t's the end of the season and the only thing that matters this week is who will

fill the final

relegation spot.
We know Burnley and QPR are going to be replaced by Bournemouth and Watford. The final
relegation spot will go to Hull, who are odds on favorites to drop, or Newcastle. Either team
will be replaced by Norwich or Middlesbrough.
For Hull to remain in the EPL, they need to beat Manchester United at home and hope that
Newcastle lose to West Ham.
The problem is, on current form, both teams should lose, which would see Hull drop to the
Championship. Even if by some miracle Hull beat Manchester United, then Newcastle must
beat the Hammers. A draw won't cut it as they have a worse goal difference.
To be fair, neither team deserves to remain in the EPL. Newcastle have lost every game since
late February/early March, and Hull's performance over much of the season has been average
at best.
Hull have shown glimpses of the required quality, but glimpses aren't good enough in the
EPL. Newcastle have been nothing sort of dreadful since Christmas.
Game of the round: Manchester City v Southampton
This game is big for the aspirations of European football for the Saints, if they can claim a
final win against a red hot Manchester City.
City's form post-Christmas had been patchy at best, but their past five weeks have been
nothing short of brilliant, as they scored five wins in a row after their 4-2 loss to Manchester
United.
Southampton have also been disappointing since Christmas, but started coming right recently,
culminating in scoring five goals against Aston Villa in the first 45 minutes last weekend.
That included the EPL's fastest hat-trick to Sadio Mane, which only took 2 minutes and 56
seconds.
This will be a cracking game, despite it being the last of the season, as the Saints still have
plenty to play for.
On paper, Manchester City should take it, but I'm going to side with the Saints by a goal.
Other fixtures:
Arsenal v West Brom:
Arsenal were flat in the first half against Manchester United, but much improved in the
second half and lucky to score a deflected equaliser. West Brom effectively bullied a
disinterested, and in part, brainless Chelsea.
Prediction: I think the Gunners will be too strong here, and should win by two or more
goals.

Aston Villa v Burnley:

After going from looking likely to be relegated 12 weeks ago, to securing their status for next
season and an FA Cup final against Arsenal, Villa can play a more relaxed game. As can
Burnley as they know they are relegated.
Prediction: Despite Villa's thumping last weekend, they should take this by one or two goals.

Cesc Fabregas was sent off in bizarre circumstances during Chelsea's clash with West
Brom. PHOTO: Reuters
Chelsea v Sunderland:
Chelsea were brainless last weekend, thanks to their two Spanish imports. Diego Costa
should have been shown red for a raised elbow in the West Brom 18-yard box, and I have no
idea what Fabregas was thinking when he kicked the ball into the side of a Baggies player.
Sunderland have all but secured their spot next season, save an extreme mathematical chance
at relegation.
Prediction: Chelsea by two or more goals.
Crystal Palace v Swansea:
Palace were all class against Liverpool last weekend, and Yannick Bolasie was by far player
of that game, and the Eagles' best player since Christmas.

The Swans played well against Manchester City, but conceded two late goals to lose 4-2 in a
very entertaining game last weekend. Expect this game to be no different, with both teams
playing well and full of confidence.
Prediction: I think the Swans will end on a high and claim a one-goal win.
Everton v Spurs:
Everton have found form at the wrong end of the season, and are 25 points below their tally
last season. Spurs are still fighting for a Europa spot, and 5th place on the EPL ladder.
Prediction: I think this will be an excellent game, but one that will end in a draw.
Hull v Manchester United:
Important for Hull, they MUST WIN. United have secured a Champions League spot next
season, but I doubt that Luis Van Gaal will be letting his players ease up for Hull's sake. I
think they'll take the game to Hull, and it'll be all on Hull to take the game off Manchester.
Prediction: Ultimately, I think Hull will confirm their relegation and United will claim a win
by two or more goals.
Leicester v QPR:
A battle of the two promoted teams, after QPR confirmed its relegation two weeks ago while
Leicester ensured its survival last weekend. I can easily see Leroy Fer and Charlie Austin
being snapped up and staying in the EPL next season, as they have been by far the best on
show for QPR.
Prediction: Leicester will be out to finish on a high after doubling their pots tally in the past
few games.

Will Sam Alladyce stick around at West Ham after a disappointing end to the season?
PHOTO: Reuters
Newcastle v West Ham:
Newcastle certainly don't deserve to remain in the EPL. They have been poor all season, and
that's being kind. They've claimed one point out of a possible 27 in the past nine games.
The Hammers are not without their problems either. Fourth at Christmas and eleventh now, it
could see an end to Sam Allardyce's job with the Hammers after another average end to a
promising start to the season. But I still think they'll be too good for Newcastle.
Prediction: Hammers to win by one or two.
Stoke v Liverpool:
This will be Steven Gerrard's last game in Liverpool's colours before moving to LA. He's one
of the best players to ever grace the turf in the EPL.
I have huge respect for Gerrard as he's played his entire career for one club, and played with
heart and passion since coming on as a sub in his first game, during his teenage years.
Stoke, despite a seemingly inconsistent season, have enjoyed their highest points tally ever in
the EPL under Mark Hughes and should have finished higher than they have.
There's much for Liverpool to play for in this game, as a win will secure them fifth place this
season.