After a long and entertaining Premier League season, the teams now have just two games left and Sunday has the potential to be an era-defining day for clubs at both the top and bottom of the league with the likes of Manchester City (1/2 Premier League outright), Manchester United, QPR and Bolton all in action.
The big match of the day is undoubtedly the early kick-off, which sees Champions League-chasing Newcastle host leaders City in a match that could almost seal the title for Roberto Mancini’s men (Newcastle 4/1, draw 3/1, Manchester City 4/6). The Citizens took what could turn out to be a gargantuan step towards winning their first championship since 1968 by beating Manchester United on Monday and currently lead the league on goal difference. Mancini himself has always said this match will decide whether or not they win the title and Alan Pardew’s in-form side will certainly fancy their chance having beaten Chelsea in the week. This one looks almost too close to call and, with both team’s being so easily matched, it may well end up being a draw.
Then at two, Aston Villa host Tottenham with both sides needing the points for highly contrasting reasons (Villa 10/3, draw 5/2, Tottenham 8/11). Despite a decent start to the season, the Villains have slipped in recent months and are now perilously close to the drop zone, meaning boss Alex McLeish is under huge pressure to produce a result. On the other hand Spurs have won their last two and victory at Villa Park would see them leapfrog Arsenal into third and almost guarantee them Champions League football. Unfortunately, Villa are currently a sorry sight and, although they should eventually avoid relegation, Tottenham will more than likely take a comfortable win on Sunday.
Also at two, there’s another match which could have a massive bearing on the relegation battle as Bolton welcome West Brom to the Reebok Stadium (Bolton evens, draw 13/5, West Brom 11/4). Despite losing 4-1 to Spurs in the week, the Trotters played well and will be confident of a victory that could see them climb out of the relegation zone while West Brom are already safe and with the news earlier this week that Roy Hodgson will leave the club in the summer, their players may already be on their holidays. This may turn out to be a cagey affair but with more to play for, Bolton should just sneak the points.
Fulham take on Sunderland in what looks as if it could be a cracker for the neutrals at Craven Cottage (Fulham 5/6, draw 13/5, Sunderland 7/2). Both teams had shaky starts to the season and at one point looked as if they could well be involved in a relegation battle. However, they have shown their class in the second half of the season and are both once again set for comfortable finishes. Although there’s not much to play for, both teams will want to win but home advantage could tell and the Cottagers should just sneak it.
In contrast to the game at the Cottage, QPR’s match with Stoke at Loftus Road will certainly be cagey as the Hoops looked to gain the win that could see them avoid relegation (QPR 10/11, draw 11/4, Stoke 3/1). Mark Hughes’ men go into the match knowing that realistically it will be their last chance to gain three points as they face title chasing City on the final day and will be desperate to win. On the other hand, the Potters have relatively little to play for but they’re always competitive, meaning it’s sure to be a physical encounter. Rangers’ extra desire for the points should see them shade it though but expect a closely fought affair.
In the final two o;clock kick-off, relegated Wolves take on Everton at Molineux (Wolves 4/1, draw 14/5, Everton 8/11). Terry Connor’s men have had a disappointing campaign but will be looking to go out with bang in what will be their last Premier League game for at least a season while Everton always play to win and with the pressure off both sides, this could end up being a cracker. However, the Toffees class should tell and expect them to run out comfortable winners in game packed with goals.
Finally, at four Manchester United take on Swansea at Old Trafford in another game that could shape the title race (United 2/11, draw 13/2, Swansea 14/1). Sir Alex Ferguson’s men currently trail rivals City on goal difference but know if the Citizens fail to win at Newcastle, a win will see them go above Mancini’s men in the table heading into the final weekend of the season. Despite dropping off in recent weeks, Swansea’s players appear to enjoy the big stage and will be looking to impress at Old Trafford but United should dominate the game and expect a comfortable win for the Red Devils.
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