Premier League preview: the final day’s action, part 1
Arsenal vs Wolves
It’s not been the triumphant season that Arsenal fans were hoping for. But there’s no doubt the side have make progress in this campaign. The Gunners haven’t finished as runners up – or in the top four, for that matter – since 2016.
After plenty of disappointment in the last few weeks, Arsenal can at least finish with a win over a Wolves side whose own campaign may be ending on a sour note.
Julen Lopetegui has guided the Old Gold from the foot of the table to mid table safety. But Lopetegui’s future with the club will be in doubt if he’s not given funding to improve his squad in the summer.
With Wolves having spent close to £200m this season, financial fair play regulations mean it’s likelier the club will be selling, not buying.
Regardless, Lopetegui has built Wolves’ improvement on home form; they’ve lost five of their last six away games, including a 6-0 drubbing from Brighton last month.
As much as the final day of the season throws up some bizarre scorelines, Wolves have lost their final league game of the season in each of the last five campaigns. An Arsenal win looks a decent bet, even if the odds-on price won’t blow anyone’s mind.
Maybe it’s better to back Martin Odegaard to find the net; he’s been lively for the Gunners with three goals so far in May. He’s 12/5 to score.
Aston Villa vs Brighton
Two of the standout teams of the season meet here, Brighton having gone from strength to strength as Graham Potter gave way to Roberto De Zerbi, while Villa are a side reborn since Unai Emery’s arrival.
With Villa requiring a win to make certain of Europa Conference League football, the hosts presumably have the motivation to put in a strong showing. And the hosts are on a good run at Villa Park, having won their last six games – whilst conceding just one goal.
Villa have proven they can go toe-to-toe against serious teams, beating Newcastle 3-0 last month. The Seagulls have lost three of their last five away games too, so Villa look a good thing to finish the season in style at Brighton’s expense. Back the hosts to win at evens.
Brentford vs Man City
The Bees have already beaten City at the Etihad this season – any chance they can pull off a home win against the champs too?
Thomas Frank’s team are ending the season in notable fashion, despite Ivan Toney’s absence. Brentford have won four of their last five games; last week they fought back from a goal down to turn Tottenham over 3-1 in north London.
That said, it’s not like City to take their foot off the gas; in each of the last six seasons they’ve won their final league game of the campaign. Backing the visitors at 4/5 probably makes sense.
Chelsea vs Newcastle
It’s been a triumphant season for Newcastle, an embarrassing one for Chelsea. Even with nothing riding on this one, it would be a surprise if the hosts can end this campaign on a positive note.
Chelsea were comprehensively beaten 4-1 by Man Utd on Thursday night, with Frank Lampard widely lampooned on social media for his lack of managerial nous.
Any hopes that the interim coach can end this campaign with a victory has to be in doubt, given Chelsea haven’t won at Stamford Bridge since March, back when Graham Potter was in charge.
Newcastle are 7/5 to win; the Magpies’ Callum Wilson is 27/20 to score; the striker has racked up 11 goals in as many games…
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest
Forest confirmed their Premier League status with last week’s win over Arsenal. With the pressure off, maybe they can enjoy the trip to Selhurst Park – never mind the fact the Tricky Trees’ only away win this season came against Southampton.
The Eagles are unbeaten in their last four home games, winning three of those. But Forest did edge out Palace in the reverse fixture.
With nothing riding on this, Steve Cooper’s side elated with life in the Prem, and Taiwo Awoniyi currently scoring for fun, maybe the hosts will come a cropper against Cooper. The away win’s an 18/5 shot; Awoniyi is 13/5 to score at any time.
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