Predictions For Premier League Gameweek 38

It's that time if the week again when I attempt to predict the outcomes of the upcoming Premier League games. It's the last week of the season and with only a few games having any real meaning it means there could be a few odd results. It won't be easy to predict the outcomes, but then again I haven't being doing too well in recent weeks anyway.

I got five correct outcomes last week and five incorrect ones which meant I dropped to sixth place in my predictions league. With only this week left the chances are I'll finish sixth or maybe fifth at the very best. Here's a look at how tge top 19 in my predictions league stands.

Pos.     Player.                   Week.    Total.
___     ______                   ____     ____

1.        antonius_ronny_s     140       2680

2.        RSun624                 110      2025

3.        ahujag                     145      2015

4.        b_red_devils           190      1920

5.        Rutland Gooner      165      1885

6.        JamrockRover         20       1835

7.        birchy1962             -20       1800

8.        AblockGooner         75       1725

9.        nawa87                    50       1685

10.      Plasticninja               95       1610

Sunday May 19 All Games 4pm BST
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Chelsea v Everton

Stamford Bridge, London

Chelsea are the current holders of both the Champions League and the Europa League and need a win to automatically qualify for next season's Champions League. Anything less would open the door for Arsenal to finish third and Chelsea would have to play in the qualifying round. It will depend on how well they recover from Wednesday night's victory and they have a good home record with 11 wins in 18 league games.

With Eden Hazard injured both Juan Mata and Frank Lampard would seem to be the best fantasy choices in the Chelsea team.

Everton are guaranteed sixth place in the league and will finish ahead of Liverpool yet again. This is David Moyes' last game in charge before becoming United's manager and he will want to go out on a high. They have only lost five of their 18 away games and will feel they have a chance against a Chelsea team that could be very tired.

It's hard to see which Everton players might do well in this game but as always Leighton Baines is a good bet.

I think this will be a close game but Chelsea might just get the victory they need.

Prediction: 2-1
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Liverpool v Queens Park Rangers

Anfield, Liverpool

Liverpool have being scoring freely recently away from home but have found it difficult to find the net at home. They have only won eight of their 18 home games and will finish seventh no matter what. They must surely relish a home game against a team that are already relegated as an ideal opportunity to see their fans off in a good mood.

Both Daniel Sturridge and Phillippe Coutinho must be fancied to do well this week with Liverpool's defenders also looking good.

QPR will finish last in the league unless they win this game and Reading lose their game. They have only won two of their 18 away games so far though and are the lowest scorers in the league.

I can't see any QPR players to recommend to fantasy managers.

I think Liverpool should be good enough to win this game by a few goals.

Prediction: 3-0
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Manchester City v Norwich City

Etihad Stadium, Manchester 

City were beaten in the cup final last week by Wigan and subsequently parted with manager Roberto Mancini. They managed to bounce back with a 2-0 win at Reading in midweek which guaranteed their runners up spot in the league too. They have the chance to finish the season off in a good fashion against one of the teams that just managed to beat the drop.

Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero are probably the City players to watch and their defenders could fare well too.

Norwich had a very good 4-0 win at home to West Brom last week to confirm their Premier League status for another season. They have only won once away from home though and only managed 13 goals in the process. They will do very well to come out of this game with anything.

Robert Snodgrass might be the only Norwich player to consider, but it's hard to see them doing much at City.

I think City should win this game comfortably. 

Prediction: 2-0
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Newcastle United v Arsenal

St. James Park, Newcastle 

Newcastle won their fight against relegation by winning at QPR last week. They have won half of their home games this season but have been well beaten at home recently by both Sunderland and Liverpool. Alan Pardew has retracted his statement about not caring if they lose this game 4-0 and I'm sure they will give their all to try to stop Arsenal winning.

Hatem Ben Arfa might be the only Newcastle player to look at now that he finally seems to have overcome his injury problems.

Arsenal got the win they need at home to Wigan in midweek and know they will finish fourth at worst if they win this game. Third is still a slight possibility for them but it depends on Chelsea not beating Everton. Arsenal have the best defensive record in the league away from home and will welcome Olivier Giroud back from his three game suspension.

Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott look to be the Arsenal players to opt for and their defenders are a good choice away from home too.

Arsenal need to win this game and I think they will do so.

Prediction: 0-2
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Southampton v Stoke City

St. Mary's Stadium, Southampton 

Southampton got the point they needed to make them safe last week and they will want to finish the season on a high in front of their fans. They have only lost six home games out of 18 and are capable of playing good football. If they can get Stoke to keep the ball out of the air they will be favourites to win.

Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez are probably the Southampton players most likely to perform in their last game of the season.

Stoke have only two wins and 12 goals away from home. With their Premier League place safe for next season maybe they will change their style for a game but I doubt it. The chances of Stoke actually trying to play football are few and far between.

It's not easy to pick Stoke players as they offer so little in attack but their defenders are worth considering.

I think Southampton's attacking flair might just get the better of Stoke's anti football.

Prediction: 2-1
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Swansea City v Fulham

Liberty Stadium, Swansea

Swansea haven't been great since winning the Capital One Cup, but they put on a good performance away to United last week. They will relish the chance to finish the season on a high against a Fulham side who look like it finished for them a few weeks ago.

Miguel Michu is still the best fantasy bet in the Swansea team.

Fulham have lost they last five games in a row and are lucky their run didn't start a week or two earlier. They have only won three of their 18 away games and will do very well to get anything out of this game.

It would take a brave person to pick Fulham players on current form.

I think Swansea should be good enough to beat a Fulham team that are clearly anxiously waiting for their holidays.

Prediction: 3-1
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Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland 

White Hart Lane, London 

Spurs have to win this game and hope Arsenal don't win away to Newcastle or they will finish fifth. They have come so close to qualifying for next season's Champions League, but it's not in their own hands on the last day. It will be a bitter blow for them if they don't make it.

Gareth Bale is still the outstanding Spurs player for fantasy managers.

Sunderland can thank Arsenal for beating Wigan on Tuessay night to keep them in the Premier League for another season. They have certainly improved under Paolo Di Canio and might well have been relegated if Martin O'Neill wasn't shown the door. They have only won four of their 18 away games and will be lucky not to be well beaten in this game.

It's not easy to see what Sunderland players might do well in this game, but as always Simon Mignolet is a good bet.

I think Spurs will get the win they need but it will probably end in heartache for them anyway.

Prediction: 3-1
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West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United

The Hawthorns, Birmingham 

West Brom were well and truly beaten by Norwich last week in what was probably their worst performance of the season. They have a pretty good record at home with nine wins in 18 games and only a win will guarantee eighth place. They should be able to give the champions a run for their money.

Romelu Lukaku is still the best fantasy bet in the West Brom team, but he has dried up in the last few games.

United haven't been the same team since securing the title a few weeks ago which is understandable. It will be an emotional day for them as it's Alex Ferguson's last game in charge before retiring. They will want to give him a good farewell with a performance and result to match the occasion.

Robin van Persie is by far the best fantasy performer in the United team.

Prediction: 2-2
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West Ham United v Reading

Upton Park, London

West Ham have only lost four home games out of 18 and have a good defensive record at home too. They have been very hard to beat in recent weeks and will fancy their chances against a team that are already relegated.

Andy Carroll has looked good in recent weeks and could end his loan spell at West Ham on a high.

Reading will be returning to the Championship after just one year in the Premier League. They really weren't good enough at this level but they have given it their best shot at least. They have lost 14 of their 18 away games so far and the chances are it will be 15 after this game.

I can't see any Reading players worth considering for fantasy managers.

West Ham should be good enough to win this game by a few goals.

Prediction: 3-0
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Wigan Athletic v Aston Villa

DW Stadium, Wigan

Wigan were relegated when Arsenal beat them on Tuesday night and made history by being the first team to win the FA Cup and be relegated the next season. They will have a trophy to show off to their fans but it will be a bittersweet day for them. They will want to go down with a win but coming back up next season won't be easy for this Europa League bound club.

Shaun Maloney and Arouna Kone could be the Wigsn players to shine if they can lift themselves after their disappointment.

Villa will be glad Wigan lost on Tuesday night as this game would have been a huge game otherwise. With Wigan already relegated Villa can relax and play the football which had seen them climb the table recently. They have got the worst defensive record away from home though and Wigan have the worst defensive record at home.

