Top four permutations as premier league winds down
Hello everyone and welcome to the last edition of premier league predictions for the 2016/2017 season. It’s been a season to remember for so many reasons, the hits and misses, the sensational goals and epic saves, while the basement section ended the struggle at Selhurst last Sunday when Crystal Palace destroyed Marco Silva’s Hull and condemned them to championship football next season, there’s still something to play for at the top, Chelsea are champions and Spurs are second, City should seal third all things being equal, but mathematically, fourth spot is still up for grabs with Liverpool and City firm favourites. Is this the season Arsenal finally drops out of UCL places? Every fixture go live simultaneously on Sunday as usual to avoid compromises, while it’s mere formality at
many grounds, it’s more of pride elsewhere so...Premier league predictions...
Sunday 21 st May
Arsenal vs Everton
Emirates Stadium
3:00pm
Gone are those days of Arsenal dominance over Everton, the gunners have even lost to the Toffees
this season but it was during the days of predictable Arsenal struggles. Everton, win or lose got
nothing much aside from pride to play for, but Arsenal with an eye on City and Liverpool must win
here to keep top four hopes alive. Romelu Lukaku has gone quiet in front of goal lately after his
rampaging season, giving Harry Kane a chance to usurp him on the scorers chat, Arsenal seems to
have gotten acts right at the back but that doesn’t make it hopeless for the Belgian to breach the
gunners’ defence. Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud, are Arsenal’s possible goal threats, expect them
to fire if they actually mean business but whatever happens, expect the Wenger out plane at the
Emirates and some boos while the boys parade with their kids... We’ll miss Rosicky’s son on Sunday.
Verdict: Arsenal to win
Burnley vs Westham
Turf Moor
3:00pm
Burnley endured a difficult end to the season with some southward results that could have cost
them their topflight status had surrounding teams turned up, their away record must be the worst
ever in the league with just three points on the road all season long. Westham had a season to
forget too, on and off the pitch, the Hammers struggled to cope with the erratic Dmitri Payet who
eventually jumped ship in January. Here they both got nothing to play for aside from pride, similar
fates befell them all season, similar jerseys and similar results, although the Westham always score
even if they’ll eventually lose, Burnley are more defence minded and conservative upfront. It’s the
last hurray for the season and they will both want to entertain...
Verdict: Both teams to score
Chelsea vs Sunderland
Stamford Bridge
3:00pm
The blues have enjoyed their season till date and could still add some spice by gathering the highest
point tally in decades by beating hopeless Sunderland on Sunday. After that better forgotten
afternoon at the Emirates for Chelsea in September, the blues switched things and went invincible
till Tottenham got fed up in January, a run that includes a 2:1 success over Spurs. Talking Sunderland,
it’s pointless wasting time on these bunch, from a failed transfer window that ultimately explains the
low quality in the team, to managerial weaknesses and all, the Black Cats are always certain to go
down from day one. Some men deserve mention in the Sunderland team though, the likes of
Pickford and Jermain Defoe, can’t see the pair going down with the Derbyshire outfit, expect
poachers to show up soon for the duo.
Verdict: Chelsea to hammer Sunderland
Hull City vs Tottenham
kCOM
3:00pm
The version of Tottenham that came to party on Thursday against hapless Leicester must not visit
Hull, with the tigers highly low on confidence after losing at home to relegated Sunderland and then
Crystal Palace must not be descended on by that kind of Spurs. When Marco Silva took over the
reigns at Hull, fresh breath, good results and hopes came around but it all faded at the death,
culminating in the fall of the tigers to the championship. Tottenham have regrets of their own, silly
points dropped cost them the title, it was always going to take something special to stop Chelsea but
Spurs tried, losing at Westham killed their dreams too early, like last season but they’ll have their
shoulders high with one finally over Arsenal. Spurs should beat Hull comfortably here with four goal
hero at Leicester Harry Kane hoping to beat Lukaku to the scorers gong.
Verdict: Straight win Spurs
Leicester vs Bournemouth
King Power Stadium
3:00pm
Leicester must be asking themselves what went wrong at home, right in front of their fans against
Tottenham, shipping six on an night they looked good to shine beats everyone but they must move
on and fight another day, albeit the last day. Bournemouth have been super good of late, winning
here and there trying to seal top ten spot in a season it felt they would capitulate and go down. This
is a fixture of likes for likes, speed for speed and trickery for trickery. Jack Wilshere would be heading
back to Arsenal after this, saying goodbye to the team that brought back his career and Eddie Howe
would sure miss him, some things went awfully wrong for the defending champions, culminating in
the sack of Ranieri but moving forward, the foxes can rebuild and stun us again, one question is, will
Ahmed Musa return next season?
