At this stage in the season, every Premier League weekend feels bigger than the last.
There are some massive matches in the races for the title, European spots, and top-flight survival.
As we enter the final throes of the 2025/26 campaign, shocks and surprises will carry much more weight.
This week, Radio Times Sport Writer Ned Holmes presents his Premier League predictions, including a selection for Upset of the Week, because football isn’t played on paper after all.
How many picks will he get right in Matchweek 36?
Saturday 9 May
Liverpool v Chelsea (12:30pm) TNT Sports 1 / HBO Max
3-1 Liverpool win. Chelsea looked all at sea in an embarrassing defeat to a much-changed Nottingham Forest side last weekend so it’s hardly an ideal time to travel to Anfield. Liverpool are struggling for control in games but swatting aside the Blues should be no problem.
Sunderland v Man Utd (3pm) NO TV
2-0 Man Utd win. The Red Devils have achieved their Champions League goal but Michael Carrick still has to prove he’s the right man for the job. The players love him so motivation shouldn’t be an issue and another win may be coming away at Sunderland, who are faltering at the end of a fantastic season.
Brighton v Wolves (3pm) NO TV
2-0 Brighton win. Despite their relegation, Wolves have shown fight in recent games but a trip to Brighton might be a step too far. The Seagulls were poor against Newcastle last weekend and Fabian Hürzeler will get a response from his players as they push for Europe.
Fulham v Bournemouth (3pm) NO TV
2-1 Bournemouth win. Andoni Iroala’s impending departure has not halted Bournemouth’s momentum and we could see more of their swashbuckling best away at Fulham on Saturday. The West Londoners need another home win to keep their European dreams alive but they may just fall short.
Man City v Brentford (5:30pm) Sky Sports
3-0 Man City win. Pep Guardiola’s side cannot afford another slip-up after handing the advantage back to Arsenal in the title race. We’ve seen Man City rise to the occasion late in the season so many times under the Spaniard and Brentford could find themselves collateral damage.
Sunday 10 May
Burnley v Aston Villa (2pm) Sky Sports+
1-1 draw. UPSET OF THE WEEK. After playing their biggest game of the season to date on Thursday, it would be no surprise to see Aston Villa’s ropey Premier League run continue. Burnley’s fate is sealed but Clarets fans may well have something to celebrate on Sunday, even if it’s just a point.
Crystal Palace v Everton (2pm) Sky Sports F1
1-0 Everton win. Crystal Palace have made it clear that the Conference League is their priority in recent weeks and Everton look set to be the latest team to benefit. The frenzied end to their 3-3 draw with Man City earned them a vital point in the race for Europe and they could add three more to the tally at Selhurst Park.
Nottingham Forest v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League
1-1 draw. Though Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg has absorbed all their recent efforts, Nottingham Forest’s recent momentum is undeniable. Newcastle looked more like themselves in last weekend’s win and an entertaining draw at the City Ground should be on the way.
West Ham v Arsenal (4:30pm) Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League
2-0 Arsenal win. After wrestling back the momentum in the Premier League title race, Arsenal are under a different sort of pressure at the London Stadium. It’s in their hands again. Will they crumble against a home side fighting for their lives in the relegation battle? Not in my eyes. Expect another game management masterclass from Mikel Arteta.
Monday 11 May
Tottenham v Leeds (8pm) Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League
1-1 draw. Two relegation rivals that have found form at just the right time clash in North London. A point is better for Leeds than it is for Spurs but should push both closer to survival.
Wednesday 13 May
Man City v Crystal Palace (8pm) Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League
3-1 Man City win. Man City’s game in hand has been squeezed into GW 36 and comes at home against Crystal Palace on Wednesday. Every match is a must-win now for Pep Guardiola’s side and they should have too much for the visitors, who have played so much football of late.
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