Here is the third in my series of predictions of Lawro’s predictions. The aim of the game here is to compose efficiently bland copy in the inoffensive offensive style of Match of The Day’s unfunnily deadpan Scouse pundit.
Barclays Premier League
Arsenal v Fulham, 0-0. You can see why Fulham wanted to move this game with their massive Europa League final coming up. Arsenal have suffered in the last few weeks after their capitulation to Wigan, but you fancy they can get the point they need to keep 3rd place safe.
Aston Villa v Blackburn, 1-1. Blackburn have gone about their business this season and kept their heads above water whilst Villa have flirted with a top 4 spot. Both sides are pretty much where they’ll end up and I can see this one ending up in a draw.
Bolton v Birmingham, 1-1. In some seasons. 36 points after 37 games would point to a relegation dogfight, but with everything settled, Bolton can thank their lucky stars that there are 3 teams condemned to the drop already. Birmingham will be looking to finish on a high, and will be happy with their campaign.
Burnley v Tottenham, 1-3. Spurs will be on a high after their fantastic win in midweek, and as they make plans to dine at the top table, Burnley will reflect on how it all went wrong. Spurs could still finish third, and look as if they can conjure goals at will now.
Chelsea v Wigan, 2-0. There will be nerves at Stamford Bridge to start with, but Ancelotti is a proven winner and can steer the Blues to title. It’s not been a vintage season with on and off the field problems, but history will forget that once the trophy returns to the Fulham Road and Chelsea can focus on securing the double.
Everton v Portsmouth, 2-0. Everton host luckless Pompey and should have too much firepower for the relegated south coasters. The Toffees can be happy with their run this year, but you fancy they need another quality player or two if they are to push on next season.
Hull v Liverpool, 1-0. Liverpool’s season has gone from bad to worse with in juries and boardroom wrangles taking the sting out of the Merseyside club’s campaign. Luckily for them, Hull have been worse, but could possibly get a result as they sign out of the Premiership.
Man Utd v Stoke, 2-0. You fancy the players will have an eye on what’s going on at Stamford Bridge and they’ll know that they’re clutching at straws, but Fergie won’t let his team make any mistakes at home. Stoke will give them a good working over but they’ll have one eye on the beaches.
West Ham v Man City, 0-1. It’s so tight at the bottom that the Hammers could end up in 14th. Things have clearly not right with Zola and the board, and City are in the same boat with a bit of uncertainty in the air there. One thing for certain is that Carlos Tevez will make an extra effort here, and when he’s on song, he can make the difference.
Wolverhampton v Sunderland, 1-1. Mick McCarthy would have settled for 17th spot at the start of the season and he faces his old club having fared better in the Midlands than he did up north. Sunderland didn’t offer too much against United last week but should be able to get a point at least here.