Christian Benteke is the Villa player most likely to succeed for fantasy managers and he could be ably assisted by Gabriel Agbonlahor.

This could be a high scoring game and I think Villa are going to win it.

Prediction: 1-3
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That's it for this season.

See you next season.

Predictions For Premier League Gameweek 37

It's that time of the week again when I attempt to predict the outcomes of the upcoming Premier League games. I did reasonably well last week with three perfect scorelines, three correct outcomes and seven incorrect. It means I stayed fifth in my predictions league with only two weeks to go, but I still have hopes of finishing as high as second.

There are a lot of crunch games this week and it's not easy to predict the outcomes with so much at stake for so many clubs. It should make things very interesting though and it looks like a lot of issues will go right to the last day of the season. Here's a look at how my predictions league stands.

Pos.     Player.                         Week.         Total.
___     ______                        _____         _____          
1.        antonius_ronny_s           10              2540                
2.        RSun624                       10              1915
3.        ahujag                            00              1870
4.        birchy1962                  -15               1820
5.        JamrockRover               60              1815
6.       b_red_devils                 -15              1730
7.       Rutland Gooner              55              1720
8.       AblockGooner                 5              1650
9.       nawa87                          35              1635
10.     Plasticninja                     55              1515

Saturday May 11
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Aston Villa v Chelsea

12.45pm BST, Villa Park, Birmingham

Villa have hit form at exactly the right time to save themselves from relegation. A win in this game guarantees their survival, but it won't be an easy task against a Chelsea team chasing Champions League football. Villa have had very good results against other struggling teams recently but all of the top teams have beaten them in that time.

Christian Benteke has been an excellent fantasy performer since the turn of the year and he has been ably supported by Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Chelsea have a Europa Cup Final only four days after this game and there must be a temptation for them to rest players. A win would guarantee a top four finish with a game left to play and that has to be their top priority. They have only won half of their 18 away games and too much rotation could be a dangerous thing for them.

If they play Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Frank Lampard are excellent fantasy performers with Chelsea's defenders performing well recently too.

This promises to be a very close game and I have a feeling it will end all square.

Prediction: 1-1
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Sunday May 12
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Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur

1.30pm BST, Britannia Stadium, Stoke

Stoke are as good as safe from relegation and have only lost four of their 18 home games. They seem to have found some of that defensive stability which was a hallmark of the first half of their season. They're never an easy team to beat and will want to put on a performance for their fans in their last home game of the season.

Asmir Begovic, Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth are again the Stoke players to consider for fantasy managers but maybe not against Spurs.

Spurs could only draw at Chelsea on Wednesday night and their fate is no longer in their own hands. They need to win this game to have a realistic chance of a top four finish but they have been far from their best in recent weeks. Only United have scored more away goals than Spurs though and they will need to find that goalscoring ability in this game.

Gareth Bale continues to excel for Spurs and is a must for any fantasy manager.

I can see this being another really close affair and I think Stoke will do enough to get a point.

Prediction: 1-1
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Everton v West Ham United

3pm BST, Goodison Park, Liverpool

Everton can no longer qualify for the Champions League, but they will finish ahead of Liverpool if they win this game. They have only been beaten once at home this season and will be looking to finish the season on a high. They have been solid at the back in recent weeks and will want to put on a performance to bid farewell to David Moyes.

Leighton Baines is the best performing fantasy player for Everton and always worth considering.

West Ham have become very difficult to beat in recent weeks and have moved into the top half of the table. Only Reading have lost more away games though and West Ham are the lowest scorers away from home.

Andy Carroll has being doing pretty well for fantasy managers in recent weeks.

I think Everton will have the edge in a very tight game and will get the win they need.

Prediction: 1-0
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Fulham v Liverpool

3pm BST, Craven Cottage, London

Fulham have gone to pieces in recent weeks and are lucky they were safe from relegation before they did so.They have taken only one point in six games and were beaten at home by already relegated Reading last week. They have lost eight of their 18 home games which is more than usual for a team who are quite strong at home.

I can't see any Fulham players to pick at the moment.

