Premier League Matchday 38: Who Will Have The Final Say?
9 min read
The race for the Premier League title has gone down to the last weekend of the season. Brand Ambassador Michael Owen again shared his thoughts exclusively with BetVictor on all the final day action.
Brighton v Manchester City
Manchester City will become the first side since neighbours United in 2008-09 to retain the Premier League title if they win at the Amex and it is hard to see the Seagulls stopping City winning their 14th successive league game.
That stat shows just how hard Liverpool have made City work for the title. The Seagulls showed at Arsenal on Sunday that they will not lie down and, indeed, could have snatched it at the death at the Emirates had they shown more composure in front of goal.
City were not at their brilliant best against Leicester on Monday night but a moment of inspiration from skipper Vincent Kompany was enough to give them the points. Pep Guardiola’s side would love an early goal, but they may have to be patient on the south coast although I do believe they will, eventually, run out comfortable winners.
Tip: City to win to nil
Burnley v Arsenal
Burnley have lost their last nine games with Arsenal in all competitions, but I believe the Clarets will pick up a point at Turf Moor irrespective of the Gunners’ result at Valencia in the Europa League on Thursday.
Sean Dyche was not happy with his side’s opening 45-minutes at Goodison on Friday and I expect to see a much-improved performance from his side on Sunday. Arsenal must win to stand any chance of finishing in the top four, but their poor second-half against Brighton last weekend summed their inconsistent PL season up.
Tip: Game to finish in a draw
Crystal Palace v Bournemouth
Palace have won just 19 points at Selhurst Park – to go with the 29 on their travels – this season but I expect them to finish the campaign in style in front of their home supporters.
Bournemouth did win their last home game of the season at the Vitality last weekend, but it was hardly an impressive performance against a Spurs side who played the vast majority of the second half with nine men. The Cherries have scored eight goals in their last two PL away games, but I feel it will be Roy Hodgson’s side who take maximum points.
Tip: Palace to win
Fulham v Newcastle United
Fulham have won their last two home league games, but I feel United will take a point at Craven Cottage, having played their part in a terrific game with Liverpool at St James’ Park last weekend.
The Cottagers have only conceded one goal in their last four games and they have improved dramatically under Scott Parker. I can’t split the sides in what promises to an entertaining farewell to the Premier League for the hosts.
Tip: Score draw
Leicester City v Chelsea
Chelsea are guaranteed a spot in the Champions League next term and the hope is that they are also Europa League finalists by the time they visit the King Power Stadium on Sunday.
The Foxes are, however, looking to do the double over the Blues and, if there is to be a winner, I think the hosts will edge another entertaining game.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals
Liverpool v Wolves
Champions League finalists Liverpool would be worthy winners of a 19th top-flight title should City slip up at the Amex, but I feel it will be in Madrid at the beginning of June, rather than Anfield on Sunday, that the Reds win the major Trophy their magnificent season deserves.
Wolves, themselves, have had a terrific first season back in the top-flight and are guaranteed to finish seventh in the table.
Liverpool will go unbeaten at home for a second successive season if they avoid defeat to Wolves and I think Jurgen Klopp’s side can end their tremendous PL season in style.
Tip: Liverpool to win to nil
Manchester United v Cardiff City
Cardiff lost their relegation battle last weekend and they have never kept a clean sheet in their 15 previous visits to Old Trafford. United were held to a draw at another relegated club Huddersfield Town last weekend, but I expect them to make no mistake against the Bluebirds.
There will be a summer of transition and upheaval at Old Trafford with a number of new players coming in and several the old guard leaving the club. It will be fascinating to see how many of the side who start against the Bluebirds on Sunday are in the starting XI for the opening game of the 2019/20 season in August.
Tip: United halftime/fulltime
Southampton v Huddersfield Town
Southampton were blown apart by West Ham in London last weekend and the Saints have now conceded six goals in their last two Premier League games.
That said I expect the hosts to keep the points even though Town picked up a welcome point against Manchester United last Sunday.
Tip: Southampton -1
Tottenham v Everton
Spurs need a point to guarantee their place in the top four for the fourth successive season, but that is all I feel they will get against an Everton side who will be looking to exorcise their 6-2 home defeat from the reverse fixture at Goodison just before Christmas.
Everton have kept a clean sheet in eight of their last 10 league games, but I feel both sides will find the back of the net at the New Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tip: Game to finish 1-1
Watford v West Ham United
I fancy Watford to go into the FA Cup Final on the back of a win against a West Ham side who have won their last two in the league without conceding a goal.
The Hornets are looking to do the double over the Hammers for the first time in their history and a win would guarantee the club a top-half finish for the first time in the top-flight since the 1986-87 season.
Tip: Watford to win
Michael’s weekend wager: Crystal Palace, Southampton and Liverpool
