It’s the last day of the Premier League season with all 10 games kicking off at 3pm on Sunday. There’s not much to play for other than pride in many of the games but the final Champions League spot is certainly up for grabs.
BetVictor Ambassador Michael Owen shared his thoughts exclusively with BetVictor for the final time this season and believes it will be Arsenal who miss out on the Champions League for the first time since 1997.
Arsenal v Everton
Everton have not won at Arsenal (Highbury) since 1996 and I don’t expect them to buck that trend with the Gunners finishing the season in very good form. The battle for the Premier League Golden Boot may have been decided at the King Power Stadium on Thursday night but Alexis Sanchez currently trails Romelu Lukaku by one (24-23) and their mini-battle is a fascinating sub-plot to the game.
I expect to see goals at the Emirates with the hosts getting the lion’s share.
Burnley v West Ham
As well as Liverpool played at the London Stadium last weekend I don’t think the Hammers played with the same intensity as they did against Spurs recently and they may find it difficult to get back up to that level of performance at Turf Moor.
It is well documented that Turf Moor has been a fortress for the Clarets this term with 33 of their 40 points won on home soil, and I think they can end the campaign with a flourish.
Chelsea v Sunderland
Champions Chelsea will break the record for the number of wins in a Premier League season if they beat the relegated Black Cats and gain a remarkable 30th win of the season. It is hard to see anything other than an emphatic home win for the Blues and good luck to John Terry who is likely to make at some stage his 492nd and final Premier League appearance for the Blues.
A great defender and a great captain.
Hull City v Tottenham
Harry Kane’s four-timer against Leicester means he has joined an august band of strikers (five) in the history of the Premier League who have scored 25 or more goals in a season in successive years. It has been a remarkable season for a player who just gets better and better and he is likely to retain his Golden Boot title given he takes a two-goal lead into the final day.
I can’t see Hull stopping this excellent Spurs side in their current mood and fully expect to see another emphatic away win.
Leicester City v Bournemouth
Despite their 6-1 mauling by Spurs on Thursday, Leicester will end the season in the top half of the table if they beat the Cherries and Craig Shakespeare will be keen for his side to end what has been a difficult season on a winning note.
That said Bournemouth would finish in the top 10 if they avoid defeat at the King Power. This has been another excellent season for Eddie Howe’s side who have cemented their place in the Premier League.
Liverpool v Middlesbrough
We highlighted the fact that Liverpool have been, arguably, a better team on the road this season when looking at their trip to West Ham last weekend. The Reds and their fans may have to be patient back at Anfield as they look to break down Boro, but they have worked too hard this season to let a return to the Champions League slip through their fingers at the eleventh hour.
Manchester United v Crystal Palace
Jose Mourinho suggested after the draw with Southampton earlier in the week, that he would field a weakened side against the Eagles and, with that in mind, this is a difficult game to predict. Palace Player of the Season Wilfried Zaha has had a great season and he will want to show everyone at United just what might have been.
Southampton v Stoke City
Southampton have gone four top-flight games without scoring for the first time in their history and one goal might be enough to send Saints’ fans home happy against a Stoke side who were readily brushed aside by Arsenal last weekend.
Swansea v West Brom
Swansea will be relieved to have maintained their Premier League status after their excellent win at Sunderland last week. West Brom were no match for City midweek but no side managed by Tony Pulis will give anything less than 100% although I think the Swans might take all three points.
Watford v Manchester City
Gabriel Jesus has now scored six times and contributed three assists in his seven Premier League starts for Manchester City and he might be the difference between the sides at Vicarage Road. Watford will begin their search for a new manager after the game and I note with interest that the first five in the betting at BetVictor to replace Walter Mazzari are all foreign coaches. Very much a sign of the times.
Michael Owen’s midweek wager
Michael’s weekend wager: Spurs, Leicester City and Burnley to all win at 7/1
Michael Owen is a brand ambassador for BetVictor. For more tips from Michael read his column here.
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