A pivotal weekend in the Premier League is upon us with the destination of the title, the top four race and the relegation scrap all still to be decided.
There are plenty of very intriguing matches to enjoy over the course of the weekend with some elements of the table expected to be finalised by Monday night, when Newcastle and Leicester meet with a Champions League place and a relegation spot on the line.
Here’s 90min‘s predictions for the upcoming weekend of action.
Tottenham have spent much of the Premier League season fighting for a place in the top four but that dream died last weekend. Their only aim now is to ensure they qualify for the Europa League rather than the Europa Conference League.
Brentford will be weaker than they were a week ago, though, as star striker Ivan Toney has been given an eight-month ban from football for betting rule breaches. He is responsible for more goals than any other Brentford player, so they must find a new threat.
This could end up being a fairly chaotic game of football as Spurs chase a result and Brentford play with freedom, but there is more attacking threat on the pitch for the home side.
Prediction: Tottenham 3-2 Brentford
Manchester United have got the chance to book their place in the Champions League this weekend although the matter is not entirely in their hands. They will need to win their game and hope Liverpool lose theirs at then same time.
There was a boost for Erik ten Hag when Raphael Varane returned for the victory over Wolves, while Marcus Rashford is also back in training. Given the fixtures United have, it would be a surprise for them not to make the top four over Liverpool but dropped points here would throw it all into doubt.
Bournemouth have done superbly well to be safe already so there is a chance they may not put up the biggest fight when United come to town.
Prediction: Bournemouth 1-3 Manchester United
While Man Utd can reach the top four on Saturday, Liverpool’s Champions League hopes can be dashed at the same time.
It is sure to be an emotional afternoon at Anfield with fans expected to get the chance to say goodbye to Roberto Firmino and James Milner, as well as Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Liverpool have been in superb form in recent weeks and are deserving of their shot at the top four, but it’s no secret they will need some pretty significant favours elsewhere.
Aston Villa are fighting for sixth so it won’t be a walkover for Liverpool.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa
Pivoting towards the bottom of the table, Everton have a chance here to all but secure their place in the Premier League for another season despite enduring a truly horrendous campaign.
A win away at Wolves, who are safe now, would make it incredibly hard for Leeds or Leicester to catch the Toffees. If they can play half as well as they did during the win over Brighton, they should be okay at Molineux.
Prediction: Wolves 0-1 Everton
This is one of the few games during the weekend where there is not really anything to play for other than finishing slightly higher in mid-table.
That does come with its own financial gains and the players themselves will be keen to show their own club and prospective summer buyers what they can do. It could be a very tight affair in West London.
Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Crystal Palace
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The Saturday evening game is one of the biggest of the weekend as there are huge ramifications for both teams.
Nottingham Forest are in the best position of the teams that can still go down, but they will want some more points to make sure of it.
Arsenal know a defeat here would hand Manchester City the title whille Pep Guardiola’s side still have three games to play. The gap would remain at four points but Arsenal would only have a game left to play.
Expect the Gunners to narrowly get what they need here to postpone the inevitable.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal
Another team still firmly in the fight to avoid the drop, Leeds have a great opportunity to grab a crucial three points away at West Ham on Sunday.
The Hammers played in the Europa Conference League away at AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night and are safe, so the motivation for league football may not be there over 90 minutes. That being said, Leeds are seriously struggling to pick up wins right now and may not be able to get the job done.
Prediction: West Ham 1-1 Leeds
Brighton are not expecting to climb any further up the league as they are seven points behind Liverpool, albeit with a game in hand. Their aim is to consolidate sixth place which would put them into the Europa League next season.
While the Seagulls have experienced some very odd results recently, they are the overwhelming favourites against Southampton who are already down and never looked like they had enough to extend their stay in the Premier League.
Prediction: Brighton 3-0 Southampton
Manchester City may already have retained their Premier League crown on Saturday if Arsenal are beaten away at Nottingham Forest. If not, City can do it themselves by defeating a Chelsea team that are literally begging for the season to be over.
Mauricio Pochettino is set to arrive at Stamford Bridge but there is nothing to look forward to when it comes to facing City at the Etihad. City relish these games and will almost certainly show no mercy.
Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Chelsea
The final game of the weekend sees Newcastle in action once again, this time hosting a Leicester team who could potentially be relegated at St James’ Park. If Everton beat Wolves, Leicester will need three points against the Magpies – anything less and they’re gone.
As for Newcastle, they would secure a place in the Champions League with a victory here even if Liverpool have won their game against Aston Villa. There will be a lot on the line for both teams, but surely this one can only go one way.
