Aston Villa v LiverpoolBolton v Manchester City
Everton v Chelsea
Fulham v Arsenal
Manchester United v Blackpool
Newcastle United v WBA
Stoke City v Wigan Athletic
Tottenham v Birmingham City
West Ham United v Sunderland
Wolverhampton v Blackburn
Sunday, May 22
Bolton v Manchester City
Verdict: Having done the 'double' over Stoke City in the space of four days, claiming the FA Cup title in the process, Manchester City arrive at Bolton in a confident frame of mind. Bolton are very much looking forward to their summer holidays following their 4th consecutive league defeat, a 4-3 loss at relegation-threatened Blackpool.
In midweek, the return of Carlos Tevez to the starting line-up gave the Sky Blues the killer instict they have been missing in his absence, convincingly winning 3-0 over a depleted Stoke City. The Argentine's fantastic double reminded everyone at the City of Manchester Stadium of his immense talent. With Manchester City still needing a win to secure 3rd and automatic Champions League qualification, I believe they will be highly motivated for this encounter. The same cannot be said of the home side who in edition to missing their first choice centre-midfield pairing (Muamba and Holden), have little to play for but 8th if results go their way.
Pick: Manchester City -0.75ah @1.92 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Bolton 0 - 2 Manchester City
Everton v Chelsea
Verdict: Following Manchester United's 1-1 draw at Blackburn last weekend, Chelsea's valiant title chase came to an end. The Pensioners' lack of motivation was there for all to see in the limp performance against Newcastle United as they conceded a last minute Steven Taylor equalizer, to draw 2-2. Everton were not much better in their 1-0 loss away to West Brom but the Toffees are always a different proposition at Goodison Park. The home side need at least a point to secure a creditable 7th spot.
Everton's style of play has caused Chelsea a host of problems over the last few years, in home and away fixtures. In fact, Chelsea has only defeated the Merseysiders once (2-1 at Stamford Bridge, 2009) in their last 8 encounters. Everton do have some important absentees in Saha, Fellaini, and Cahill (rated doubtful) but I believe motivation and strong home support will more than fill these voids. Carlo Ancelotti also admitted midweek that it was hard to motivate his players in training with second place already secured. Everton may very well cause an upset here.
Pick: Everton +0.5ah @1.71 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Everton 1 - 0 Chelsea
Fulham v Arsenal
Verdict: Fulham has the perfect opportunity to get one over their more illustrious London rivals as Arsenal continue to free fall. Last week, Darren Bent's first half double was too much for the Gunners to overturn as they suffered a 1-2 home defeat to Aston Villa. Arsenal has won just twice in their last 11 competitive fixtures, slipping to 4th in the process. In turn, Fulham rebounded from the 2-5 mauling at the hands of Liverpool, a fortnight ago, in a convicing 2-0 away win at Birmingham City.
Fulham's upturn in form in recent months has seen them rise to 8th and just three points behind 7th placed Everton. Mark Hughes really has Cottagers playing some impressive football at the moment and spirits are high at the club, especially as they will have Europa League to look forward to next season (via the Fair Play ruling). The same cannot be said of Arsene Wenger's men, who seem tired and bereft of any confidence. With a host of key players doubtful and a poor recent away record of just a single win in 9 encounters (in all competitions), I expect the Gunners to misfire once more at Craven Cottage.
Pick: Fulham +0.75ah @1.73 (188bet, 10 units)
Fulham 2 - 2 Arsenal
Stoke City v Wigan Athletic
Verdict: Stoke City return to home comforts after getting on the wrong end of two meetings with high-flying Manchester City. A largely depleted side were outclassed in a 3-0 defeat at the City of Manchester Stadium in midweek while losing 1-0, three days earlier, in the FA Cup final. Relegation threatened, Wigan Athletic, showed their fighting qualities on the weekend with a come from behind 3-2 win over now doomed West Ham United. Charles N'Zogbia did it again for the Latics with a two-goal brace, having now scored five in as many outings.
Tony Pulis has some selection headaches ahead of this encounter but hopes to have key players in Etherington, Pennant, and Kenwyne Jones available. The Potters have had their most successful season yet in the top division with qualification to the Europe League assured. Despite this, I can't see them throwing this game as they look to remain in the top half of the table. After their heroics last week, Wigan must produce an even better performance here if they are to get the win that they desire. Stoke City has made the Brittania Stadium a fortress this season, especially recently where they are undefeated in their last 11 home encounters. In addition to wanting to thank their great support for their backing throughout the season, I expect no sympathy from the home side towards Roberto Martinez's men.
Pick: Stoke City dnb @2.16 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Stoke City 0 - 1 Wigan Athletic
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