Premier League Week 37 Fixtures: EPL Picks and Predictions

Suddenly, with the end of the Premier League season clearly in sight, the top flight feels alive again.

After last weekend's results, the fight to stay afloat in the division is back on, as Southampton—still in 18th place—are breathing down the necks of Swansea City, Huddersfield Town and West Ham United.

Manager Mark Hughes takes his Saints side to Everton on Saturday evening seeking to keep their positive momentum going.

Elsewhere, the battle for the top four isn't done yet, as Chelsea will be hoping either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur slip up in forthcoming clashes. The Blues welcome the Merseyside giants to Stamford Bridge on Sunday for what should be an absorbing encounter.

Here are the fixtures from the penultimate weekend of Premier League games and a focus on a couple of the standout encounters.

Friday, May 4

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Manchester United (1-2)

Saturday, May 5

Stoke City vs. Crystal Palace (1-1)

Bournemouth vs. Swansea City (2-2)

Leicester City vs. West Ham United (2-1)

Watford vs. Newcastle United (1-1)

West Bromwich Albion vs. Tottenham Hotspur (1-2)

Everton vs. Southampton (1-1)

Sunday, May 6

Manchester City vs. Huddersfield Town (4-0)

Chelsea vs. Liverpool (2-2)

Arsenal vs. Burnley (2-0)

Everton vs. Southampton

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It was all or nothing for Southampton a week ago, as only three points would do against Bournemouth if they were to keep their slender hopes of survival alive. 

Hughes would have been delighted with the performance the team turned in, with Dusan Tadic becoming a two-goal hero in the 2-1 win. The relief was palpable at St Mary's Stadium and will have intensified when Swansea lost to Chelsea later in the day.

As noted by journalist Luke Osman, while Tadic hasn't been at full tilt this term, he stepped up big time for the team on Saturday:

Of course, there is more work to come. Saints remain in 18th, a point behind Swansea and three behind Huddersfield and West Ham. With a showdown with champions Manchester City on the final day, this clash on Saturday is so important.

Southampton will feel they can get something from Goodison too. While the Toffees have pulled clear of trouble under Sam Allardyce, supporters remain unhappy with the manager, and a strong start from the visitors could trigger a testing atmosphere for the home players.

As noted by Tony Scott of the Liverpool Echo, it's been a mixed bag for Everton under the former England manager:

They have been strong at home, though, and will be a difficult nut to crack under Allardyce. Saints will have to settle for a point ahead of what promises to be a huge game against Swansea on May 8.

Chelsea vs. Liverpool

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A victory for Tottenham over Watford on Monday meant Spurs moved five points ahead of Chelsea again in the table. But the Blues will hope they can make things nervy for Liverpool with victory on Sunday.

Chelsea are six points behind Liverpool with a game in hand, meaning victory at the weekend and their extra fixture could set up a nail-biting final day for the Reds. The Blues also meet Huddersfield at home on May 9.

After a tough start to the year, manager Antonio Conte has found a way of getting results out of this side again, keeping their slender hopes of Champions League football alive for next term; this Liverpool side will not be easy to get the better of, though.

For Chelsea supporters, it will be another reminder of what the team let go in Mohamed Salah. As noted by WhoScored.com, only the great Lionel Messi has been more prolific than the Egypt international this term:

After their trip to Rome in midweek for the UEFA Champions League semi-final, there's a chance Liverpool may be a little jaded, and manager Jurgen Klopp may bring fresh legs into the XI with a final in mind.

Chelsea will be keen to impress against their longstanding rivals and keep both Liverpool and Spurs on edge on the final weekend. But the Reds have the firepower to match the Londoners in what should be an intriguing game.