There is still a lot to play for on the final day of the Premier League season. At the bottom, there is a relegation battle involving West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur. And at the top, a sixth Champions League place is still possible depending on the result involving my club, Aston Villa.
Let’s start at the top.
If Villa lose to Manchester City this afternoon, and Liverpool beat Brentford, then Liverpool finish fourth, Villa finish fifth, and a sixth Champions League place will open up, possibly for either Bournemouth or Brighton.
Brighton currently have the better goal difference, which could prove decisive. They face Manchester United at home in what feels like a must-win match if they are to have any chance of grabbing that sixth spot. But it feels like a tall order.
Bournemouth travel to Nottingham Forest, and I think Forest’s disappointment after losing to Villa in the Europa League semi-final, along with Bournemouth’s excellent form, could work in Bournemouth’s favour.
You can almost feel it in the ether, Bournemouth and Brighton fans desperately wanting Villa to lose today. It is going to be difficult for Villa. Pep Guardiola is leaving Manchester City, so naturally City will want to give him a winning send-off. Villa, however, want to send him off with a big, fat, juicy defeat.
Of course, none of this matters if Villa win. Then the sixth-place spot becomes a Europa League qualification place instead.
My prediction? Brighton lose to Manchester United. Bournemouth beat Nottingham Forest. Good luck to all involved.
Now at the bottom.
Tottenham Hotspur:
Firstly, I have a little confession to make. I have always had a soft spot for Spurs, mainly because of the 1981 FA Cup Final replay against Manchester City and that unforgettable goal from Ricky Villa. It is one of those football matches that has stayed with me forever.
For as long as I can remember, Tottenham have always had exceptional footballers. Players like Glenn Hoddle, Ricky Villa, Ossie Ardiles, Paul Gascoigne, Dimitar Berbatov and Gareth Bale made Spurs one of the great teams to watch over the years as a neutral. Which is why seeing them in this position with one game left is a disgrace.
West Ham United:
West Ham have always been one of those clubs where you never quite feel comfortable as an away supporter. Their old ground, the Boleyn Ground, always had a moody atmosphere around it. Walking to the stadium, and especially back to the car after a match, you were always aware of your surroundings. Maybe things are different now at the London Stadium, but I have never really had much affection for them. You know where you can stick your bubbles.
Still, none of that matters now. Relegation will come down to results.
Both sides could easily lose today. But with Spurs sitting just above the drop zone, all they need is a win or draw against Everton and they survive.
If West Ham lose against Leeds United, then it does not matter what happens at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. West Ham are relegated.
My prediction is both sides lose, and Spurs survive. But let’s wait and see. UTV
There’s only one claret and blue and that’s the HAMMERS! Let’s beat Leeds and Moyesiah will do for Tottenham COYI ⚒️