Friday, 9 May 2008

As the Premier League season reaches its climax on Sunday there are still many issues to be sorted out. In fact the only things guaranteed are that Derby are relegated and that Liverpool and arsenal have the 3rd and 4th Champions League spots. Apart from that everything else is still to be sorted.

The league title could be on its way to either Chelsea or Man Utd, with Utd favourites because of their far superior goal difference. This season is only the 4th time in Premiership history that the title is still to be sorted out on the final day. It is also the first time in 40 years that two teams have been on level points going into the last game. According to my predictions earlier, Utd should win the league by beating Wigan at the JJB. However, any slip ups will pretty much hand the title to Chelsea who are extremely unlikely not to beat Bolton.

The final European spot is also up for grabs as is the Intertoto spot. Everton only need a point against Newcastle to secure the UEFA cup next season. The Intertoto cup, on the other hand, is still up for grabs with Aston Villa, Blackburn and Portsmouth all able to claim it. Villa will start as clear favourites because they only need to win against West Ham to secure the place. If they were to draw, Blackburn would need to beat Birmingham to climb above them into 6th. Pompey can only get there if Villa lose and they beat Fulham.

The closest battle is to stay up. Only 1 point seperates Fulham, Reading and Birmingham. Fulham have the advantage because of their superior goal difference and they only need a win to secure survival. They should also be boosted by the fact that Pompey will be focused on their F.A. Cup preparations. Things aren't as simple for Reading who could go down even if they do win. They would need Fulham drop points. Birmingham have the hardest task, even though they are at home. They will be up against a Blackburn side who will need a win to have any chance of Europe. Even if they do win, they would require both Fulham and Birmingham to drop points.

With all the different permutations an exciting final day is guaranteed.

According to my predictions it will end up like this:
Champions: Man Utd
Uefa Cup: Everton
Intertoto Cup: Blackburn
Relegated: Birmingham and Reading

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