Verdict: Leicester to win
Liverpool vs Middlesborough
Anfield
3:00pm
This should be a mere formality in all honesty, free scoring Liverpool against a team that concedes
like it’s no man’s business , which practically means doom for a certain North London side.
Everything went wrong for the Riverside outfit, they even made a bad situation worse by dismissing
Aitor Karanka, something that was rumoured to be player motivated, a la Leicester. Liverpool must
be calm, assured while firing from the blast of the whistle, they must score early to avoid late
pressure to seal their UCL dreams, something that would underline Klopp’s season. The Kops did
well against big opponents but were unbelievably shambolic against teams they should beat with
reserves. This is the fixture the entire league is waiting for, one that would tell the fate of Arsenal.
Verdict: Comfortable win for the Liverpool
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
Old Trafford Stadium
3:00pm
Following the recent results in the league where United have drawn more than anyone else, who
else is thinking the red devils might not win? Sam Alardyce may have completed his job and ready to
lose again after securing Palace’ topflight status, something he’s come to nail as a pedigree, facing
Mourinho who obviously got eyes on Europa final might be a befitting gift for the erstwhile England
manager. Football has a way of hurting even after spirited fights, United have laboured this season
without results, something that used to be associated with Arsenal, if the reds had won a few of
those draws they’d be sitting pretty within top four and not needing Europa to make UCL but ifs
don’t count. Big ups to Sam Alardyce, he took over a failing Eagles side, halted the rot and handed
them another chance next season, like Sunderland, would it backfire on big Sam someday?
Southampton vs Stoke
St. Mary’s Stadium
3:00pm
Southampton slightly underachieved this season, inconsistent results here and there but they’re
finishing strong, Claude Puel has done a great job after taking over in the summer following Ronald
Koeman’s exit, Nathan Redmond and Manny Gabiadini have done very well and had Van Dijk been
fit, the team would probably ship less goals. Stoke on their parts started the poorest way possible,
doomsayers predicted them to go down after the first ten games but they managed to pick up and
here they are, no top ten finish but they will be proud of their rebound. Jack Butland was out for way
too long, though his deputy put in a fine shift but some draws could have been a win and some 1:0
defeats could have turned into draws too. Saints will fire here, if the same side that threatened
Manchester United turn up against the Potters it should be straightforward, last day, fans
appreciation, good football.
Verdict: Saints to win
Swansea vs Westbrom
Liberty Stadium
3:00pm
Swansea live to fight another day, Palace did them a great favour by beating Hull which confirms
their topflight status so this can be academic but for the sake of the fans that endured a torrid
season of shattering results, a grand finish would be justice. Westbrom were the early surprise of the
season, picking points here and there and hitting hard on opponents but they withered late on,
Chelsea lifted the title on their ground and City confirmed their UCL spot there too, Swansea should
enjoy same ride. Paul Clement, given a mention when Wenger’s seat is discussed is already a success
considering what he inherited at Swansea while Tony Pulis remains the bogey man that he is,
entertain us, that’s all we ask from these two but Westbrom might want that top ten finish badly so
Swansea has to beware.
Verdict: Swansea to win or draw
Watford vs Manchester City
Vicarage Road
3:00pm
It all ends here, though simultaneous but this last fixture could interest many people, if Watford
wins and Arsenal wins well against Everton, Arsenal could still squeeze into top four, big if that will
most likely never happen. Watford blew hot and cold all season long, their biggest achievement
must be beating Arsenal at the Emirates, one result that makes Arsenal a huge suspect this term.
Manchester City underachieved, no matter how you choose to see this, Pep Guardiola goes
trophyless for the first time ever in his career as a manager and is even struggling to seal top four!
You can’t spend that much, have so much quality and be struggling to finish fourth, yes it’s his first
season but with his own standards so high, he must rewrite wrongs next season. Here both teams
will entertain but who needs a result more?
