So we enter our very last round of EPL games today, and this is officially the first day of summer in my eyes, and most of the players on show today will already be thinking of their luxury sunbeds waiting in tropical climes. For this reason there will be a lot of strange results as usual on the last day. It is interesting that there are four London teams (including Arsenal) still with trophies to play for in the next couple of weeks!
Anyway, here are Dan’s tips in full….
Brighton 0-1 City
You don’t get over 90 points without being talented but to win for two months straight under intense pressure takes some doing. You saw in midweek how Barcelona and Ajax reacted the moment things went wrong for them so the top twos ability to overcome adversity is credit to their mental strength. I keep thinking law of averages one has to eventually have a day when the ball hits the woodwork, a keeper makes a mistake or they get an early red card but look at last weekend. Newcastle played well yet Liverpool found another late goal, then City looked nervous but got out of jail thanks to a 30 yard screamer from their centre back. The champions have looked like the pressure is getting to them, trying to force things a little bit. Brighton can 100 percent frustrate City, especially the likes of Duffy and Dunk. How would they respond if it were goalless and they hear there’s been two early goals at Anfield?
Liverpool 2-2 Wolves
Liverpool have scored so many late goals you keep thinking they are destined to achieve something special. So perhaps it’s only fair they win the champions League. It’s hard to argue that City and Liverpool both don’t deserve something to celebrate so maybe City win the treble and Liverpool becomes kinsg of Europe? I think Wolves are dangerous visitors on a day where the reds could get distracted by news elsewhere. Wolves have had decent results against the top 6 and wouldn’t be Klopps first choice to end their season.
Burnley 3-1 Arsenal
If I was Unai Emery why wouls I risk my first team ahead of the Europa League Final? I’m not saying anyone needs a rest but why risk damaging confidence for the Chelsea clash by having us bullied by Burnley, which most likely will happen. How we can win in Napoli and Valencia yet so easily fall apart at Leicester and Wolves is a debate for another day. Too many of these away fixtures you still worry about, which suggests not too much has changed.
Still, we have one game left to rescue our campaign.
Leicester 3-1 Chelsea
Like us, Chelsea might think ‘why put their first team through a tough away trip’ which might impact confidence going into a final. The juice isn’t worth the squeeze.
Spurs 1-3 Everton
Could you blame Spurs if they were distracted by the biggest game in their history, something which I think will be reflected by their team news. Can we enjoy winning the Europa League until we know the outcome of the Champions League? We just have to take our medicine, would we shut up if we were in their position? Still a good cup run (no matter how special) doesn’t mean a shift in power. That would be a slap in the face to everything we have achieved in my lifetime.
United 2-1 Cardiff
While most outside the title race might not be taking the final day seriously, there is pressure on United to end their campaign with a win. I can’t see Solkskiar resting anyone although he will already have identified those who he won’t want to see in a red shirt ever again.
Watford 1-1 West Ham
Going by the logic that Watford might rest players for the cup final, they need to find any small advantage they can get. Consider team news first before putting on your bets, peeps.
Fulham 2-0 Newcastle
Since relegation was confirmed Fulham have played more like the one we assumed they would this season. In terms of continuity, it makes sense to give Parker the job full time but only if the owners are realistic. While they will expect an instant return they have to a accept Parker will face difficulties in the second tier. I just hope he’s not treated like Darren Moore was at West Brom . And is this Rafa’s last game as Newcastle boss?
Saints 3-0 Huddersfield
Huddersfield showed last weekend they are still battling for pride. Yet it’s the Saints chance to say thank you to their fans after a season which at times looked like it could end early. A rare afternoon to enjoy with zero pressure.
Palace 1-1 Cherries
Should be an enjoyable game with both saying ‘you play, we play’. The visitors were seconds away from failing to beat 9 men which shows you how low their confidence has been in the last few months, something they don’t want to take into next year. Zaha’s last game for Palace?
Dan Smith