Is this the biggest weekend of the Premier League season? It’s hard to argue otherwise.
Sunday’s clash between leaders Arsenal and second-place Man City could well prove the title decider, but the excitement goes far beyond just events at the Etihad.
The Merseyside derby, Chelsea v Man Utd, and Aston Villa v Sunderland are all important games in the race for the European spots, while it could be a monumental few days in the relegation battle.
A high-stakes weekend like this one is what the Premier League is all about.
This week, Radio Times Sport Writer Ned Holmes and Keela Elliott present their Premier League predictions, including a selection for Upset of the Week, because football isn’t played on paper after all.
How many picks will they get right in Matchweek 33?
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Saturday 18 April
Brentford v Fulham (12:30pm) TNT Sports 1
NH: 2-1 Brentford win. There is more than just bragging rights on the line between the two West London rivals on Saturday as both are part of the race for the European spots. Brentford have struggled to land the killer blow in games of late, drawing four on the bounce, but in Igor Thiago, they should have the firepower to edge out the lunchtime clash at the Gtech Stadium against a Fulham side that are not clinical enough.
KE: 2-1 Brentford win. This West London derby is well known for its physicality and tight scorelines. With both sides showing recent inconsistency in form, and Brentford failing to secure a win since Mikkel Damsgaard’s last-minute goal against a relegation-battling Burnley in February, confidence doesn’t seem too high. But with Igor Thiago in sizzling hot form, it could be difficult for Marco Silva’s possession-based style of play to take the game for Fulham.
Leeds v Wolves (3pm) Not televised
NH: 2-0 Leeds win. Leeds’ win at Old Trafford was no fluke and they’ll take plenty of momentum back to Elland Road as they look to take another step toward survival. Wolves’ Premier League survival hopes look to be over and the Whites could be the latest team to pile on the misery.
KE: 2-0 Leeds win. Leeds, in the depths of the relegation battle, will be desperate for a win, but in recent times, their intensity of play often leads to defensive risk. Wolves, whose season seems to be over, will be looking to exploit those mistakes and take control, still hoping not to go down without a fight.
Newcastle v Bournemouth (3pm) Not televised
NH: 1-0 Bournemouth win. While Newcastle are stumbling toward the end of the season, Bournemouth are coming on strong. The Cherries were outstanding in last weekend’s win at Arsenal and if they can hit those levels again, then Andoni Iraola’s farewell tour will start with three points at St James’ Park.
KE: 1-1 draw. After Bournemouth’s win against league leaders Arsenal, spirits are sure to be high. With only three points separating these teams, the mid table battle remains tight. However, Newcastle United will be desperate for a home win after their last three losses.
Tottenham v Brighton (5:30pm) Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League
NH: 2-0 Brighton win. It feels like a pivotal weekend for Tottenham, who are struggling to keep their head above water. Little that we’ve seen so far suggests that Roberto De Zerbi will be the coach that turns the tide and, with Cristian Romero now added to the long list of absent players, in-form Brighton may enjoy a famous afternoon in North London. The Seagulls are in full flight now as they hunt a Europa League spot.
KE: 2-1 Brighton win. With Tottenham consistently hovering around the relegation zone, is it possible they’ve fallen too far for Roberto De Zerbi to save them? He is certainly taking on a massive task and will be hoping to make a positive start at home against Brighton. But, with Brighton competing amongst those battling it out for a Europa League spot, they will be determined to keep Tottenham exactly where they are.
Chelsea v Man Utd (8pm) TNT Sports 1
NH: 3-2 Man Utd win. Barnstormer alert. Saturday evening’s Stamford Bridge ding-dong has all the makings of a bonkers bout between two Premier League sides with plenty of attacking firepower but who struggle to control games. Both defences have looked vulnerable in recent weeks, so expect goals to be flying in at both ends and perhaps a dramatic late winner for Michael Carrick’s visitors.
KE: 1-0 Man Utd win. Chelsea’s recent 3-0 loss to Manchester City has left them in 6th place, and a run of poor results will have them low on confidence and desperate for a win. In contrast, Manchester United’s season has been inconsistent, with mixed results, but they will be hoping to hold on to a Champions League position in what is becoming an increasingly tight race.
Sunday 12 April
Aston Villa v Sunderland (2pm) Sky Sports Premier League
NH: 1-1 draw. Confidence is high at Aston Villa after Thursday’s Europa League success but weary legs may see them frustrated by a Sunderland team that are so well set up under Regis Le Bris. A draw helps both sides edge toward a potential European spot.
KE: 2-1 Villa win. Aston Villa’s positive form means they are still fighting for a top-four position. A win this weekend would take them up to 58 points and could potentially move them up to third place if other results go their way. Sunderland will also be fighting though, with a recent win under their belt and a tight race in the mid-table positions, they will be looking to climb as high as possible.
Everton v Liverpool (2pm) Sky Sports Main Event
NH: 2-1 Everton win. UPSET OF THE WEEK. The first Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium is a mouthwatering proposition. Liverpool have been far from convincing in recent weeks and can expect a hostile atmosphere to greet them on Sunday. Everton are enjoying one of their best goalscoring runs of the season – with 10 goals in their last five games – and will relish the opportunity to claim a famous victory.
KE: 2-2 draw. UPSET OF THE WEEK. The Merseyside derby makes its Hill Dickinson Stadium debut in what is set to be a historically competitive match-up. With Liverpool sitting in 5th and chasing a Champions League position, while Everton are tightly matched around the European spot, the atmosphere, as ever, is expected to be tense amongst the local rivalry, only adding to the pressure on both teams.
Nottingham Forest v Burnley (2pm) Sky Sports+
NH: Nottingham Forest 2-0 win. Belief is pumping through the veins at the City Ground. Nottingham Forest booked their spot in the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday and will know that Burnley’s visit is an opportunity they cannot pass up in the race for Premier League survival. The Clarets have not given up the fight but may well be handed another reminder of their lacking quality.
KE: 2-0 Nottingham Forrest win. Burnley’s shot at redemption is getting further away, sitting around 20 points off the ‘magic 40’; it seems their relegation is all but confirmed. This game doesn’t seem to look any different, especially considering Nottingham Forest’s recent lack of losses.
Man City v Arsenal (4:30pm) Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League
NH: Man City 2-1 win. This has the potential to be an all-time Premier League classic. Though there are still weeks left of the season, it feels like winner takes all between the two Premier League rivals. Arsenal’s lack of fluency in recent weeks has been astounding and Man City have clicked into gear at just the right time. Erling Haaland has been quiet for far too long and could deliver a heartbreaking blow to the Gunners’ title hopes.
KE: 2-1, Arsenal win. The game everyone has been waiting for. With these two going head-to-head in the title race, the pressure on both sides will be huge. Arsenal’s recent setback against Bournemouth has only intensified the stakes heading into this clash, while City’s win over Chelsea is another reminder of how dangerous can be. It’s set up to be an exciting one.
Monday 13 April
Crystal Palace v West Ham (8pm) Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League
NH: 2-2 draw. West Ham will be rested and raring to go at Selhurst Park. The Hammers have enjoyed recent trips to South East London and are fighting for their Premier League future. The Conference League looks to be the priority for Crystal Palace but they’ve looked much more like themselves in the Premier League in recent weeks after putting a mid-season wobble behind them.
KE: 2-1 Palace win. With West Ham United in the depths of the relegation fight, this match-up comes at a vital time for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side. After their comfortable win against bottom-of-the-table Wolves, which moved them out of the relegation zone, they will be hoping other scorelines swing their way as momentum builds in their fight to keep their Premier League hopes alive.
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