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FA CUP FINAL (Wembley, 1645)
CHELSEA vs LIVERPOOL
Once the highlight of the English footballing year as, for now, league positions dissolve into irrelevance. There’s always been – and there remains – something genuinely special about the occasion, even if its gloss has been dulled in recent years. The build-up. The walk of the teams onto the field, two sets of gladiators pumped for battle, tension and nerves etched deep on every face. Abide with me. The national anthem. The roar of more than 80,000 fans as the man in black or yellow or green or purple blows for the start of combat. And two hours later, one team will climb the stairs to receive the cup. No deepening darkness or vain shadows for them. But who will it be? Not the foggiest.
PREMIER LEAGUE
The Premier League enters its penultimate weekend with three key issues still to resolve: the title, the third relegated team, and the final Euro spots.
*SUNDAY*
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs BURNLEY (1200)
Has Burnley’s new manager bump run its course? After today, they take on Villa and Newcastle in their bid to retain top flight status. Meanwhile, Spurs have ample incentive to play up as they seek to pip Arsenal to the last Champions League spot. Home win.
ASTON VILLA vs CRYSTAL PALACE (1400)
Little but mid-table pride to play for here. Draw.
LEEDS UNITED vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (1400)
Things are looking dark for Leeds and a win today is an absolute must. Their last game is at Brentford. Draw.
WATFORD vs LEICESTER CITY (1400)
Boring ahead. Away win.
WEST HAM UNITED vs MANCHESTER CITY (1400)
City will all but claim the title if they win today. But they have a wounded and therefore vulnerable defence, with Walker, Stones and Dias all confirmed out, while Fernandinho and Laporte have late fitness tests. This may (or may not) come to our advantage in set pieces. Either way, it looks like the only realistic straw that presents itself for clutching. De Bruyne is on fire and will be looking to add to the four he bagged at Wolves last weekend. For us, this marks the last home game for Mark Noble. He’s been with us through thick and a lot of thin. He’s played for more managers than any other West Ham player: Pardew, Curbishley, Zola, Grant, Allardyce, Billic, Pellegrini, Moyes. In the old days, he may have played out the last year or two of his career at Orient. There’s only one Mark Noble, one Mark Noble. Away win (Scorer: Noble, own goal).
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS vs NORWICH CITY (1400)
Wolves will be smarting from a comprehensive defeat at home to Man City last time out. Home win.
EVERTON vs BRENTFORD (1630)
Brentford have a major say in the relegation battle. Many would have thought that they’d be one of the sides heading back to the Championship, and much credit to them that they’re not. Everton’s fate is now in their own hands and home advantage will be significant. A win today will virtually assure them of safety, with another home game against Palace to come before they end a traumatic season at Arsenal. Home win.
*MONDAY*
NEWCASTLE UNITED vs ARSENAL (2000)
There’s something increasingly appealing about the thunder on Arteta’s face when Arsenal lose. It’s something that seems to run in the Arsenal manager lineage. Newcastle will be preparing for next season, but will want to end this one with respect. A tough game beckons. Away win.
*TUESDAY*
SOUTHAMPTON vs LIVERPOOL (1945)
The Saints may go marching into this, but you feel they'll be leaving with tails firmly twixt legs. Away win.
*THURSDAY*
EVERTON vs CRYSTAL PALACE (1945)
Home win.
ASTON VILLA vs BURNLEY (2000)
Draw.
CHELSEA vs LEICESTER CITY (2000)
Home win.
*CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND-UP*
Luton and Huddersfield drew last night, leaving the Yorkshire side as probable favourites to make it to the final. Today, Saturday, sees Sheffield United host Nottingham Forest. The second legs are on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, with the final at Wembley on 29 May.
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