Liverpool needed to beat Everton last Sunday to have a realistic chance of catching them but could only draw 0-0. They have only won six of their 18 away games, but only United have scored more away goals than Liverpool. With the exception of the 6-0 win over Newcastle they have struggled to score in recent weeks.

If Liverpool are going to take advantage of a struggling Fulham team then Daniel Sturridge and Phillippe Coutinho could be the players to benefit.

I think Liverpool have to be good enough to beat a Fulham team that are performing so badly.

Prediction: 0-2
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Norwich City v West Bromwich Albion

3pm BST, Carrow Road, Norwich

Norwich lost at home to Villa last week and the result leaves them three points above the relegation zone with two games left. They will feel they need something from this game as their chances of getting a result at City on the last day are slim. The defeat against Villa was only Norwich's fourth home defeat of the season and the cannot afford a fifth one.

Robert Snodgrass has been the most consistent fantasy performer in the Norwich team.

West Brom have little left to play for and have lost 10 of their 18 away games. They have still played well in recent weeks though and will make Norwich's task hard for them.

Both Romelu Lukaku and Shane Long are in form at the moment and worth considering.

I can see this being a nervy affair for Norwich and probably ending in a draw.

Prediction: 1-1
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Queens Park Rangers v Newcastle United

3pm BST, Loftus Road, London

QPR are now rooted to the bottom of the table and looking forward to life in the Championship next season. They have only won two of their 18 home games and scored 12 goals in the process. This is their last home game of the season and surely they will want to give their fans something to cheer for a change.

I can't see any QPR players worth including for fantasy managers.

Newcastle were very relieved to see Wigan lose on Tuesday night as it kept them out of the bottom three. They need to get something from this game or relegation will be staring them in the faces with only one game to go. They have only won once in 18 away games and only Villa have conceded more away goals than Newcastle.

At the moment there are no Newcastle players who look likely to perform for fantasy managers.

I think this could be a nervy affair for Newcastle but they will probably get a point from it.

Prediction: 1-1
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Sunderland v Southampton

3pm BST, Stadium of Light, Sunderland

Sunderland got a precious point at home to Stoke on Monday night after being reduced to 10 men. A win in this game will guarantee their safety because of their superior goal difference, but it won't be easy for them. They have only won five of their 18 home games and there have been very few goals by either side in those games.

With Sephane Sessegnon suspended and Stephen Fletcher injured the only Sunderland player worth considering is Simon Mignolet.

Southampton have four points to spare over Wigan and it should be enough to ensure their safety. They were unlucky to lose at Spurs last week and will make Sunderland's task very difficult. They have only managed three wins away from home though.

Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez are the Southampton players to choose for fantasy managers.

I can see Southampton making life difficult for Sunderland and getting an away win.

Prediction: 1-2
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Manchester United v Swansea City

4pm BST, Old Trafford, Manchester

United will be presented with the league title at this game and get to say good bye to Alex Ferguson too. They have taken their foot off the gas since winning the title, but I expect them to be at their best in this game. They have won more home games than any other team and only Arsenal can match the goals they have scored at home.

Robin van Persie is still by far the best fantasy performer in the United team.

Swansea haven't been good since winning the Capital One Cup, but they did manage to win at Wigan in midweek. They have found goals hard to come by on their travels and will miss the injured Miguel Michu.The win at Wigan was their first win in eight games and can't expect to get much from this game.

I can't see any Swansea players to recommend at the moment.

I can't see anything other than a United win in this game.

Prediction: 3-0
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Tuesday May 14
_____________________

Arsenal v Wigan Athletic

7.45pm BST, Emirates Stadium, London

Arsenal have their fate back in their own hands after Spurs failed to beat Chelsea on Wednesday night. They are the joint top scorers at home and have taken 33 points in their last 14 games. They haven't been exactly convincing in recent weeks, but they have got the results they needed.

Theo Walcott is the Arsenal player performing best for fantasy managers in the last few games.

Wigan needed to win at home to Swansea on Tuesday night but some very poor defending saw them lose 3-2. They have managed five away wins which is better than the other teams at the wrong end of the table, but they will have their work cut out against Arsenal. Wigan play in the FA Cup final three days before this game and the effects of that game could really count against them.