Verdict: City to win
This is Strictly the writer’ opinion
@Komptrolla
Hello everyone and welcome to the last edition of premier league predictions for the 2016/2017 season. It’s been a season to remember for so many reasons, the hits and misses, the sensational goals and epic saves, while the basement section ended the struggle at Selhurst last Sunday when Crystal Palace destroyed Marco Silva’s Hull and condemned them to championship football next season, there’s still something to play for at the top, Chelsea are champions and Spurs are second, City should seal third all things being equal, but mathematically, fourth spot is still up for grabs with Liverpool and City firm favourites. Is this the season Arsenal finally drops out of UCL places? Every fixture go live simultaneously on Sunday as usual to avoid compromises, while it’s mere formality at
many grounds, it’s more of pride elsewhere so...Premier league predictions...
Sunday 21 st May
Arsenal vs Everton
Emirates Stadium
3:00pm
Gone are those days of Arsenal dominance over Everton, the gunners have even lost to the Toffees
this season but it was during the days of predictable Arsenal struggles. Everton, win or lose got
nothing much aside from pride to play for, but Arsenal with an eye on City and Liverpool must win
here to keep top four hopes alive. Romelu Lukaku has gone quiet in front of goal lately after his
rampaging season, giving Harry Kane a chance to usurp him on the scorers chat, Arsenal seems to
have gotten acts right at the back but that doesn’t make it hopeless for the Belgian to breach the
gunners’ defence. Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud, are Arsenal’s possible goal threats, expect them
to fire if they actually mean business but whatever happens, expect the Wenger out plane at the
Emirates and some boos while the boys parade with their kids... We’ll miss Rosicky’s son on Sunday.
Verdict: Arsenal to win
Burnley vs Westham
Turf Moor
3:00pm
Burnley endured a difficult end to the season with some southward results that could have cost
them their topflight status had surrounding teams turned up, their away record must be the worst
ever in the league with just three points on the road all season long. Westham had a season to
forget too, on and off the pitch, the Hammers struggled to cope with the erratic Dmitri Payet who
eventually jumped ship in January. Here they both got nothing to play for aside from pride, similar
fates befell them all season, similar jerseys and similar results, although the Westham always score
even if they’ll eventually lose, Burnley are more defence minded and conservative upfront. It’s the
last hurray for the season and they will both want to entertain...
Verdict: Both teams to score
Chelsea vs Sunderland
Stamford Bridge
3:00pm
The blues have enjoyed their season till date and could still add some spice by gathering the highest
point tally in decades by beating hopeless Sunderland on Sunday. After that better forgotten
afternoon at the Emirates for Chelsea in September, the blues switched things and went invincible
till Tottenham got fed up in January, a run that includes a 2:1 success over Spurs. Talking Sunderland,
it’s pointless wasting time on these bunch, from a failed transfer window that ultimately explains the
low quality in the team, to managerial weaknesses and all, the Black Cats are always certain to go
down from day one. Some men deserve mention in the Sunderland team though, the likes of
Pickford and Jermain Defoe, can’t see the pair going down with the Derbyshire outfit, expect
poachers to show up soon for the duo.
Verdict: Chelsea to hammer Sunderland
Hull City vs Tottenham
kCOM
3:00pm
The version of Tottenham that came to party on Thursday against hapless Leicester must not visit
Hull, with the tigers highly low on confidence after losing at home to relegated Sunderland and then
Crystal Palace must not be descended on by that kind of Spurs. When Marco Silva took over the
reigns at Hull, fresh breath, good results and hopes came around but it all faded at the death,
culminating in the fall of the tigers to the championship. Tottenham have regrets of their own, silly
points dropped cost them the title, it was always going to take something special to stop Chelsea but
Spurs tried, losing at Westham killed their dreams too early, like last season but they’ll have their
shoulders high with one finally over Arsenal. Spurs should beat Hull comfortably here with four goal
hero at Leicester Harry Kane hoping to beat Lukaku to the scorers gong.
Verdict: Straight win Spurs
Leicester vs Bournemouth
King Power Stadium
3:00pm
Leicester must be asking themselves what went wrong at home, right in front of their fans against
Tottenham, shipping six on an night they looked good to shine beats everyone but they must move
on and fight another day, albeit the last day. Bournemouth have been super good of late, winning
here and there trying to seal top ten spot in a season it felt they would capitulate and go down. This
is a fixture of likes for likes, speed for speed and trickery for trickery. Jack Wilshere would be heading
back to Arsenal after this, saying goodbye to the team that brought back his career and Eddie Howe
would sure miss him, some things went awfully wrong for the defending champions, culminating in
the sack of Ranieri but moving forward, the foxes can rebuild and stun us again, one question is, will
Ahmed Musa return next season?
