England Premier League

Chris Winterburn's Analysis

Matchday 37 of the Premier League season is upon us with the title still to be decided, as well as the final relegation spot. The weekend begins with a thriller on Friday night as Liverpool travel to Villa Park with both teams looking to secure Champions League qualification. Liverpool fans were unequivocal in their feelings on Arne Slot’s future as the Dutch coach was booed at Anfield during last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Unai Emery is back where he is comfortable… in a Europa League final, which actually gives Villa two shots at making the 2026/27 Champions League. I think this is a difficult game to call, although Liverpool are welcoming back Alexander Isak. I think this will be a score-draw.

Chris Winterburn's Analysis

Manchester United’s return to the Champions League is complete, although they will be looking to improve on a very lacklustre performance away to Sunderland last weekend. Michael Carrick rotated his squad and the results were alarmingly poor. In the final home match of the season on Sunday, the Reds welcome Nottingham Forest to Old Trafford with both sides having achieved their aims for the campaign.

Forest are now mathematically safe and are looking towards reloading their squad next term. United have the added carrot of needing a solitary point to confirm finishing above Liverpool, whilst Casemiro will also be given a very deserved farewell in his last match at Old Trafford. Forest’s midfield of Anderson and Gibbs-White would normally dominate, however it’s doubtful the latter will play any further part this season as he recovers from a head injury ahead of the World Cup. I think United will play on the atmosphere and feel-good factor at Old Trafford and win a close one.

Chris Winterburn's Analysis

Wolves’ season can’t end quickly enough with there even fresh doubts over the longevity of their coach, Rob Edwards. They host Fulham on Sunday afternoon with both teams realistically having nothing much to play for. Of course, Fulham can still qualify for European football next season, but that relies on a lot of other results going in their favour.

Wolves’ lack of quality will show, and Fulham will win this one.

Chris Winterburn's Analysis

Whilst Leeds United are now safe from the threat of relegation, there is an awful lot riding on their home clash with Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday. The Seagulls can still qualify for the Champions League if a certain number of circumstances come to fruition. It’s not necessarily likely. But there is a degree of importance in every point they can secure in their final two matches.

Leeds played really well away to Spurs on Monday, although they were let back into the game by a moment of madness from Mathys Tel. Brighton will be altogether less charitable. This won’t be a high-scoring game but I think Brighton will shade it. You could even lean on a BTTS pick, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin to find the net at any time.

Chris Winterburn's Analysis

Everton host Sunderland on Sunday with both teams technically being able to qualify for continental football next term. Of course, that is an unrealistic outcome given the fact Everton are four points adrift of the final UEFA Europa Conference League place and Sunderland are five points behind. This with only six points being left on the table. However, there could well be a shuffling of the pack depending on the outcomes of both the FA Cup and Europa League finals.

In terms of the match itself, Sunderland looked undercooked against United last week and missed a lot of chances. Everton haven’t won in five and lack firepower. I think this has draw written all over it.

Chris Winterburn's Analysis

A return of just one win in their last five matches has seen Brentford fall behind both Bournemouth and Brighton in the race for Champions League football. Of course, Keith Andrews has done a superhuman job with many tipping the Bees for relegation at the start of the campaign. Brentford host Crystal Palace on Sunday with the Eagles very much focusing on their upcoming UEFA Europa Conference League final.

It’s a period of unprecedented glory for the Eagles, although Oliver Glasner will leave the club at the end of the season. I don’t see Palace putting up much of a fight here and Igor Thiago is due a goal. I think Brentford will win this comfortably.

Chris Winterburn's Analysis

West Ham felt they had done enough to earn a priceless draw against Arsenal last weekend, but VAR had other ideas. They were given a slight boost by Spurs’ inability to capitalise, but the pressure remains on the Irons as they sit two points behind Tottenham. They travel to Newcastle on Sunday knowing that anything other than a victory probably isn’t going to be enough.

On paper this should be a routine win for the Magpies, but their form has been so erratic this season it’s simply too close to call. Newcastle have won one in their last five, whilst the Hammers have gotten two wins over that same period. The hosts have nothing to play for and are probably resigned to losing a number of key players this summer so the feeling at St. James’ Park will be negative. West Ham simply have to grab that and try and work it to their advantage. They played well against Arsenal and I have a suspicion they can get a win here.

Chris Winterburn's Analysis

Attention turns to the Emirates Stadium on Monday as Arsenal host relegated Burnley. Realistically, a victory will all but secure the title for the Gunners, but there is always the chance of jitters getting the better of the hosts. Mikel Arteta has to keep his team calm and stick to his style of winning at any cost.

Burnley might put up some resistance until conceding the first goal, but I simply don’t see Arsenal failing now. West Ham was the final hurdle.

Chris Winterburn's Analysis

Tuesday sees Manchester City attempt to keep their own title hopes alive, but in truth it will be an uphill battle. Even if Arsenal somehow slip up against Burnley, City have to go away to Bournemouth and win. Andoni Iraola has done a stellar job on the coast and could even leave Bournemouth in the Champions League.

I think City have been underperforming for most of the season and I think a draw is on the cards here, especially with the Blues having had to play an FA Cup final days earlier.

Chris Winterburn's Analysis

Chelsea’s season has imploded. Of course, they could win the FA Cup still but they will not be in the Champions League next term. Does the BlueCo ownership model rely on that money? That’s not for me to say, but it feels like the Blues are set for a really difficult summer. However, they can perhaps give their fans something to enjoy on Tuesday evening by beating Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge and perhaps putting their rivals in more danger of relegation.

Spurs have improved as a unit since Roberto De Zerbi arrived, but individual mistakes are still plaguing them. It’s difficult to see this match ending without chaos. Get your red-card bets in early, but I genuinely don’t think Chelsea have the mentality to win this. Spurs could, but I will play it safe and stick with a BTTS draw.