Dec 14

Matchday 36 Preview

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Newcastle vs Manchester City

Another raft of Premier League action gets underway on Friday night, as Newcastle play host to newly crowned champions Manchester City and with the Magpies securing their Premier League status for another year, they will have celebrating of their own to do.

While for Manchester City, they will now be afforded the opportunity to rest and rotate before this month's Champions League final. Although, they must be careful not to lose too much momentum.

Prediction: Newcastle 0-2 Manchester City

Burnley vs Leeds

With Burnley getting the better of Fulham on Monday, it means the relegation race has finally been run and with that, the Clarets are secure in the top flight for another season. However, one wonders, if this may end up being Sean Dyche's last few weeks in charge at Turf Moor.

Next up for the Clarets is the visit of Leeds and after Marcelo Bielsa's men got the better of Tottenham last Saturday, a top ten Premier League finish is now very much the target for the Elland Road outfit.

Prediction: Burnley 1-1 Leeds

Southampton vs Fulham

Earlier in the week, Southampton recorded a rather welcome Premier League win over Crystal Palace and one that just eases the pressure on manager Ralph Hasenhuttl. Then again, that pressure may well return if the Saints get off to a poor start next season.

While a poor start is something that Fulham cannot afford, as that will dent their hopes of promotion from the Championship and manager Scott Parker must now plan for life in the second tier.

Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Fulham

Brighton vs West Ham

With Brighton all booked up for another season of Premier League action, the biggest task will be to keep hold of manager Graham Potter and with Tottenham requiring a new man in charge, the Seagulls' boss is very much in the frame for a move to London.

While talking of London, West Ham come to the South Coast this weekend and with the top four slipping away, David Moyes must make sure his players do not slip out of the top seven as well.

Prediction: Brighton 1-2 West Ham

Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa

Although Crystal Palace won a first game in eternity last weekend, that celebration must be tempered slightly by the fact that they beat Sheffield United. Then again, a win is a win, and it is one, that the Eagles certainly deserved at Bramall Lane.

This weekend they play host to Aston Villa and after only managing a point against Everton on Thursday night, Dean Smith's men face a battle to finish in the top half of the Premier League table.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-1 Aston Villa

Tottenham vs Wolves

With the top four race overtaking Tottenham, the white half of North London must make sure they do not crash out of the top seven either and with the way they played against Leeds still fresh in their memories, they will need to bounce back from that defeat quickly.

Although with opponents Wolves having little to play for, Nuno Espirito Santo's men may just end up being the perfect opposition for Harry Kane and company to find their spark once more.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Wolves

West Brom vs Liverpool

The Baggies usual bouncing act between and second and first tiers of English football will have to be on show again next season, as Sam Allardyce has finally suffered a relegation from the Premier League.

This weekend sees West Brom play host to Liverpool and with Jurgen Klopp's men getting the better of Manchester United on Thursday, their top four hopes have been given a huge shot in the arm.

Prediction: West Brom 0-2 Liverpool

Everton vs Sheffield United

The Toffees find themselves in a rather sticky situation and after being held to a goalless draw at Villa Park on Thursday, it looks as if Everton may end up being the odd man out in the race for European places.

This weekend they will look to catapult back into the top seven by getting the better of Sheffield United and with the Blades already blunted, this has all the hallmarks of a home banker.

Prediction: Everton 2-0 Sheffield United