Verdict: Leicester to win
Liverpool vs Middlesborough
Anfield
3:00pm
This should be a mere formality in all honesty, free scoring Liverpool against a team that concedes
like it’s no man’s business , which practically means doom for a certain North London side.
Everything went wrong for the Riverside outfit, they even made a bad situation worse by dismissing
Aitor Karanka, something that was rumoured to be player motivated, a la Leicester. Liverpool must
be calm, assured while firing from the blast of the whistle, they must score early to avoid late
pressure to seal their UCL dreams, something that would underline Klopp’s season. The Kops did
well against big opponents but were unbelievably shambolic against teams they should beat with
reserves. This is the fixture the entire league is waiting for, one that would tell the fate of Arsenal.
Verdict: Comfortable win for the Liverpool
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
Old Trafford Stadium
3:00pm
Following the recent results in the league where United have drawn more than anyone else, who
else is thinking the red devils might not win? Sam Alardyce may have completed his job and ready to
lose again after securing Palace’ topflight status, something he’s come to nail as a pedigree, facing
Mourinho who obviously got eyes on Europa final might be a befitting gift for the erstwhile England
manager. Football has a way of hurting even after spirited fights, United have laboured this season
without results, something that used to be associated with Arsenal, if the reds had won a few of
those draws they’d be sitting pretty within top four and not needing Europa to make UCL but ifs
don’t count. Big ups to Sam Alardyce, he took over a failing Eagles side, halted the rot and handed
them another chance next season, like Sunderland, would it backfire on big Sam someday?
Southampton vs Stoke
St. Mary’s Stadium
3:00pm
Southampton slightly underachieved this season, inconsistent results here and there but they’re
finishing strong, Claude Puel has done a great job after taking over in the summer following Ronald
Koeman’s exit, Nathan Redmond and Manny Gabiadini have done very well and had Van Dijk been
fit, the team would probably ship less goals. Stoke on their parts started the poorest way possible,
doomsayers predicted them to go down after the first ten games but they managed to pick up and
here they are, no top ten finish but they will be proud of their rebound. Jack Butland was out for way
too long, though his deputy put in a fine shift but some draws could have been a win and some 1:0
defeats could have turned into draws too. Saints will fire here, if the same side that threatened
Manchester United turn up against the Potters it should be straightforward, last day, fans
appreciation, good football.
Verdict: Saints to win
Swansea vs Westbrom
Liberty Stadium
3:00pm
Swansea live to fight another day, Palace did them a great favour by beating Hull which confirms
their topflight status so this can be academic but for the sake of the fans that endured a torrid
season of shattering results, a grand finish would be justice. Westbrom were the early surprise of the
season, picking points here and there and hitting hard on opponents but they withered late on,
Chelsea lifted the title on their ground and City confirmed their UCL spot there too, Swansea should
enjoy same ride. Paul Clement, given a mention when Wenger’s seat is discussed is already a success
considering what he inherited at Swansea while Tony Pulis remains the bogey man that he is,
entertain us, that’s all we ask from these two but Westbrom might want that top ten finish badly so
Swansea has to beware.
Verdict: Swansea to win or draw
Watford vs Manchester City
Vicarage Road
3:00pm
It all ends here, though simultaneous but this last fixture could interest many people, if Watford
wins and Arsenal wins well against Everton, Arsenal could still squeeze into top four, big if that will
most likely never happen. Watford blew hot and cold all season long, their biggest achievement
must be beating Arsenal at the Emirates, one result that makes Arsenal a huge suspect this term.
Manchester City underachieved, no matter how you choose to see this, Pep Guardiola goes
trophyless for the first time ever in his career as a manager and is even struggling to seal top four!
You can’t spend that much, have so much quality and be struggling to finish fourth, yes it’s his first
season but with his own standards so high, he must rewrite wrongs next season. Here both teams
will entertain but who needs a result more?
Verdict: City to win
This is Strictly the writer’ opinion
@Komptrolla
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