With only two weekends remaining in the Premier League, we are approaching prime time at the top and bottom.
Manchester City are not playing in the league – they will face Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday – giving Arsenal the opportunity to strengthen their grip at the top.
at the bottom, West Ham could increase the pressure on Tottenham with a result against Newcastle.
Here, we take a look at the fixtures and offer our predictions for this weekend’s Premier League.
Friday
Aston Villa vs. Liverpool (8 p.m.)
A big match in the race to qualify for the Champions League, with the winner guaranteed to play in Europe’s elite club competition next season. The loser will look anxiously over his shoulder to see how sixth-placed Bournemouth have fared in their last two matches. Naturally, Villa has two paths: its position in the league 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 remove the doubt by winning this match. So…
Predicted result: Aston Villa 2-2 Liverpool
Sunday
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest (12.30pm)
Reports this week suggest that Manchester United are willing to turn Michael Carrick’s temporary position into a full-time role. He can boost his chances further by beating Nottingham Forest, who are now in the top flight. United will have to play better than they did last weekend when they were fortunate to exit Sunderland with a 0-0 draw.
Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Brentford vs. Crystal Palace (3 pm)
Brentford spent most of the season inside the top eight but their challenge for a Europa League place faltered after one win in eight matches. They are still in the conversation and six points from their remaining two games will put them in a very strong position. They must take the first step towards that goal on Sunday against a Crystal Palace side that has for several weeks been focused on the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on May 27.
Prediction: Brentford 2-0 Crystal Palace
Everton vs Sunderland (15:00)
Both teams were targeting Europe a few weeks ago, but some tough form saw their challenges faded away. It’s not out of the realms of realms that they can still achieve it – depending on what other scenarios occur – but winning here is vital. Sunderland won the FA Cup on penalties at Hill Dickinson last January, but we expect Everton to overtake that result.
Predicted score: Everton 2-1 Sunderland
Leeds x Brighton (3pm)
If Villa finish fifth and win the Europa League, the Champions League qualification positions include sixth place. That’s all the motivation seventh-placed Brighton needs ahead of their trip to Elland Road. Things haven’t always been smooth sailing for the Seagulls this season, but they appear to be hitting their stride at the right time. Leeds proved at Tottenham on Monday night that they have not dropped the tools despite being safe but we believe Brighton’s greater need may be enough.
Prediction: Leeds 1-2 Brighton
Wolverhampton – Fulham (3 pm)
Wolves have endured an absolutely miserable season which, thankfully, is coming to an end. Fulham are in 11th place which is what you would expect. The Cottagers will see this, and their home game against Newcastle next week, as a great opportunity to finish strong.
Prediction: Wolves 0-2 Fulham
Newcastle – West Ham (5.30pm)
Today’s big game sees West Ham’s desperate search for three points take their toll on Tyneside. The Hammers played well against Arsenal last weekend and, on another day, they would have picked up a valuable point. The VAR ruled otherwise but Spurs were unable to take full advantage the following day, settling for a draw with Leeds. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side start the weekend inside the bottom three, two points behind Tottenham. A win here would put huge pressure on their London rivals. For Newcastle, there is little luxury in the game other than the chance to push West Ham closer to the trap door.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 West Ham
Monday
Arsenal – Burnley (8pm)
Top versus second from bottom is an almost perfect match for an Arsenal team on the verge of a first league title in 22 years. There have been some nervous moments for the Gunners in recent weeks, but they should have some trouble here against a Clarets side who have looked woefully lacking in quality for most of the season. There is still little chance of the title coming down to goal difference, so expect the home team to keep attacking throughout. This could be a very long night for Burnley.
Prediction: Arsenal 6-0 Burnley
