Manchester City can take a huge leap towards the title with a win over Newcastle United this weekend, while rivals Manchester United host Swansea City.
At HITC Sport we have teamed up with Sportguru to create a superb Euro 2012 predictor competition, with more than £4,000 in prizes up for grabs, including iPads and a holiday in Barbados.
To get in the spirit of it, I am going to emulate Lawro and lay down my predictions for the Premier League’s penultimate weekend. Let’s see how it goes…
Arsenal v Norwich City – Arsenal desperately need a win with Spurs and Newcastle hot on their heels, and Norwich are out of form. They lost their last away game to 19th placed Blackburn and have conceded nine in their last two home games. However on their last trip to North London they upset Tottenham. Can they do the same? I can’t see it.
Verdict: Arsenal to win 4-0
Newcastle United v Manchester City – The big one. Essentially the title decider, unless to fancy QPR to upset City at the Etihad on the final day. Newcastle have won six of their last seven, the aberration at Wigan aside, but City will be so up for this one, billed as the most important game in their recent history. I can’t see them passing up such a golden opportunity, and can see a crucial goal from Carlos Tevez tipping the scales.
Verdict: Man City to win 2-1
Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur – Villa won just one home game since the Autumn and despite their low position and need to win, I don’t see that changing. Spurs will want to keep the pressure on Arsenal ahead of the final weekend, and I expect them to get all three points here.
Verdict: Tottenham to win 1-0
Bolton v West Brom: Bolton’s last home game of the season, and one they need to win before their trip to Stoke on the final day. New England boss Roy Hodgson will be determined not to lose after his big week, and I expect this one to play out for a draw.
Verdict: 1-1 with West Brom grabbing a late equaliser
Fulham v Sunderland – Martin O’Neill’s Sunderland side have lost their spark in recent games, and seem to have one eye on the summer. Fulham know a win will, temporarily at least, take them above Liverpool. My other extra prediction is for this game to be last on Match of the Day.
Verdict: Fulham to win 2-0
QPR v Stoke City – With a trip to City next on the schedule, this home match with Stoke is the definition of a ‘must-win’. QPR won at the Britannia early in the season, a rare away win. The R’s also have extra days rest on their side with Stoke playing in midweek.
Verdict: QPR to win 3-1
Wolves v Everton – What a miserable season it has been for Wolves, utterly depressing. Everton on the other hand are continuing their usual trait of finishing strongly, and despite Wolves mini-revival against Swansea last week, the Toffees will be too strong.
Verdict: Everton to win 2-1
Manchester United v Swansea City – United fans will want to see a goal rush against a team who shipped four to Wolves, and for that reason Brendan Rodgers will set his side up to be extra cautious. What happens here, and the mood, will depend on the City result at Newcastle, which kicks off two hours earlier, but either way I don’t see United going goal crazy as they’d like, even though I see them winning.
Verdict: United to win 2-0
Blackburn Rovers v Wigan Athletic – The final Monday Night Football of the season features this crucial relegation decider, and there will certainly be goals in this one. Blackburn will be relegated without a win, and sorry to say it Rovers fans, with Chelsea away next I think you’re doomed either way based on current form.
Verdict: 2-2 and Rovers go down, with Wigan clinching safety.
Liverpool v Chelsea – I’m not going to chance my arm and predict what will happen in the FA Cup Final, but whatever happens there will influence next Tuesday night’s league result. Liverpool have given their home fans some terrible memories this season, and win or lose at Wembley, they will want to send them home happy tonight. I see Torres scoring for Chelsea, but Liverpool putting on a rare show at Anfield to sign off on a high note.
Verdict: Liverpool win 3-2
How many of my predictions do you agree/disagree with? Will City beat Newcastle?
image: © stevendepolo
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
