MATCH DAY 36 PREDICTIONS by EL PATRON

Another game week of scintillating football is here as the battle for survival reaches a climax when Swansea play host to Everton and Hull City entertain Sunderland. But up first on Friday night with Tottenham Hotspur visiting the London Stadium for a must win to keep their slim hopes of a title alive through Saturday with Manchester City hosting the Eagles. On Sunday the race for top 4 goes on as Old foes Wenger and Mour meet for the umpteenth time, Liverpool host Southampton. Switch to Monday night, Chelsea take on Boro and a small matter of Southampton against Arsenal on Wednesday end the game week.

Here are the predictions:

West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur, Friday 5th May, 2200hrs

Another London derby for Tottenham, another win expected to keep pressure on the blue residents of West London. If Tottenham lose Friday night and Chelsea win on Monday, they will be just one more victory from being champions. But a visit to the London Stadium gives them hope as West Ham United have not had a good first season on the grounds losing seven and drawing four of their first 17 league games.

El Patron’s prediction: 0-2 Nessi’s prediction: 0-0

Manchester City v Crystal Palace, Saturday 6th May, 1430hrs

Few would have envisaged Pep Guardiola concluding his first season at City empty handed when Gabriel Jesus joined the club in January. Having ousted Sergio Aguero to score three goals in his first four top-flight outings, City looked destined to challenge for the title. As I write this, they are playing to save a top four finish as Manchester United is breathing down their necks. For the Eagles, it will be another giant test for them as they have had victories at Anfield and Stamford Bridge in recent weeks. A win for them would guarantee top flight football atleast for another season.

El Patron’s prediction: 2-1 Nessi’s prediction: 0-1

Bournemouth v Stoke City, Saturday 6th May, 1700hrs

Having both reached the 40 point mark, both teams could be on a mission to end the season the way they want as they are certain Premier League football will be on their grounds next season. But pride is at stake as the fans of both sides need something to cheer about come end of season.

El Patron’s prediction: 1-1 Nessi’s prediction: 2-0

Burnley v West Bromwich Albion, Saturday 6th May, 1700hrs

Turf Moor is where it all happens, 10 wins in 17 games as the curtains fall on this season shows premier league status should be secured for next season. Last weekend’s away win gave them confidence that they are here to stay. Sean Dyche’s boys have to win this one for the fans but face a West Brom side that has problems of its own having lost their last 3 league games all at home.

El Patron’s prediction: 0-0 Nessi’s prediction: 3-0

Hull v Sunderland, Saturday 6th May, 1700hrs

This is a must win for Marco Silva’s men as they wouldn’t want to join their opponents in the championship next season. Good news is that Silva has a phenomenal home record stretching from March 2014 over 4 different clubs with Hull being the latest. This boosts confidence in the camp to go on and take all three points against Sunderland. The Black Cats confirmed their relegation last weekend.

El Patron’s prediction: 1-0 Nessi’s prediction: 4-1

Leicester v Watford, Saturday 6th May, 1700hrs

Shakespeare is giving fans of Leicester something to cheer about after a rough first half of the season. I don’t see anything less than a win against their opponents this weekend as Watford look to be on holiday of late.

El Patron’s prediction: 2-0 Nessi’s prediction: 1-1

Swansea v Everton, Saturday 6th May, 1930hrs

A cup final for Sigurdsson and company as the battle for survival has reached its climax. It will be interesting as on the other side of the country, Hull will be entertaining Sunderland at the same time. A win for Swansea keeps their hopes alive but they meet an Everton side that has been blowing hot and cold of late.

El Patron’s prediction: 2-1 Nessi’s prediction: 2-1

Liverpool v Southampton, Sunday 7th May, 1530hrs

Liverpool swung the race for the top four back into their hands when a bicycle kick from Emre Can was the only goal of Monday night against Watford. But they face a Southampton side that seems to be on holiday so you cannot tell when actually they are to show up.

El Patron’s prediction: 2-1 Nessi’s prediction: 3-1

Arsenal v Manchester United, Sunday 7th May, 1800hrs

Arsene Wenger’s side wouldn’t have wished Manchester United to be their next match as The Gunners’ run towards the end of the season is just in free fall. Anything less than a win could dash the little or all hopes of securing Champions League football next season for the first time in 20 years. Mourinho knows Manchester United needs Champions League football so he has all cards in his hands to secure it as his team grinded out a 1-0 win in the Europa League semi final against Celta Vigo on Thursday night.

El Patron’s prediction: 2-1 Nessi’s prediction: 0-1

Chelsea v Middlesbrough, Monday 8th May, 2200hrs

It’s getting closer, Conte’s men are ensuring that game after game and the visiting opponents present the opportunity for Hazard and company to finish the job. But they have to be wary of a Boro side that put in an effort against Manchester City last weekend.

El Patron’s prediction: 3-0 Nessi’s prediction: 2-0

Southampton v Arsenal, Wednesday 10th May, 2145hrs

Southampton might take it to Arsenal on the night as Arsenal haven’t beaten the saints at the St. Mary’s in the Premier League since December, 2003. Quite far but they have been only five league games (three draws and two losses for the Gunners). Both teams could be tired by the time this game is played so a stalemate could be on the cards.

El Patron’s prediction: 1-1 Nessi’s prediction: 1-2