Rashford the key for Villa against Palace, adds former Premier League manager
Manchester City 2-2 Nottingham Forest, FA Cup
Here we go, the two semi-finals and I think both will be fantastic. That was a massive win for Manchester City over Aston Villa, that’s given their top five hopes a real boost. I still don’t think they’re playing all that well, they still look very vulnerable at the back.
Nottingham Forest got a massive win at Tottenham on Monday but I actually don’t think they played at their best. Spurs played alright in that game and on another night, they probably would have got something out of it. It’s been an amazing season for Forest, what an occasion for those fans to go to Wembley.
I’m going for a thriller, 2-2 and it all to be decided in extra-time!
One to watch – Chris Wood has had the best season of his career. I’d love to see the big man get a goal at Wembley here.
Aston Villa 2-2 Crystal Palace, FA Cup
Aston Villa have played well in the last few weeks; I thought they were brilliant in that Paris Saint-Germain game. I do worry that this hectic schedule will catch up to them at some point though.
As for Crystal Palace that was a good point for them at the Emirates and what a finish that was from Jean-Philippe Mateta! We’ve seen it all season, this is a side that plays better on the road.
I’m putting my neck on the line, both games will be 2-2 thrillers!
One to watch – It’s taken him a while, but Marcus Rashford is beginning to look sharp for Villa. He was superb against PSG and I think he’ll fancy this game to get a goal.
Liverpool 4-0 Tottenham, Premier League
Here we go, Liverpool’s chance to win the title. I think they’ll get the job done, and in serious style. Their home record this season has been amazing, and the atmosphere will be amazing for this.
For Tottenham, it’s Europa League or bust for their season and maybe for Ange Postecoglou. I think they’ll probably rest a few players for the game on Thursday but if they lose this, that will be their 19th league defeat! That’s an unthinkable number for a Spurs side.
I can see Liverpool getting off to a fast start and being a couple of goals up half an hour in. I’m going for a 4-0 home win.
One to watch – Trent Alexander-Arnold scored last week and there might not be many home games left for him. He looks like he’s off to Real Madrid but you never know in football, things can change!
Bournemouth 2-1 Manchester United, Premier League
This should be a good one. Bournemouth have unfortunately just faded away over the last few months, I think all the injuries eventually caught up with them. They’re still 8th in the table; that’s a fantastic return for a club like Bournemouth.
I don’t know what to say about Manchester United anymore. They keep disappointing, keep losing games but if they go and win the Europa League, maybe it’s been worth it! I’m sure they’ll have an eye on next week’s game against Athletic Bilbao here.
One to watch – I don’t often single out a centre-half, but young Dean Huijsen is a top prospect, and I keep reading that he’s linked to virtually every club in Europe this summer! He won’t be at Bournemouth next season that’s for sure.
Chelsea 1-1 Everton, Premier League
A difficult one to predict here. Chelsea have looked so out of sorts of late. I know they got the win over Fulham last week, but they weren’t great, and the pressure is really on them with the race for the top five really heating up.
I’ve been so impressed by the job David Moyes has done. They might not be the most high-scoring side but they give every team they face a really difficult game.
Chelsea have an excellent record against Everton, but I can see the Blues frustrating them here and getting a point.
One to watch – It has to be Cole Palmer, I just don’t know what’s going on with him. He’s been so out of form for weeks and people are beginning to question the manager. Will we see him back to his best here?
Brighton 2-1 West Ham, Premier League
The Graham Potter derby! Brighton have really had a difficult month or so. I know they’ve had a few injuries, but they’ve been disappointing, and I don’t think the fans or the owner will be too happy at how they’ve ended the season.
Speaking of disappointing, West Ham’s season has been a disaster. We all go on about how bad United and Spurs have been, but West Ham are below both in the table! I like Potter but he’s not exactly set the world alight since he’s come in, it’s a big summer for him.
Despite Brighton’s recent form, I’m going for them.
One to watch – Danny Welbeck’s had a good season and got himself another goal last week.
Newcastle 3-0 Ipswich
I know Newcastle didn’t really turn up against Aston Villa last week, but they’ve been so impressive in recent weeks and at home, I just don’t see them dropping points.
Ipswich have done alright this season but their race is run and now it’s all about playing for pride.
One side with plenty to play for, one with nothing. I can only see a comfortable home win.
One to watch – Jacob Murphy has been sensational of late! He is in the form of his life and is bound to be in Thomas Tuchel’s thoughts at this rate.
Southampton 0-2 Fulham
Well Southampton got a point last week; that’s something I suppose. There’s not much left to say about them now, they’ve just got to try and finish with some optimism because I still fancy them to be one of the Championship’s best sides next season.
I bet Marco Silva couldn’t believe his side lost that to Chelsea last week. I think Fulham have done so well this season, but they’ve just ran out of steam as the season has gone on.
Surely only one winner here, 2-0.
One to watch – I think Alex Iwobi has had an excellent season and he’s a very underrated player. He’s not the most prolific but he’s a key player for them and a very classy footballer.
Wolves 2-0 Leicester, Premier League
Wolves are on fire right now! I think the job Vítor Pereira has done has gone under the radar a bit, they were in the relegation zone when he came in and now look at them, they don’t want the season to end! What a lovely free kick that was from Pablo Sarabia last week at Old Trafford.
Leicester are a side that are just waiting for the season to end. I know Southampton are below them in the table but I’m more concerned about Leicester this summer, the mood around the club just seems so off right now.
An easy day at Molineux, 2-0.
One to watch – There’s been a whole lot of chat about Matheus Cunha’s future this week with Man Utd allegedly leading the way. He’s a top player for Wolves but he’s been quiet in the last few weeks.