If Wigan are going to stay up then they will need Shaun Maloney, Arouna Kone and Callum McManaman to perform for them and fantasy managers too.

I think Arsenal will be able to do enough to get the win they need.

Prediction: 2-1
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Reading v Manchester City

8pm BST, Madjeski Stadium, Reading

Reading may be relegated already but they got a good 4-2 win at Fulham last week. This is their last home game of the season and they will want to go out on a high, but it won't be easy against last season's champions. The win against Fulham was their first win in 11 games but they will feel they have a chance against a team who have played in the FA Cup final four days before this game.

I can't see any Reading players to recommend to fantasy managers.

City only need a point from their last two games to wrap up second place ad they are favourites to win the FA Cup on Saturday too. They're 10 points behind United and they have taken 10 points less than them away from home. It's not unusual for champions to struggle a little on the road as every team wants to claim such a big scalp.

Carlos Tevez and City's defenders are the players to watch in my opinion.

Despite City not being great away from home and playing in the FA Cup on Saturday I think they should still have enough to win.

Prediction: 1-3
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That's it for this week.

See you next week.

Predictions For Premier League Gameweek 36

It 's that time of the week again when I attempt to predict the outcomes of the upcoming Premier League games. I didn't do so well last week with one perfect scoreline, three correct outcomes and six incorrect. It means I stay fifth in my predictions league with only three rounds of games left.

There's a lot to play for this week with one relegation place still to be decided and the final two Champions League slots up for grabs too. There are extra games for six teams this week and fantasy managers need to be aware of which teams are playing twice before picking their teams.

Here's a look at how my predictions league stands.

Pos     Player                         Week     Total
___     _____                        ____       ____
1.        antonius_ronny_s         80          2530
2.        RSun624                    125         1905
3.        ahujag                        125         1870
4.        birchy1962                  55         1835
5.        JamrockRover             20         1755
6.        b_red_devils                70         1745
7.        Rutland Gooner           50         1665
8.        AblockGooner            45         1645
9.        nawa87                     -20         1600    
10.      Plasticninja                  90         1460


Saturday May 4
____________________

Fulham v Reading



3pm BST, Craven Cottage, London

Fulham have only one point and one goal in their last five games but they are in a fairly safe position eight points above Wigan. They have won seven of their 17 home games which is less than usual and they have lost seven of them too. If Dimitar Berbatov fails to recover from his injury they could struggle to score again.

With Berbatov probably injured it's hard to see what Fulham players to recommend.

Reading just weren't good enough for the Premier League and their relegation was confirmed along with QPR last week. They have lost 14 of their 17 away games and only Stoke and West Ham have less goals on their travels. They have bowed out of the league with a whimper with only 2 points in their last 10 games and they were both 0-0 draws at home.

There are no Reading players worth considering for fantasy managers.

I think Fulham have to be good enough to beat Reading.

Prediction: 2-1
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Norwich v Aston Villa



3pm BST, Carrow Road, Norwich

Norwich are six points above the drop zone and a win in this game would as good as guarantee their safety for another season. They have only lost three of their 17 home games and would probably settle for a draw against a team only a point behind them. They have only won once in their last eight games, but crucially that was against Reading.

Maybe Robert Snodgrass might be the best of a bad bunch in the Norwich team.

Villa had a great 6-1 win over fellow strugglers Sunderland on Monday night to move them above Newcastle on goal difference. They have beaten four of the other struggling teams in their last seven games and only lost to United and Liverpool. Their fire power should be enough to see them safe this season.

Christian Benteke showed how good he can be with a hat trick on Monday night and is well worth including for fantasy managers.

I can see Villa winning this one to finally pull away from relegation trouble.

Prediction: 1-2
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Swansea City v Manchester City



3pm BST, Liberty Stadium, Swansea

Swansea haven't been the same team since they won the Capital One Cup and have only taken two points and scored four goals in their last six games. They have only lost four of their 17 home games though and surely they will want to put on a display against last season's champions.

With two games this week Miguel Michu is worth considering although his goals have dried up in the last few games again.

City have little to play for except their pride and assuring they finish second. There's a possibility of players being rested with the FA Cup final coming up and that may effect their display. Only United and Spurs have won more away games than City and only Arsenal have conceded less goals on the road.

