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After a hugely eventful triple game-week last time out, we’re quickly back to business as we must suddenly navigate a blank GW-36. Arsenal, Chelsea, Leicester and Man United all sit out because of the FA Cup Final (which has its own implications for European football next season).
Even though both title and relegation have now been formally confirmed (Sheffield United, West Brom and Fulham are down), there is still plenty to play for as multiple teams battle for places in next season’s European competitions.
Friday
Newcastle has nothing more to play for, which is just as well since striker Calum Wilson is out with a hamstring injury. Elsewhere, the Magpies are vulnerable at the back with Lascelles and Schar still out. Man City is now confirmed champions, so Pep will look to keep the momentum going, with De Bruyne the only likely absentee.
[ Fantrax managers will get a peek at confirmed lineups for both of these teams in the hour before kickoff. Be here or be left behind. ]
Prediction: 0-3
Saturday
Burnley vs Leeds
Both sides have been strong recently, so this match promises a lot. Nick Pope will face a late fitness test on a shoulder complaint. Brady, Long and Bardsley remain out. Costa remains out for Leeds.
Prediction: 1-1
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Southampton vs Fulham
Recently (and surprisingly) rehabilitated Saints striker Ings is back on the score sheet for Southampton. In the back, Saints are likely to rotate goalkeepers once more, but Forster has been so solid that maybe he holds center court. Bednarek is a doubt after coming off early last time out. Now-relegated Fulham has no fresh injury concerns, no news anyone will read, and Eleanor Rigby playing as theme music for the remainder of the season.
Prediction: 3-1
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Brighton vs West Ham
Brighton have a few personnel concerns, with Lewis Dunk and Neal Maupay suspended until the last game of the season; Veltman looks set to miss out with a calf injury. Rice and Masuaku look doubtful to return for the Irons, with Cresswell facing a late fitness test with a dead leg.
Prediction: 1-2
Sunday
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
The Eagles don’t have any fresh injury concerns as prepare to do “battle” with another mid-table side that has absolutely nothing left to play for. Aston Villa will be boosted by the fact that skipper Grealish is back “in contention”, having made a 17’ cameo appearance in Thursday’s drab scoreless draw at home against Everton.
Prediction: 2-2
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Spurs vs Wolves
Tottenham still has plenty to play for even though the Champions League remains a distant dream. Kane is also contending for the Golden Boot. The roster is in good shape except Ben Davies. Boly may return for Wolves after having sat out for a while due to injury; elsewhere Wolves have a familiar list of names who are long-term absentees.
Prediction: 2-0
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West Brom vs Liverpool
This could get messy, with West Brom already down and Liverpool looking for a top-four finish (or best consolation prize) with decent final fixtures. Kabak, Milner and Keita all remain doubtful and will probably not return this time around.
Prediction: 1-3
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Everton vs Sheffield United
Everton is another side still with something to play for, the lower tiers of European Football within reach. Pair, Mina and Rodriguez are all slight doubts as they try to recover from their respective injuries. Rock-bottom Blades have no new injury problems, but does anyone notice?
Prediction: 3-0
What are your predictions for this game-week? What changes have you made in your Fantasy teams? Whom are you backing for the European places? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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