The final day of the Premiership does not have the title or relegation drama of 12 months ago but that was always going to be a tough act to follow. In truth, Manchester United were given an easy ride to the title as their main rivals dropped tamely away. Manchester City failed to build on last season’s title success and were strangely inactive in the summer transfer market. The signing of Van Persie was sufficient to make the difference between the two teams whilst the London clubs battled it out for minor honours.
It is the battle for Champions League places that remains the only significant issue to be decided on Sunday. Tottenham will miss out again if Arsenal take all three points at Newcastle, regardless of Chelsea’s result at home to Everton. Spurs must defeat Sunderland to keep their hopes alive and rely on results elsewhere allowing them to sneak into the top four.
Chelsea v Everton
This game will have a distinct end-of-season feel about it after Chelsea virtually guaranteed their Champions League spot last weekend at Aston Villa. The question has been raised this week of a possible third-place playoff between Chelsea and Arsenal should they finish level on points, goal difference and goals scored. This scenario can only come about if Chelsea draw 0-0 and Arsenal win 2-1. Whether this will be enough to spur the Blues on to one last effort this season is another matter. Several of their players looked dead on their feet on Wednesday night as they won the Europa League with a last-gasp header from Ivanovic.
Everton meanwhile are saying farewell to David Moyes after eleven years at the helm. He was given an emotional send off by the Goodison fans last week in their 2-0 victory over West Ham and the teams look evenly matched. Rafael Benitez will also be packing his bags shortly but will surely send out a re-shuffled side for this finale. I can see Everton upsetting Chelsea’s victory parade by grabbing at least a point and a 1-1 draw might be the way to go. Kevin Mirallas looks overpriced at 11-1 to open the scoring after his two against the Hammers last week.
1-1 draw 8-1 Bet Victor
Kevin Mirallas first goalscorer 11-1 Bet365
Newcastle v Arsenal
Arsenal wavered slightly against Wigan in midweek before producing a second-half blitz to send the Latics down to the Championship after eight seasons in the top flight. Arsene Wenger will be calling on them to produce a similar effort against a Newcastle side that must be breathing a collective sigh of relief now that their Premiership status is secure. The Magpies have put in some desperate displays this season, none more so than their 6-0 drubbing at the hands of a moderate Liverpool side. Anything like that on Sunday will result in another embarrassing defeat but Alan Pardew faces an uphill task rallying his troops for this match. I can only see one winner here and it might be worth taking a risk on the 100-30 about the Gunners winning by three or more goals with Skybet. Theo Walcott is in flying form and 11-2 represents fair value in the first goalscorer market.
Arsenal to win by 3 or more goals 100-30 Skybet
Theo Walcott to score first 11-2 Coral
Tottenham v Sunderland
Tottenham were denied a place in the Champions League by Chelsea’s win in the competition last May and now look poised to miss out, possibly only on goal difference to their London rivals. They are only in contention thanks to Gareth Bale who has dug them out of many a hole this season. There is speculation that he may leave White Hart Lane if he does not get Champions League football next season but it is difficult to see them achieving that. Even so, it is worth taking the 11-4 about Bale scoring first here. Tottenham will have one eye on the Arsenal match and if that starts to go against them it is possible that their heads may drop. With the exception of their mauling at Villa Park, Sunderland have shown a lot more fight since Paolo Di Canio arrived and they could poach a point here.
Draw 19-4 Bet Victor
Gareth Bale to score first 11-4 Ladbrokes
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
