Dec 14

Matchday 38 Preview

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Arsenal vs Brighton

The final day of the season is set for two incredible pieces of drama and one of those is regarding who will qualify for the Europa or Europa Conference League next season. While it is an equation, that Arsenal now somehow find themselves within.

They play host to Brighton and with the Seagulls once again booking a place in the Premier League next season, who knows if this will be Graham Potter's last time as manager of the club?

Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Aston Villa vs Chelsea

While although a top half finish will allude Aston Villa, they can still class this as a decent enough season and with Dean Smith's men getting the better of Tottenham on Wednesday, they now look for more joy against London opposition.

Opposition that comes in the shape of Chelsea and after beating Leicester, the F.A. Cup runners-up are now in the box seat when it comes to landing themselves a top four Premier League finish.

Prediction: Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea

Fulham vs Newcastle

Back in March this fixture was being earmarked as a de-facto relegation play-off and one that would serve up a considerable amount of tension on the final day. However, with Fulham's late season woe, that can no longer be the case.

Which is good news for opponents Newcastle and with them far clear of the relegation zone, manager Steve Bruce and his players can now look to end the season on a positive note.

Prediction: Fulham 0-1 Newcastle

Leeds vs West Brom

Can Leeds clinch European football next season? They can if they earn themselves a 15-0 win at the weekend and results go their way elsewhere. Admittedly, that is a ludicrous suggestion and one that surely will not happen. Then again, it does show just how far Leeds have come this season.

Sunday sees them go up against a West Brom side who will be looking for a new manager in the summer and with Sam Allardyce walking away, he will now wait for another relegation distress call in the autumn.

Prediction: Leeds 2-0 West Brom

Leicester vs Tottenham

Something has to give at the King Power and Leicester will be hoping that it is not another end of season collapse in the East Midlands. Because with top four looking a near certainty, they once again find themselves lying fifth in the table.

A position that Tottenham could only dream of and after the scenes on Wednesday, this may be the last ever game that Harry Kane plays for his boyhood club. Sunday is going to be rather interesting.

Prediction: Leicester 2-2 Tottenham

Liverpool vs Crystal Palace

It is advantage Liverpool in the race for the final Champions League place and after getting the better of Burnley on Wednesday night, Jurgen Klopp's men now find themselves leapfrogging Leicester in the table.

They play host to Crystal Palace this Sunday and after Roy Hodgson announced his decision leave Selhurst Park and retire, the trip to Anfield will be the end of an era for both manager and club alike.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Crystal Palace

Manchester City vs Everton

The champions wrap up their season at the Etihad on Sunday and if their last two league outings are anything to go by, this should prove to be a rather entertaining encounter. If only because, Pep Guardiola's men have certainly taken their foot off the pedal as of late.

Something that Everton will hope is the case and after their win on Wednesday night, hopes of playing in Europe next season have now been revitalised for Carlo Ancelotti and his squad.

Prediction: Manchester City 1-1 Everton

Sheffield United vs Burnley

Sheffield United's miserable season comes to an end and all interim manager Paul Heckingbottom can do is hope to earn a win on the final day and boost his own hopes of landing the Bramall Lane job on a permanent basis.

They play host to Burnley and for a team considered to be rather robust in defence, they have shipped seven goals in the past week and who knows, this may be Sean Dyche's last game in charge.

Prediction: Sheffield United 0-1 Burnley

West Ham vs Southampton

Going into the final day of the season, West Ham have one foot in European competition after the summer and now the question is, which Thursday night tournament will they compete in? While if they can beat Southampton, the answer will be the Europa League.

Southampton come into this game having lost to Leeds on Tuesday and if you were to ask manager Ralph Hasenhuttl his views on the Saints' season, he likely just wants it to come to an end.

Prediction: West Ham 2-1 Southampton

Wolves vs Manchester United

A largely frustrating season for Wolves and although the obvious reason will be the injury to Raul Jimenez, it is not the sole reason for stagnation. However, there is an opportunity to end proceedings on a high and that comes with the visit of second place Manchester United.

The Red Devils have Europa League matters to attend to on Wednesday, so therefore do not be surprised if manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer makes wholesale changes for the trip to Molineux.

Prediction: Wolves 1-1 Manchester United