So another season is drawing to a close, and Premier League clubs are making the dip before the finish line with the penultimate round of matches taking place this weekend. Far from cooling down however, the League is bubbling wildly thanks to last weekend’s results.
West Brom and Newcastle both picked up vital wins that offer a glimmer of light at the end of a dark season, but only if the former can pick up an unlikely victory against title-chasing Liverpool on Sunday, and the latter can defeat in-form Fulham at St. James’ Park tomorrow. Hull and Middlesbrough both suffered last weekend, leaving the lights well and truly out unless they can pick up something positive against Bolton and Villa respectively. In fact, the Villains basically hold the life of several Premier League clubs in their hands, as next week they welcome Newcastle to the Midlands, and given the form Martin O’Neil’s men have been in so far in 2009, there could certainly be points up for grabs for both Boro and the Toon.
Though it has seemed it, not everything is sewn up at the top of the table either - the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th placed teams could all be different in just over a week’s time. Man United’s win over Wigan in midweek has put them 6 points clear, but the ever-hopeful Liverpool will be praying that Arsenal can take 3 points away from their trip to the North-West.
Footie Frog can’t see it happening though – Arsenal are as solid as paper in the rain at the moment; their defence has been pulled apart with unbelievable ease by United in Europe and by Chelski last week. When you add in the opportunity United have to win the title at Old Trafford on Saturday, a chance rarely available to them in their title-laden history, and when you consider that they could celebrate it in front of one of their rivals, Arsenal’s odds are cut even further.
The middle of the table, however, has simmered down. Everyone is now playing for prize money, trying to snatch as many points as possible before the finish to allow the club a little extra in the transfer kitty come July. There is still a possibility that 7th place in the League could be enough for Europa League (I know, the name still makes me cringe too…) if Chelsea beat Everton in the FA Cup final. So Fulham, Spurs, West Ham, and Man City could still, in theory, nab some squad-exhausting trips to Eastern Europe next season. With most of these sides playing a relegation-threatened team in one of their final games, and with Man City travelling to Spurs this weekend, a little excitement has been added to their otherwise relatively dull lives. Wouldn’t it be fun, if, after all their efforts, Everton won the cup… No? Cruel? Oh, it was just a thought…
The Fixtures...
Man Utd v Arsenal: United win the title emphatically, Fabregas dreams of Madrid as title is paraded before him…
Bolton v Hull: Away trip proves just too much for struggling Tigers, who scurry home with tails between their legs…narrow home win…
Everton v West Ham: Pretty meaningless game for Everton, whose players will have one eye on the Cup Final - the Hammers can come away with a draw…
Middlesbrough v Aston Villa: If Newcastle can beat you, you know you’re in trouble; the Villains should take a nail gun to ‘Boro’s coffin – away win…
Newcastle v Fulham: Confidence will be soaring at St. James’, and the fans will be buzzing…whether the Toon can break down the resolute Fulham defence as they did with ‘Boro is another mater entirely, draw…
Stoke v Wigan: Does anyone really care? No, I mean really… even their fans? Uninspiring home win…
Tottenham v Man City: Both pretend to be big clubs, both pretend the Europa League is important, both will try their hardest not to win this… but City will succeed – narrow home win…
West Brom v Liverpool: It’s unfair for people like Marc-Antoine Fortune to keep doing this to the Baggies faithful… Liverpool will remove the frustration that hope brings - away win…
Chelsea v Blackburn: Blackburn are safe, Chelsea are solid at home - a place where Big Sam should probably just stay this week - home win…
Portsmouth v Sunderland: It isn’t what they ideally need, but it looks the most likely… the Black Cats will continue their snails pace escape from relegation with another draw…
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