We’re already in the midst of crunch time in the Premier League, with the penultimate round of fixtures upon us after nine months of relentless entertainment. Plenty remains on the line heading into the final two rounds.
The title race rages on toward a tense finale, the fight for European qualification promises further twists, and the final relegation spot is yet to be confirmed as Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United desperately scramble for survival. Here’s how Sports Illustrated believes the upcoming bout of Premier League fixtures will play out.
Match Predictions
Manchester United vs. Nottingham Forest
Time: 12:30 p.m. BST / 7:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 a.m. PT
With the FA Cup final dominating Saturday’s schedule, the bulk of the gameweek’s remaining fixtures will be staged on Sunday, starting with Manchester United’s battle with Nottingham Forest. As Michael Carrick’s permanent appointment seemingly nears, the interim manager will demand a stronger showing from his side than witnessed at Sunderland last weekend. A lifeless performance resulted in a drab goalless draw.
Having already wrapped up Champions League qualification, there’s nothing riding on Sunday’s game for Man Utd. Still, the hosts will be eager to put on a show in front of the Old Trafford crowd for the final time this term. With safety secured, Forest appear unlikely to offer too much resistance.
Prediction: Man Utd 2–0 Nottingham Forest
Brentford vs. Crystal Palace
Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT
Crystal Palace appear to have largely checked out of their domestic duties, somewhat understandably as they prepare for the Conference League final with Rayo Vallecano several days after the final round of Premier League fixtures.
Brentford, however, can’t afford to drop their standards as they continue to chase a European place, the Bees still in the hunt to qualify for UEFA competition for the first time in their history. Keith Andrews continues to work wonders with Brentford, who will look to take advantage of fatigue and a lack of motivation in the Palace camp.
Prediction: Brentford 3–1 Crystal Palace
Everton vs. Sunderland
Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT
Sunday’s battle at the Hill Dickinson Stadium is unlikely to spark much interest outside of Everton and Sunderland supporters, an unspectacular affair projected between two teams in iffy form.
Everton’s dreams of sneaking into Europe are not yet dead and buried, but the Toffees would realistically require a miracle to achieve the feat having failed to win any of their past five Premier League matches. Sunderland’s ambition of survival was achieved long ago.
Leeds United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Fulham
Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT
Newcastle United vs. West Ham United
Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT
Bournemouth vs. Manchester City
Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT
Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
Rivals for Champions League qualification collide. Naturally, Unai Emery will have one eye on the upcoming Europa League final next Wednesday, perhaps influencing his team selection. Just one win from the past five means the Spaniard might not be able to rotate as much as he would have liked.