English Premier League Weekly Predictions: Week 32

Just when you think Manchester United are going to relinquish some points, they pick up two points on Arsenal and Chelsea.

The mountain is getting steeper and steeper for everyone else, and United are looking to slam the door shut over the next few weeks. If they pick up any more points in the next two weeks, we may be able to award the Premiership a couple weeks early.

That being said, no club is saying die just yet. Although United have a seven point lead at the top, there are seven teams at the bottom within three points of the cellar. So, whether you're watching the bottom or the top, the season is going to finish with a bang, for everybody.

MATCH OF THE WEEK

Liverpool 1 Manchester City 2

Both of these teams are pretty far from the top, but the Champions League spots are still up for grabs. Liverpool need to start picking up points quickly, or they will have to settle outside the Top Four. I don't think Kenny Dalglish is going to let his squad do that. Nevertheless, no Agger could be a serious problem for the Reds.

That being said, City still have an outside shot at the title, and they understand winning will be the only way that happens. Consequently, I think City will play with a serious purpose, and they will steal a late winner to earn three points at Anfield. Plus, you have to think backwards when picking Liverpool matches.

OTHER MATCHES

Wolves 0 Everton 1

Don't look now, but Everton may sneak into the Top Six. They are still four points back from Liverpool, but an impressive run could propel them past the Reds. Wolves are simply no good. Despite being at home, I think they are going to fail to record points. Luckily, they have two chances to climb out of the relegation zone in two weeks. 

Blackburn 1 Birmingham City 0

Rovers have slowly gotten closer to the relegation zone. If they don't win this week, they run the risk of dipping into serious relegation danger. I think they will be strong enough at home to hold Birmingham City scoreless; it's just a matter of whether or not they will be able to knock a goal in.

Bolton 2 West Ham United 1

West Ham need to forget about last week. They let a 2-0 halftime lead turn into a 4-2 dismantling. At home. Now, they have to go on the road and try to get some points. Bolton have won three-in-a-row at Reebok Stadium, and I think they could win this hard-fought battle. Nevertheless, a draw is far from out of the question.

Chelsea 3 Wigan Athletic 0

I am actually writing this article about an hour before the Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge. Maybe that's irrational, but I need to stay as positive as possible for as long as possible.

Last week's draw was very fair, but I can't help but wishing some of Chelsea's shots would have found the net instead of woodwork. Still, they got lucky Stoke didn't put away easy chances. Therefore, it was a fair result.

Now, they need some serious help to have a shot at repeating as champs. Hopefully, they are victorious on Wednesday to throw United off track in the league. That's probably a bit too ambitious, right? We'll see. Oh, by the way, Wigan are just not any good. They will be lucky to hang in this match, regardless of Wednesday's outcome.

Manchester United 2 Fulham 1

This is a trap game for United. Coming off a Champions League match, it is easy to overlook a squad like Fulham. They counter-attack very well, and they can finish, given the opportunity. Still, champions don't lose home matches late in the season. A draw is possible, but I think United will, once again, find some way to win.

Sunderland 2 West Bromwich Albion 1

Both of these teams have started sliding down the table. Neither are in serious danger of relegation, but they can't afford to fall any further. Even though they are last on the form table, I think Sunderland will pick up a much-needed victory.

Tottenham Hotspur 2 Stoke City 0

Spurs got rolled by Real Madrid. They conceded early, then Crouch was foolish and earned two yellows before the quarter hour mark. Predictably, they were unable to hold off such a talented squad.

Now, they need to make a run to get back to the Champions League. I think they understand this. They won't let Tuesday's drubbing affect this weekend, and they should cruise to three points.

Blackpool 2 Arsenal 4

This game could be a high-scoring, fun game to watch. Both teams have questionable defenses, and both teams like to play an open game. Sounds like a fun match to me! As much as I love watching Blackpool play, I think they will suffer another setback this week against a more talented Arsenal squad.

Aston Villa 1 Newcastle United 0

Aston Villa have been very disappointing this year. They had a successful campaign last year, and they have not lived up to expectations. To add insult to injury, they are currently running the risk of being relegated. I don't think that will happen, but if they don't start winning consistently, it becomes a more realistic possibility. For this week, I think a first-half Darren Bent goal will be the difference maker.

Last Week: 6-0-4 (W-L-D)

Season: 132-71-75 (W-L-D)

Thanks for reading this week, feel free to let me know what you think about each of the matches. I will be willing to justify any choices I made. Thanks!