FINISHING UP: Here it is, the last weekend of the Premier League season. To say it has been a memorable one would be an understatement! Leicester winning the title will forever be a standout moment in Premier League history, such an outsider to win will probably never be seen again. Relegation is also sorted, so this weekend we just have to sort the remaining Champions League spots.
NOT IN BOLEYN NOW
What a way to close out their time at the Boleyn grounds. Tuesday night was one of the games of the season, as West Ham grabbed a huge victory against man United which gives them a good shout at 5th spot and qualification into the Europa League. Bilic has done a great job in his first season with the hammers. Many were unhappy when the higher ups let Big Sam go before the season, but they have hit another level this year.
Stoke started poorly, got stronger but have fallen off again to close out the season. They will be quietly happy with their season, but will surely be looking forward to a better, more settled year next year. Mark Hughes will want to close out the season with a bit of momentum, and this would be the way to do that. Grab a win heading into the summer and come back in a positive mood heading into next season.
Lets not forget also, no matter what time of the season it is, there is no easy trips to Stoke. Always a tough place to go. When you have guys like Walters pressuring from the front, to your leaders like Shawcross, you know you will always have a game in store. West Ham will be on a massive high from their win during the week. With the end coming at the Boleyn Grounds, they probably celebrated more than they usually would, and can see them getting caught out here. Verdict – Stoke Win
NEWCASTLE ALREADY DEFEATED
How devastating it must have been for Newcastle fans watching their hated rivals destroy Everton during the week to stay in the Premier League and in turn send Newcastle to the Championship. Mike Ashley just waited too long before getting rid of McClaren, and they are really paying the price for it now. Now the question has to be asked, will Rafa stay or will he go. That is where all concentration will be for Newcastle fans this weekend. The game will not be of concern to them, that’s for sure.
Spurs missed out on the Premier League this season, but make no mistakes it has been a brilliant year. The emergence of players like Dele Alli and Dier, as well as Kane solidifying himself as a superstar and signing Pochettino to a long term deal. They will be happy overall. The past couple of weeks have been a bit disappointing in terms of results, and they definitely won’t be happy with the way things have gone, so you think they will be out for a win this weekend.
Newcastle players will be contemplating their own future’s, Spurs players will be getting ready for the Euros. One thing that is for sure is that Spurs will be getting ready to mount another title challenge next season. They will likely play some squad players this weekend, but even at this they will have enough to beat Newcastle. We have seen already this season how good some of they Spurs youngsters are. I think this will be a comfortable win for them. Verdict – Spurs Win
HOME ADVANTAGE IN LEAGUE ONE
It’s not the Premier League, but there is a game I really fancy in the League One playoffs. At this stage in the Premier League season, it can be tough as you never know what teams will show up, and there is not much value surrounding teams vying for the Champions League. So I decided to go where there’s value.
In their two meetings this season the away team has won. Not only do Barnsley have home advantage, but I think Walsall will have a bit of a hangover from missing out on automatic promotion by a single point. I have watched quite a bit of both teams this year, including their two games against each other. I think the style both teams play will suit Barnsley, and when you can get them at around 2.36, I would be all over them! Verdict – Barnsley Win
