It's the penultimate round of the Premier League for 2020/2021, and with the title and relegation done and dusted, all eyes are on the race for Europe!
With a number of big games which could shape who will be competing in the various European competitions next season, it's set to be a very interesting midweek set of fixtures.
Here's what the Matchday FM team think will happen.
Manchester United Vs Fulham - Tuesday 18th May, 6pm
Harry Reynolds
The loss of captain Harry Maguire to injury certainly impacted United’s performance in the 4-2 defeat by Liverpool at Old Trafford. That won’t be too much of a worry for the visit of Fulham, with the Red Devils virtually assured of a second-placed finish, but with the Europa League final on the horizon they’ll be desperate to win their last two league games for some momentum. Fulham can’t buy a win at the moment and their end to the season has been hugely disappointing, so I’ll take the home side to win pretty comfortably. 3-0
Sam Jordan: 4-0
Joe Richardson: 3-0
Chris Stott: 2-0
Chris Coughlin: 3-0
Southampton Vs Leeds United - Tuesday 18th May, 6pm
Joe Richardson
Some of Leeds’ football against Burnley was absolutely electric and they fully deserve a top 10 finish after an outstanding first campaign back in the top flight. If they turn up with the same intensity and quality here, I fear for Southampton back in front of their own fans. 1-3
Sam Jordan: 2-2
Harry Reynolds: 1-2
Chris Stott: 1-2
Chris Coughlin: 0-3
Brighton Vs Manchester City - Tuesday 18th May, 7pm
Chris Coughlin
For Man City now, it's all about preparing for the Champions League final a week on Saturday. To do that, Pep Guardiola has to balance making sure that there no injuries to his star men as well as ensuring that his likely first XI for the European showpiece against Chelsea in Porto don't go into the game without minutes in their legs. An example of such management was shown when Pep confirmed that Ederson will play each of City's remaining games, not least to try and tie up the Golden Glove which one more shutout will do. I feel Brighton will be ultimately disappointed with their showing this season despite securing survival. There's the old saying that the table doesn't lie but it feels strange to see Brighton in 17th when their performances, by-and-large, have been of a standard higher than that placing. I can see inevitable rotation for the newly crowned Champions but that shouldn't prevent City from picking up another three points here. 0-2
Sam Jordan: 1-4.
Harry Reynolds: 1-3
Joe Richardson: 1-2
Chris Stott: 0-2
Chelsea Vs Leicester City - Tuesday 18th May, 8:15pm
Joe Richardson
It will be difficult for Leicester to go again after the euphoria of winning the FA Cup and Chelsea will be fired up to put the record straight. I think the home side will do them over and secure their place in next season’s Champions League before the final in two weeks’ time. 2-1
Sam Jordan: 2-0
Harry Reynolds: 1-0
Chris Stott: 1-1
Chris Coughlin: 2-1
Everton Vs Wolves - Wednesday 19th May, 6pm
Sam Jordan
I’m sick to death of Everton to be honest. As an Evertonian, it pains me to see how bad we have been at home this season. Nine defeats at Goodison for a club with Everton’s ambitions is nothing short of shambolic! I’m just hoping the return of fans for Wednesday’s game ignites this Everton side, which at times just lacks character in possession. Wolves have had a really poor season by their own recent high standards. Under normal circumstances, I honestly think Nuno Espirito Santo would be gone by now. His saving grace has been the injury to talisman Raul Jimenez, which has undoubtedly had a major effect on their attacking potency. However it is at the back where they have been most worrying. I’m not sure what to predict in this game. I’m hoping the return of fans will galvanise Everton but I wouldn’t bank on it. Could be a tough watch 0-0
Harry Reynolds: 0-2
Joe Richardson: 1-1
Chris Stott: 1-0
Chris Coughlin: 1-0
Newcastle United Vs Sheffield United - Wednesday 19th May, 6pm
Chris Stott
Newcastle found the form they needed to make the final week a very comfortable one for the. Both are just playing for pride and places so maybe that could lead to an open game. If so, Newcastle's attacking players should thrive. 2-0
Sam Jordan: 3-0
Joe Richardson: 2-1
Harry Reynolds: 2-0
Chris Coughlin: 2-0
Tottenham Vs Aston Villa - Wednesday 19th May, 6pm
Harry Reynolds
After Everton lost to Sheffield United, Spurs are basically guaranteed European football next term; whether that is in the Europa League or the Conference League is all that’s left to be decided. They had a very easy win against Wolves, who seemed to be already on the beach. Aston Villa will provide more of a stern test than their West Midlands rivals, but with nothing to play for but pride you’d have to fancy the home side to register another win. 2-0
Sam Jordan: 2-1
Joe Richardson: 3-1
Chris Stott: 2-0
Chris Coughlin: 2-0
Crystal Palace Vs Arsenal - Wednesday 19th May, 7pm
Chris Coughlin
I could be awfully wrong but I feel this has the potential to be quite an exciting end-of-season clash. Crystal Palace are safe and, to be honest, their game against Aston Villa at the weekend felt like an old school kickabout which both teams going for it. Christian Benteke has hit a superb run of form just at the right time to secure his place in the Belgium squad for the Euros & we've really seen glimpses of what Eberechi Eze is all about in recent weeks. I'm a massive fan of the 22-year-old and am looking forward to see how he gets on next season. Arsenal, meanwhile, need to win this to keep their faint hopes of European qualification alive. Emile Smith-Rowe bagged his first two Premier League goals last week in wins over West Brom and Chelsea and, like Eze, I'm excited to see how far he can develop in the coming seasons. One of the season's strangest stats is that only Manchester City have kept more away clean sheets than Arsenal this campaign and, whilst I don't think that will happen here, I still see the Gunners coming out on top 1-2
Joe Richardson: 1-2
Sam Jordan: 1-0
Harry Reynolds: 1-2
Chris Stott: 1-2
Burnley Vs Liverpool - Wednesday 19th May, 8:15pm
Chris Stott
After the incredible drama of Alisson's equaliser, Liverpool are in pole position for the top 4. But, Burnley are known for being very stubborn when others need the result against them. And of course they already have that win over the Reds at Anfield as a blueprint for success. It'll be another slog for the Reds but I think they'll sneak it once again. 1-2
Sam Jordan: 0-3
Joe Richardson: 1-3
Harry Reynolds: 0-3
Chris Coughlin: 0-2
West Brom Vs West Ham - Wednesday 19th May, 8:15pm
Sam Jordan
Another game that cries of insignificance and I’m sure West Ham fans won’t mind me saying that as they were dreaming of a whole lot more a month ago. West Brom are already down but to their credit showed real grit against former champions Liverpool last time out. West Ham have really struggled to break teams down this last month, something which was perfectly illustrated against both Everton and Brighton. Manager David Moyes has a lot to be positive about though, and will look for backing in the summer transfer window in order to ensure the Hammers are competing again next season. West Ham to take this one with the pressure off. 1-3.
Harry Reynolds, 0-1
Joe Richardson, 1-1
Chris Stott, 0-2
Chris Coughlin: 0-2
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