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Heading into the final few matches of the English Premier League saw battles being fought on both fronts – the top and the bottom. But, with Arsenal wilting and handing the title on a silver platter to Manchester City, and Manchester United and Newcastle sealing their places in the Champions League next season, all that is left to play for Europa Conference League and relegation.
City and Arsenal have sealed the top two spots, while third is a straight-fight between Newcastle and United. United, sitting in third after their 4-1 demolition of Chelsea on Thursday night, face Fulham at home on Sunday.
United’s home form is the second-best in the league, having won 14 from 18 games while losing just once and will be buoyed by their recent efforts against Frank Lampard’s bloated charges, while Fulham have lost nine times on their travels.
Newcastle are away at Chelsea and will fancy their chances of picking up their 20th win of the season, considering that Eddie Howe’s men have the third-best away form with eight wins in 18 games and just three defeats.
Newcastle will be hoping that Fulham can somehow upset Erik ten Hag’s men – even a draw – and snatch third place back.
Aston Villa, Spurs and Brentford will be fighting it out for the final European spot – in the European Conference League – something to aim for but not something to shout about.
Spurs have a tricky trip to Elland Road to face off against Leeds United, who are fighting out their own relegation battle, while Villa host Brighton and Brentford tackle the champions City.
A win for Villa at Villa park will end the debate as they currently occupy 7th spot and will be hoping that Brighton, who secured their spot in the Europa League with a 1-1 draw against City mid-week, will take their foot off the gas somewhat.
Brentford have the toughest game of the weekend, although, with City still eyeing the FA Cup final next Saturday followed by the Champions League final the week after that, City might rest some key players in search of the trebble.
The Spurs-Leeds game is the most interesting as Leeds are fighting for their Premier League life but do not have the best home form. Spurs are not much better on the road and after suffering an embarrassing 3-1 home defeat to Brentford last week, might just find life tough in Yorkshire.
Leeds (31), Leicester (31) and Everton (33) are all at home this final game week with Leicester having the better goal difference of the three relegation candidates.
A win for Leeds over Spurs will not guarantee them safety and they will need Leicester to draw or lose and Everton to lose if they are to stay up.
Leicester must win against West Ham, who might just field a slightly weakened side considering they have a shot at glory in their upcoming Conference League final against Fiorentina on 7 June, and Everton to draw or lose to stay up.
Everton have everything in their own hands and Sean Dyche has a knack of pulling a rabbit out the hat when it’s needed. The Toffees, one of two sides to never have been relegated from the top-flight, alongside Arsenal, will hope that their game against Bournemouth will go according to plan.
That plan is simple – win! Win, and they stay up and condemn Leicester, champions just seven years ago, and Leeds to the Championship next season.
If only I had eight TV’s to have all the relevant games on at the same time – although, watching Goal Rush might not be a bad option on Sunday.
