing off a Nottingham Forest side whose top-flight status is now secured. United will have to play better than they did last weekend when they were fortunate to escape Sunderland with a 0-0 draw.
Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Brentford v Crystal Palace (3pm)
Brentford have spent most of the season inside the top eight but their challenge for a Europa League spot has faltered after a run of one win in eight games.They are still very much in the conversation and six points from their remaining two games will put them in a very strong position. They ought to take the first step towards that target on Sunday against a Crystal Palace side whose focus is, and has been for several weeks, the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on May 27.
Prediction: Brentford 2-0 Crystal Palace
Everton v Sunderland (3pm)
Both teams were targeting Europe a few weeks ago but some sticky form has seen their challenges fade. It is not beyond the realms that they could still make it – depending on other scenarios playing out – but a win here is vital. Sunderland won at the Hill Dickinson in the FA Cup, via a penalty shoot-out, in January but we fancy Everton to edge this one.
Prediction: Everton 2-1 Sunderland
Leeds v Brighton (3pm)
If Villa finish fifth and win the Europa League then the Champions League qualification spots include sixth place. That is the only incentive seventh-placed Brighton need ahead of their trip to Elland Road. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the Seagulls this season but they appear to have hit form at the right time. Leeds proved at Spurs on Monday night that they hadn’t downed tools despite being safe but we think Brighton’s greater need may be enough.
Prediction: Leeds 1-2 Brighton
Wolves v Fulham (3pm)
Wolves have endured a thoroughly miserable season which, mercifully, is coming to an end. Fulham are 11th which is about what you’d expect. The Cottagers will see this, and next week’s home game with Newcastle, as a wonderful opportunity to finish strongly.
Prediction: Wolves 0-2 Fulham
Newcastle v West Ham (5.30pm)
The big game of the day sees West Ham’s desperate search for three points move to Tyneside. The Hammers played well against Arsenal last weekend and, on another day, would have secured a valuable point. VAR ruled otherwise but Tottenham were unable to take full advantage the following day, only managing a draw with Leeds. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side start the weekend inside the bottom three, two points adrift of Spurs. A win here would place enormous pressure on their London rivals. For Newcastle, there is little riding on the game other than the chance to push West Ham closer to the trap door.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 West Ham
MONDAY
Arsenal v Burnley (8pm)
Top versus second-bottom is a near perfect fixture for an Arsenal side closing in on their first league title in 22 years. There have been some nervy moments for the Gunners in recent weeks but they should have few problems here against a Clarets side that has looked woefully short of quality for most of the season. There is still the slim chance the title will go down to goal difference so expect the home side to keep attacking throughout. This could be a very, very long night for Burnley.
Prediction: Arsenal 6-0 Burnley
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