Will Arsenal or Everton claim 4th place in the Barclays Premier League this season and qualify for the UEFA Champions League?
Arsenal and Everton are each attempting to secure the final UEFA Champions League qualification place in the Premier League, and we’ve taken out the CaughtOffside crystal ball to cast our Nostradamus-esque predictions on the remaining fixtures.
Read our thoughts on the following pages!
Wednesday 16th April
Everton v Crystal Palace – 19:45
Crystal Palace have been supremely solid since Tony Pulis replaced Ian Holloway as manager, but seven of their ten victories under the former Stoke City boss have come at home.
Their three away wins have come against sides of a similar level – Hull City, Aston Villa and Cardiff City, and Everton ought to have enough firepower to beat the Eagles.
Verdict: EVERTON WIN
Sunday 20th April
Hull City v Arsenal – 14:05
Some of Arsenal’s key players will return to face Hull City in the Premier League. Aaron Ramsey should be fit to start after a hugely encouraging substitute appearance against West Ham United, while record signing Mesut Ozil should at least be fit for the bench.
Hull have been impressive in their first season since promotion to the Premier League, but most of their points have come in their matches against teams battling relegation.
Steve Bruce’s men have lost 13 of their 17 fixtures against teams in the top half of the table – including a 2-0 loss at Emirates Stadium in December.
Verdict: ARSENAL WIN
Sunday 20th April
Everton v Manchester United – 16:10
Manchester United manager David Moyes returns to his old hunting ground of Goodison Park to attempt to avenge his team’s 1-0 loss to Everton at Old Trafford, and in recent weeks the Red Devils have looked much improved.
With Shinji Kagawa and Juan Mata combining well, Man Utd could be more of a test for the Toffees this time around, but the absences of Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie could harm their chances.
Verdict: DRAW
Saturday 26th April
Southampton v Everton – 12:45
Southampton have been a breath of fresh air this term, but in the last few weeks have struggled to replicate their early season form.
The absence of Jay Rodriguez through injury could harm the Saints’ chances against a fluid Everton side, and Roberto Martinez should be able to mastermind a victory.
Verdict: EVERTON WIN
Monday 28th April
Arsenal v Newcastle United – 20:00
Arsenal have had the measure of Newcastle United for quite some time, last losing to the Magpies in 2010.
The Gunners have won 10 and drawn three of their last 14 fixtures against Newcastle, and Alan Pardew’s men have toiled since January – losing eight of their eleven Premier League matches, and scoring just six goals in that time – four of which were in one match against Hull City.
Verdict: ARSENAL WIN
Saturday 3rd May
Everton v Manchester City – 17:30
Manchester City are fighting for the Premier League title, and will represent a significant test for Everton.
Yaya Toure may be able to return to Manuel Pellegrini’s side after a hamstring injury, while Sergio Aguero is always dangerous.
Gareth Barry will be ineligible for Everton due to being on loan from Man City.
Verdict: EVERTON LOSS
Sunday 4th May
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion – 13:30
West Bromwich Albion have only won two of their matches against teams in the top half of the table, and while they may very well avoid relegation, Pepe Mel has not exactly stemmed the tide of goals against.
Arsenal should have more than enough to see out the Baggies at Emirates Stadium.
Verdict: ARSENAL WIN
Sunday 11th May
Hull City v Everton – 15:00
Hull City are already safe from relegation, and will have one eye on the FA Cup final the following weekend – ironically against Arsenal.
Steve Bruce could therefore rest players ahead of their showpiece fixture against the Gunners, which would naturally aid Everton.
The Toffees will fight to the last, and should come out on top.
Verdict: EVERTON WIN
Sunday 11th May
Norwich City v Arsenal – 15:00
Norwich City’s final four Premier League fixtures are against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
That means that by the time they face the Gunners, they could either already be relegated or fighting for their lives.
Still, regardless of the Canaries’ situation, Arsene Wenger’s side ought to have enough quality to gain all three points.
Verdict: ARSENAL WIN
Final points tally:
Arsenal: 79
Everton: 76
Can Arsenal hold on to fourth place and qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the sixteenth consecutive year, or will Everton overhaul the Gunners?
Let us know your thoughts and predictions below!
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