Crunch Time: Premier League Gameweek 37 Predictions

The Premier League enters a decisive weekend with Friday’s fixtures starting the penultimate round. The title race remains tight, European qualification still promises twists and the battle to avoid the final relegation place sees Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United scrambling for survival.

Friday’s opener pitches Aston Villa against Liverpool. Both sides arrive in patchy form, but one could clinch a Champions League place at Villa Park. Unai Emery will have one eye on the Europa League final next Wednesday and recent inconsistency means rotation could be limited. Liverpool will be encouraged by Mohamed Salah being available for his penultimate outing for the club. Ibrahima Konaté, Alisson and Florian Wirtz could all be feature to further boost Slot’s options. Prediction: Aston Villa 1–2 Liverpool.

Sunday’s programme begins with Manchester United hosting Nottingham Forest. Michael Carrick’s permanent appointment is reportedly close and he will want a better showing after a goalless draw at Sunderland. With Champions League qualification already secured, United still have a desire to perform in front of the Old Trafford crowd. Prediction: Man Utd 2–0 Nottingham Forest.

Crystal Palace prepare for the Conference League final with Rayo Vallecano and may be short on motivation. Brentford remain in the hunt for European qualification and Keith Andrews will seek to exploit Palace fatigue. Prediction: Brentford 3–1 Crystal Palace.

Everton and Sunderland meet in a fixture likely to interest mainly their own supporters. Everton’s hopes of sneaking into Europe are slim after a five-match winless run and Sunderland should find a Merseyside win likely. Prediction: Everton 1–0 Sunderland.

Leeds United celebrate top-flight survival and face Brighton, who still require wins to keep an outside Champions League chance alive. Brighton should press their European bid. Prediction: Leeds 1–2 Brighton.

Wolves have endured a brutal campaign and host Fulham in a meeting between two teams with little to play for. Prediction: Wolves 0–0 Fulham.

Newcastle versus West Ham is a must-win scenario for the visitors to avoid relegation if Tottenham win. The Magpies have steadied with two matches without defeat. Prediction: Newcastle 1–1 West Ham.

Arsenal can edge closer to the title with a win over already relegated Burnley, while Man City visit Bournemouth on Tuesday in a match where the visitors have shown away inconsistency. Prediction: Arsenal 3–0 Burnley; Bournemouth 2–2 Man City.

Chelsea face Tottenham in another significant rivalry fixture on Tuesday evening. Both sides arrive under pressure and a draw is predicted. Prediction: Chelsea 1–1 Tottenham.