English Premier League Weekly Predictions: Week 35

Last week, Manchester United took another big step to yet another Premier League title, while Arsenal took their biggest setback of the season. Now, only my Chelsea Blues have a legitimate chance to steal the title from Manchester United.

Will it happen? Tough to say. United has a match left with both Chelsea and Arsenal and have to face a desperate Blackburn squad at Ewood Park before finishing the season with a Blackpool squad that could need a victory to survive. Not to mention, they have another Champions League semifinal match (and probably the final) mixed in.

Basically, nothing has been settled yet, and that is the greatest part of the Premiership.

Match of the Week

Arsenal 1 Manchester United 1: No reason to search any further. The best match of the week will involve the top team and a team that was once considered the class of the league. And guess what? I broke my rule of not predicting draws. It's tough, but I really think this is what will happen.

Manchester United do not need more than a point, and Arsenal is struggling (to say the least). While they will be looking for a victory, United will not be foolish enough to leave themselves open to Arsenal's potent attack.

United control their own destiny and know that the league will not be won this week. It can, however, be in danger of being lost, which is why they will play a conservative, careful style, resulting in a draw.

Other Matches

Blackburn 2 Bolton 1: All of a sudden, Rovers are desperate. They seemed comfortable, sitting in 13th position in the league, and then they sacked their manager and have suffered since. They are only one point away from the drop zone, and know victories are necessarily. A home match is the best way to start getting those victories.

Blackpool 3 Stoke City 1: After a terrible run of form, Stoke have righted their ship, and they appear safe once again. Blackpool, however, are in the midst of a terrible time. Since Charlie Adam's yellow card suspension, the Seasiders have earned only two points in their last seven matches, being outscored 19-6 in that time. Thanks to their goal differential, they would not be relegated as of today, but that could change. A home victory is necessary for them to get back on track, and I think it will happen this weekend.

Sunderland 1 Fulham 0: Both teams should be safe from relegation for this season, but they could each use a move or two in order to improve their squad for next year. Sunderland have struggled recently, but I think last week's win should give them enough momentum to win a second match in a row.

West Bromwich Albion 1 Aston Villa 2: These are two other squads that can almost be guaranteed safety, but a few more points could never hurt. Darren Bent has been in form (five goals in six matches), and I think a brace could guide Villa to another road victory.

Wigan Athletic 1 Everton 0: Desperation can bring out the best in teams. Wigan realizes that they are in trouble, and I think the Latics will respond with a solid performance to defeat Everton.

Chelsea 2 Tottenham Hotspur 1: It feels like I'm jinxing my own squad, but I can't help it. Chelsea have won four matches in a row, and Fernando Torres finally scored. No, that is not a typo. Fernando Torres did, in fact, score a goal in Chelsea blue. By no means does that guarantee he will go on a tear to finish the season, but I would not count anything out for "El Nino." Stamford Bridge hasn't quite been a fortress for the Blues this year, but I think they will be able to muster enough of an attack to conquer Spurs in a competitive match.

Birmingham City 1 Wolves 0: Birmingham are not quite clear of the drop zone, but I think a boring victory over Wolves will put them clear into safety. Wolves have a lot of questions to answer, but I don't think it will happen this weekend.

Liverpool 2 Newcastle United 0: Liverpool have been extremely impressive since the transfer window. Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll have given them a new start, and they have been able to overcome a barrage of injuries. Although Carroll may not play, Liverpool should have plenty of firepower to dismantle the Magpies.

Manchester City 2 West Ham United 1: City were inconsistent last week, so this match isn't necessarily set. Despite losing 3-0, West Ham created chances against Chelsea last week. If they create similar chances, maybe they will convert this week. If so, they could steal a point in Manchester.

Last Week: 7-1-4 (W-L-D)

Season: 150-76-83 (W-L-D)

This is a big week, and the races for the title and relegation could tighten up. Even if it doesn't happen this week, it should be a fantastic finish! Thanks for reading, and let me know what you think about my predictions.