B/R Experts: Big-Game Predictions, May 16-18
The domestic seasons are heading towards their conclusions around Europe, with some issues already resolved.
The Premier League title is Chelsea’s, while the Bundesliga belongs to Bayern Munich.
But issues are still to be resolved in La Liga, with Real Madrid in action on Wednesday.
We've also got a cup final this week, with Juventus facing Lazio in the Coppa Italia showpiece.
Sam Tighe will cast his eye over the Premier League action, Karl Matchett will give his view on Celta Vigo versus Real Madrid, and it's up to Adam Digby to find the winner of the Coppa Italia.
Arsenal vs. Sunderland
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Arsenal have perked up considerably of late. It's almost as if they've realised they're at serious risk of not making the Premier League top four.
Three consecutive league wins is likely to become four here, as relegated Sunderland make a midweek trip to London for what will probably be a bit of a pasting.
Arsenal know they likely need to win their final two league games to have any hope of finishing in the top four, and the worst team in the league aren't going to put up the sort of fight that will stop them on Tuesday.
With the title decided and the three relegation spots set, the race for Champions League football is the most exciting thing the Premier League has left to offer this season.
Prediction: 4-0
First goalscorer: Olivier Giroud
Manchester City vs. West Bromwich Albion
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Manchester City's task is the same as Arsenal's, although there's an absolute involved: Winning the final two games of the season will ensure Champions League football at the Etihad Stadium in 2017-18. It's not dependent on other results.
That task starts on Tuesday at home to West Bromwich Albion. The Baggies appear to have given up, they've barely scored a goal since marching past the 40-point mark back in February, so this one should be simple for Pep Guardiola's troops.
Given City have both superior motivation and superior quality, it's tough to see an upset here.
Prediction: 2-0
First goalscorer: Kevin De Bruyne
Southampton vs. Manchester United
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To Jose Mourinho, this game against Southampton and the home match vs. Crystal Palace on Sunday will likely be seen as major inconveniences. If he could forfeit them, he probably would.
But Manchester United will reluctantly make their way to the south coast on Wednesday. They'll go through the motions and try their hardest not to pick up any injuries ahead of a Europa League final date with Ajax in Stockholm on May 24.
Southampton's only remaining goal is to secure a top-half finish, or perhaps a "best of the rest" tag (basically everyone after Everton). It's difficult to tell if they'll be any more up for it than the visitors.
Prediction: 2-2
First goalscorer: Sofiane Boufal
Juventus vs. Lazio
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Having failed to clinch the Scudetto there on Sunday, Juventus return to the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Wednesday evening looking to seal a third consecutive Coppa Italia triumph.
Standing in their way are high-flying Lazio, who sit fourth in the Serie A table after a remarkable 2016/17 campaign.
Both teams rested a number of players ahead of this clash, but while Lazio should be at full strength, Juve have problems in midfield. With both Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio injured, a suspension for Miralem Pjanic means coach Massimiliano Allegri will need to find a solution if his side are to win.
However, despite the good form of the capital club, the Bianconeri have won the last six meetings between these two sides and kept a clean sheet in each of those encounters.
Prediction: 2-1
First goalscorer: Gonzalo Higuain
Celta Vigo vs. Real Madrid
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The double is within reach, if still with big hurdles to clear—but Real Madrid's La Liga title challenge essentially boils down to this match.
If they take any kind of positive result, they'll be one win from lifting the title; if they lose, they will effectively hand Barcelona the trophy after being the front-runners all season.
Celta Vigo aren't in good shape. Their focus has been on the Europa League, and the mental fallout from a semi-final exit will hurt them hard, while five league losses on the spin won't be easy to bounce back from either.
Zinedine Zidane has shown great aptitude to focus his team on the biggest challenges this season. Even though Celta aren't the most glamorous of opposition they'll face in the final week, it might well be the biggest hurdle to overcome from a stress and focus point of view.
Prediction: 1-2
First goalscorer: Isco
Leicester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur
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On Sunday, Tottenham Hotspur completed an entire season unbeaten at White Hart Lane and sewed up second place in the Premier League in the process. They then said goodbye to the stadium they've called home since 1899.
How much they've got left in the tank—emotionally and physically—is anyone's guess. They face a side who've won five straight at home, too, and are looking to secure a top-half finish that adds a definitive flourish to Craig Shakespeare's short reign.
As imperious as Tottenham have been, some of their players have been flagging of late and are there to be beaten. Jamie Vardy can do some damage to this back line and win the Foxes the game.
Prediction: 2-1
First goalscorer: Dele Alli