City play twice this week too and if they keep their strongest team then Carlos Tevez and Yaya Toure are good choices along with their defenders.

I think City might just squeeze a victory over a Swansea team which really aren't clicking at the moment.

Prediction: 1-2
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Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton



3pm BST, White Hart Lane, London

Spurs play twice this week and two wins would leave them in the driving seat for a top four finish. They have won nine of their 17 home games and know this is a must win game as it's by far the easier of their games this week. They have been far from their best in recent weeks and Gareth Bale could be required to do it all on his own for them yet again if they are to succeed.

Bale is an absolute must with two games this week and Jermaine Defoe is worth considering too.

Southampton must surely be safe with a seven point gap to Wigan and so many other teams below them. They have only managed three wins in 17 away games and their results haven't been great in the last three games. They will struggle to get anything from a Spurs side who quite simply have to win.

Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez are the best choices in the Southampton team but their goals have dried up in recent weeks.

Spurs need to win this game and I think they will get the three points.

Prediction: 3-1
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West Bromwich Albion v Wigan Athletic



3pm BST, The Hawthorns, Birmingham

West Brom had a very good 3-0 win away to Southampton last week considering they have little to play for. They have won nine of their 17 home games and have a pretty good defensive record at home too. A win would surely secure a top eight finish and that's no mean feat for West Brom.

West Brom play twice this week which makes Romelu Lukaku look like a good bet and Shane Long could be considered too.

Wigan are five points adrift of the safety of 17th place with a game in hand on the teams above them. They play twice this week before appearing in the FA Cup final and they really need to win both of those games. They are both against teams with little to play for and that could swing things in Wigan's favour.

Arouna Kone and Shaun Maloney could be the ones to watch with two games for Wigan this week.

I think this could be a very close game and West Brom's home form could just see them through.

Prediction: 2-1
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West Ham United v Newcastle United



3pm BST, Upton Park, London

West Ham have being getting good results recently but they were beaten 2-1 away to City last week. They're a tougher proposition at home and can be a handful for any team on their own patch. They have only lost four of their 17 home games and have scored 30 goals in the process.

Andy Carroll looks the best fantasy choice in the Newcastle team at the moment with Jussi Jaaskelainen performing well too.

Newcastle were thrashed 6-0 at home by Liverpool last week and are now five points above the drop zone having played a game more than Wigan. They have only won once and lost 10 times in 17 away games and they need something from this game. If Wigan are to stage yet another late escape then Newcastle could be the team to lose out.

It's hard to see what Newcastle players to choose at the moment with none of them performing particularly well.

I think West Ham should be good enough at home to beat Newcastle.

Prediction: 2-1
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Queens Park Rangers v Arsenal



5.30pm BST, Loftus Road, London

QPR needed a win at Reading last week to keep their slim hopes of staying up alive but they could only draw 0-0. They have only won twice in 17 home games and only scored 12 goals in the process. All they have left to play for is their pride.

With relegation confirmed I can't see any Rangers players to consider.

Arsenal could only draw 1-1 at home to newly crowned champions United last Sunday and are no longer masters of their own fate as a result. They have the best defensive record in the league away from home but they need to start creating more chances in their last three games. If they win all three of those games they should surely amass enough points to finish in the top four.

Arsenal aren't scoring too much at the moment but Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla are still their best fantasy bets.

Arsenal have to win this game and I think they will do so.

Prediction: 0-2
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Sunday May 5
_____________________

Liverpool v Everton



1.30pm BST, Anfield, Liverpool

Liverpool showed they can perform without Luis Suarez last week with a 6-0 win at Newcastle. There's a theory that they're a better team without Suarez and that theory will be sorely tested in this fierce local derby. If Liverpool are to catch Everton they have to win this game which could add a little extra spice to it.

With Suarez out others are performing for Liverpool and Daniel Sturridge and Phillippe Coutinho look to be the best of them. It's hard to discount Stephen Gerrard in a game like this too.

Everton still have faint hopes of a top four finish but two of the teams above them would have to fall apart for that to happen. They need to make sure they don't lose this game or Liverpool will be only two points behind them. They're a hard team to beat but they have only managed four wins away from home.

