As the season enters its last few weeks, there are a number of mouth-watering high-stake clashes that will make a huge to the top and bottom of the table. Relegation spots, Champions league places and ultimately the Premier League title is yet to be decided with only four weeks remaining. However, results in the coming weeks may give a better indication as to where teams are likely to finish come the end of the season. Let’s have a look at what’s in store in the next few weeks.
Everton vs. Man Utd – 20th April
Everton went seven games unbeaten on their quest to grab that final Champions League place away from Arsenal. However, they suffered a shock loss at home to Crystal Palace and now face an uphill task with Southampton and Man City still to play. They play a Man Utd side that have a point to prove and will want to finish a turbulent season on a high with win against David Moyes’s old stomping ground.
Hull vs. Arsenal – 20th April
Hull are still not safe by any means with the likes of Fulham and Cardiff picking up wins last week. Will they take their eyes off the Premier League in favour of FA Cup glory? Incidentally this will be a dress rehearsal for the final with Arsenal still fighting for a Champions League spot with Everton hot on their tracks.
Man City vs. West Brom – 21st April
Man City go into the game on the back of a disappointing draw at home against Sunderland which could have huge implications on their title winning chances. Having lost the huge title clash against Liverpool, points dropped against West Brom will all but quash any remaining hopes. The Baggies will be rueing the points dropped at home this season but a positive result here will boost their survival chances greatly.
Fulham vs. Hull – 26th April
Fulham have seen crucial home wins against Newcastle and Norwich within the last few weeks and just at the right time too. Felix Magath took the job knowing that it would take a huge effort for his new side to avoid the drop but another home win against a tricky Hull side will have other teams looking over their shoulder.
Swansea vs. Aston Villa – 26th April
Two teams that wouldn’t have predicted that they would be in the mix as potential relegation candidates but both equally need the points. Swansea haven’t had the best of results under Garry Monk but will feel that if they can avoid the drop, they can plan more efficiently for next season. Aston Villa have enjoyed great wins against Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea but have underperformed against the teams around them which they will want to improve upon at the Liberty Stadium.
Sunderland vs. Cardiff – 27th April
A huge clash at the bottom of the table sees Sunderland and Cardiff face off in a match where the losers maybe staring down the barrel of relegation. Sunderland’s home form has been poor this season whilst Cardiff’s away form hasn’t been any better. A result for either team will be absolutely massive for their cause.
Liverpool vs. Chelsea – 27th April
A match that could be dubbed a “Winner-takes-all” faceoff for the title. Liverpool could have only dreamed to be in this position at the moment, having finished seventh last season but with 10 wins on the spin, the momentum is with them. Chelsea have steadily gone about their business efficiently and even though Mourinho has denied their title winning qualities this season, can they sneak the main prize this late? Their European adventure may have an impact on squad choice and priorities but nonetheless it will be a mouth-watering fixture.
Everton vs. Man City – 3rd May
Both teams will go into the game with much to play for with Everton vying for that last Champions League spot under shrewd manager Roberto Martinez who has excelled with his young squad. Although City have the Capital One Cup under their belts, the season will be marked as a failure if they do not end up with the title in their hands, with manager Manuel Pellegrini’s future on the line.
Norwich vs. Arsenal – 11th May
Norwich, under new boss Neil Adams, have been dealt an unfavourable hand with a set of tough fixtures to end the season, the last of which at home to Arsenal. The Canaries sit dangerously above the drop zone and will have to at least win one of their last four games to stand any chance of survival. Arsenal also have targets of their own with Champions League football a must for a club their stature.
Cardiff vs. Chelsea – 11th May
A huge match for both teams with the home side looking to avoid dropping back into the Championship after only one year. The Welsh side have themselves in the bottom three for much of the second half of the season and to avoid the drop would be monumental for the club. Chelsea could see themselves lift the title in Wales if results go their way in Mourinho’s first season back at the club. Statistically the team with the best defence goes on to win the league so can the Blues prove this again?
Liverpool vs. Newcastle – 11th May
Liverpool could be in a position where a win could clinch their first title in over 24 years. It has been a truly incredible season for the Reds and to finish off the season with the main prize will be testament to Rodgers and his young squad who have been entertaining all this season. Newcastle will want to spoil the party on the last day and finish the season on a high after some poor results of late.
Whatever happens, it has been a season to remember and these crucial fixtures will only add to what has been an enjoyable campaign to watch. Hopefully we won’t be disappointed.
