As Chelsea and Leicester will face each other in the 140th FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday evening, they have already played their Premier League MatchDay 36 games.
Oladipupo Mojeed brings us the preview and predictions of all other games.
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Newcastle v Manchester City
The newly crowned Premier League champions are expected to be respected with a guard of honour when they visit Newcastle at St James’s Park tonight.
After their 1-1 draw against Liverpool, the Tyneside club continued their good form with a 4-2 win at Leicester, which pulled them out of the relegation battle before the relegated clubs were confirmed. With their best players back in full fitness, they could well crash the celebration party of City.
However, Pep Guardiola’s men are capable of getting a result based on the quality they have across all departments.
This is a difficult match to predict. Guardiola is expected to keep his players sharp and give them the needed rest ahead of the Champions League final in Portugal. The Spaniard will likely field a side that is capable of winning, while the remaining three league games can act as rehearsals for the Champions League trophy.
This should be a relatively easy encounter for the Citizens as Newcastle is also safe for next season. So, I give it to City.
Prediction: 0-2
Burnley v Leeds United
After ensuring their safety for another season by relegating Fulham with a win at Craven Cottage on Monday, Burnley will be more relaxed as they now have nothing to lose.
Leeds on the other hand will go all out attacking, as they aim to finish as high as possible. And on the back of a 3-1 win over Tottenham last time out, I am giving them a win here but it might be close.
Prediction: 1-2
Southampton v Fulham
Although they looked sharp against Liverpool in their last game and could have secured a draw at Anfield last weekend, they responded with a win over Crystal Palace on Tuesday.
Hosting an already relegated Fulham gives them a further opportunity to extend their winning streak. But playing against a wounded team like Fulham could provide an interesting affair for all fans.
Prediction: 2-0
Brighton & Hove Albion v West Ham United
Everton put a dent in West Ham’s hopes of making the top four last weekend. However, the Hammers are expected to win here as Brighton will be without suspended duo Lewis Dunk and Neal Maupay after their red cards against Wolves.
But the hosts can get something out of the game since they are already guaranteed another season in the top flight.
West Ham need a win to solidify the 6th spot, having been dislodged from the 5th spot by Liverpool. Knowing that Spurs, Everton, and Arsenal are lurking behind, they can’t afford another slip here.
Prediction: 1-2
Crystal Palace v Aston Villa
This is a game between two mid-table sides and fans are likely to see some attacking play.
Aston Villa will be delighted to have their captain, Jack Grealish, back to the side. He came off the bench in Aston Villa’s midweek draw with Everton. He still needs to gain match sharpness and so, he is not expected to pose a threat to the Palace midfield.
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Having lost their last game against Southampton, Palace will want to return to winning ways at home and this Premier League Matchday 36 fixture offers them the opportunity.
Having lost four of their past five games, they are likely to get a result here.
Prediction: 2-1
Tottenham Hotspur v Wolverhampton Wanderers
After their 4-0 hammering at the Molineux in the hands of Burnley, Wolves have begun gathering their pieces. With another season assured, Wolves have started to pick up a bit in the past few weeks.
Finishing in the top half of the table will be a big ask in the absence of Raul Jimenez. Therefore, Spurs should be able to win this based on the quality they possess as they aim to at least qualify for the Europa League.
To achieve this, they must convert their chances and avoid a repeat of the performance in their defeat by Leeds last time out.
Prediction: 2-1
West Bromwich Albion v Liverpool
Along with their remaining two matches against Burnley and Crystal Palace, this is expected to be a win for Liverpool.
Liverpool have themselves to blame for dropping points because they have refused to kill games after going ahead, with most of their losses recorded at home. So they have a chance of reaching the top four with a win here, but that also largely depends on Chelsea and Leicester losing points.
West Brom have nothing to lose following their relegation last weekend. But the pressure is off the Baggies now, and they can play with a bit of freedom. This should help Jurgen Klopp’s side on Sunday.
Prediction: 0-2
Everton v Sheffield United
Like Liverpool, Everton have not been impressive at home, with most of their wins coming from away games.
Having won only five out of 17 league games at Goodison Park so far this season, the Toffees are expected to win this against an already relegated side.
Sheffield United have the worst away record in the Premier League with just one win, one draw, and 15 defeats from 17 games on the road. They are therefore expected to lose again.
Prediction: 3-0
Premier League MatchDay 36 is a mixed bag. With teams already relegated and others still battling for European places, it should make for interesting viewing. We will be back with the review and highlights in a few days.
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