As always Leighton Baines needs to be considered for any fantasy manager although his cost is prohibitive.

I think Liverpool might just be able to win what promises to be a very tight game.

Prediction: 2-1
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Manchester United v Chelsea



4pm BST, Old Trafford, Manchester

United get to parade their trophy in front of their fans and they will want to put on a display worthy of champions. They have won 15 of their 17 home games in the league and scored 43 goals in the process. They might not have anything to play for but the prospect of beating Chelsea should be enough to get the best out of them.

Robin van Persie is still by far the best fantasy performer in the United team.

Chelsea have only won eight of their 17 away games in what has been a very busy season for them. After this game they play Spurs in a game they cannot afford to lose before playing away to Villa and then taking part in the Europa League final a few days later. It's a tough schedule and if they end up trophy less and outside the top four it will all have been for nothing.

With two games this week Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Frank Lampard all have to be considered.

I think United should be good enough to beat a Chelsea team who have to be tiring at this stage.

Prediction: 2-1
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Monday May 6
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Sunderland v Stoke City



8pm BST, Stadium of Light, Sunderland

Sunderland looked to haves turned the corner with Paolo di Canio taking the reins but they were soundly beaten by Villa on Monday night. They're now level with both Villa and Newcastle on points and looking over their shoulders at Wigan. Sunderland have only lost six of their 17 home games and have been good defensively at home despite a lack of goals themselves.

With Stephanne Sessegnon suspended it could be Adam Johnson who is most likely to perform for Sunderland.

Stoke won their last two games against other teams at the wrong end of the table without conceding a goal. They're as good as safe with an eight point gap to Wigan and their defence looking a lot more solid again. They have only won two of 17 away games though and have only managed 11 goals in those games.

If Stoke can keep their defensive solidity then Asmir Begovic, Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth are their best fantasy options.

I can see this being a very close game and probably ending level.

Prediction: 1-1
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Tuesday May 7
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Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion



7.45pm BST, Etihad Stadium, Manchester

City should have enough points after this game to guarantee second place in the league. The only thing to stop them winning could possibly be the players minds being on the upcoming FA Cup final. City have only lost one home game in the league this season and have best defensive record at home too.

As I said above Tevez and Yaya Toure are ones to watch along with Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta.

West Brom hadn't won in four games before winning at Southampton last week. They were very impressive in that game though and will be more than capable of getting a result from this game if City have their minds elsewhere. They don't have a great away record though with nine defeats in 17 games.

Lukaku is definitely the best fantasy option in the West Brom team although they won't find it easy in this game.

I can't see anything other than a home win in this game.

Prediction: 3-1
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Wigan Athletic v Swansea City



7.45pm BST, DW Stadium, Wigan

Wigan cannot afford to have their minds on the FA Cup as Premier League survival is far more important. If they're going to stay up they will have to win this game as the other teams at the wrong end of the table aren't  playing. Wigan have only won four home league games this season but they will have to win their last two to perform another late escape.

Kone and Maloney will have to do something to save Wigan and Callum McManaman might not be a bad option either.

Swansea may not have done much since winning their first trophy in February but they are not an easy team to beat. They will give Wigan a good game and have every chance of getting something out of it.

Besides Michu there's a chance Jonathan de Guzman might do well for Swansea this week.

I think this could be a very close game and it might well end all square.

Prediction: 1-1
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Wednesday May 8
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Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur



7.45pm BST, Old Trafford, London

Chelsea will know what they need to do before this game after the weekend results. Even if they lose to United they will be ahead of Spurs as long as they don't lose this game. With so much at stake I think Chelsea will make sure they don't lose this game.

The trio of Hazard, Mata and Lampard are the best bets in the Chelsea team as it's hard to know which striker will play.

Spurs will know what result they need from this game before it's played and that could decide their tactics. Only United have won more away games than Spurs and they will think they have a great chance of getting something from this game.

Besides Bale and possibly Defoe there's always a chance Clint Dempsey can get something in Spurs two games this week.

There's an awful lot riding on this game and I think it will end in a draw.

Prediction: 2-2
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That's it for this week

See you tomorrow.