Is this not odd or what?
With Spurs having wrapped up Champions League spots, suddenly the weekend only has four contests that are even worthwhile in terms of actual non-monetary importance. It’s pretty safe to say that unless something of biblical proportions happens at Stamford Bridge today, there isn’t a whole lot to look forward to.
I know, everyone has to say the title race is coming “down to the wire” and what not because, technically, it is still up for grabs. And, of course, everyone wearing a Red Devil on their chest is begging to differ at every turn, pointing out Chelsea’s first loss was to their Sunday opposition, Wigan Athletic.
But let’s be real for a second.
Even if Schizoid Athletic come out on the good side tomorrow, they are going to be running head first into a blue buzzsaw, one that will be taking no prisoners in it’s attempt to snatch back the league title that United have had for the last three years. Because the Latics play an attacking style, they will be perfect foils for the Blues’ counterattack. Even with Chris Kirkland minding the sticks, Chelsea would be licking their chops in anticipation of killing this contest as quickly as possible.
United, at this point, can only pray, wait and hope.
That said, let’s take a look at the final contests and what each still has to play for.
Arsenal v. Fulham
Fulham will be resting players for their Europa League final against Atletico Madrid midweek, so seeing many of the starters of that contest will be a longshot. Anyone complaining about this can go climb a tree. The Cottagers can do no worse than 13th, which only effects the amount of cash they get once the standings are done and dusted.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have incentive to go and kill off Fulham. With Spurs having claimed the three midweek, they are only two ahead of their despised rivals and a loss here would put them in extreme peril of suddenly slipping into fourth place and back into a qualifying round (where they’ll get into mid-season diving form against Celtic again). That’s not something the Gunners want to have happen, at least of all to those “people” up the road, if they can even call them that.
All that said, it’s still a London Derby match, if not one of the glamour matches, which means it will still be a bit physical and rowdy.
Arsenal 3 – 1 Fulham
Aston Villa v. Blackburn
Villa would like to win and make certain that they aren’t starting deep into the Europa League qualification rounds. A win keeps them from being seventh, but a draw will probably do them no good.
Blackburn are in position to claim a top 10 finish with any sort of result. They’ve been very difficult to beat (only four times since February) and can give a team like Villa fits (as indicated by the 2-1 earlier this term) so nothing is out of order in this contest.
Villa 1 – 1 Blackburn
Bolton v. Birmingham
This will be one of those “friendly” type affairs as neither side can climb any higher but could really only lose spots with some wacky other results in the table.
Bolton 1 – 2 Birmingham
Burnley v. Tottenham
Burnley will be looking to send themselves to the Championship on a high note by trying to create some of that early season magic and claim another top-4 scalp. Given that Brian Laws has a job still, however, this does not look promising. In any case, they’ll probably keep it clean, in the event that Fulham should get them into Europe.
Is that not the damndest thing you’ve ever heard in your life?
Spurs could have a lot to play for. Like, say, the group stage of the Champions League. Expect blood to flow and make the grass grow at Turf Moor.
Burnley 0 – 4 Tottenham
Chelsea v. Wigan
Light has already been made of this contest. Chelsea will want to kill this one off quick, get the bubblé ready, then prep for the F.A. Cup final.
Wigan will try to pick off Chelsea twice in the same term. Wonder how many “white suitcases” have made there way to the visitor’s locker room at the ‘Bridge already….
Chelsea 4 – 0 Wigan
Everton v. Portsmouth
Everton really have nothing to go with here other than closing down Goodison for the summer on a high note. Pompey will conserve energy for their F.A. Cup final match. Therefore, the no-namers will be out in full force for the final match before the Championship beckons…I think.
Everton 2 – 0 Portsmouth
Hull City v. Liverpool
Two teams who probably could give two rat’s asses less about this contest. The only thing that gives ‘Pool any incentive is to try and get a better Europa League position. Outside of that, it’s a farewell match for the Tigers to the Championship.
Hull 0 – 1 Liverpool
Manchester United v. Stoke City
A lot of hoping and praying will be going on at Old Trafford. Not about their contest, which they reckon to win with some early struggle, but the Stamford Bridge contest, in which they hope the spirit of anyone remotely important to Wigan’s history comes out and leads the Latics to a draw.
Stoke, meanwhile, will be there to soak up the atmosphere and get out alive should Chelsea stumble for some unknown reason.
United 3 – 0 Stoke
West Ham v. Manchester City
The Hammers could conceivably jump from 17th to 14th. City can do no worse than 6th. Many travel plans will be made pre-match. Expect loads of uninterested parties here.
West Ham 0 – 1 City
Wolves v. Sunderland
All about the Benjamins, baby.
Wolves 1 – 1 Sunderland
