Match to catch

Only one major issue remains undecided as the 2014/15 EPL season concludes with a bumper Sunday programme — will it be Hull or Newcastle who join Burnley and QPR in the Championship next season? The Tigers, trailing the Toon by two points but with a better goal difference, have the tougher assignment as they host fourth-placed Manchester United, while Newcastle have a home game against out-of-form West Ham. Hull know that only a win will be enough to keep them in the division, but even then a Newcastle victory would still send them down. I think that equation means Steve Bruce’s side are destined for the drop as, like for much of the season, they just don’t have enough quality. After the high of reaching the FA Cup final and qualifying for the Europa League last season, this campaign has been a huge disappointment as too many of their signings have failed to make an impact. Prediction: Hull 1 Man Utd 1.

Keep an eye on

Hull’s woes mean that crisis club Newcastle should somehow survive for another season in the top-flight. Owner Mike Ashley should be extremely thankful to former coach Alan Pardew — who was only too happy to jump ship to Crystal Palace midseason — as he helped them garner 27 of the 36 points that look likely to be enough to keep them up. Interim manager John Carver’s reign has been a disaster and it would be a bizarre situation if Newcastle were left to ‘celebrate’ survival on the back of another defeat on Sunday — they have already lost 10 of their last 12 games. They should be able to avoid defeat against the Hammers, but United’s fans, who intend to protest against Ashley after the game no matter what the outcome, are entitled to expect more than just last-day survival. Prediction: Newcastle 2 West Ham 1.

Showing form

Manchester City have failed to fulfil most of their objectives for the season, but at least they can go into the summer break on a positive run of form thanks to five straight wins and the possibility of a sixth against Southampton at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The teams scored 10 goals between them last weekend (City won 4-2 at Swansea after Southampton drubbed Aston Villa 6-1) so this has the potential to be a thriller, especially as the Saints still have the chance to finish the season as high as fifth. Prediction: Man City 3 Southampton 2.

For the purists

Arsenal’s season has suffered a disappointing dip in the final weeks as, despite assuring themselves of third place with a draw at Manchester United, they have gone two home games without scoring — losing 1-0 to Swansea and being held to a stalemate by Sunderland on Wednesday. The Black Cats had little ambition in midweek, but still the Gunners were unable to break them down and, with West Brom unlikely to be any more adventurous, it could be another long 90 minutes at The Emirates on Sunday. Prediction: Arsenal 1 West Brom 0.

Need a win

Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers has already endured a miserable season after the highs of last season’s title challenge. Some of the problems affecting the Reds have been beyond his control (Luis Suarez’s exit, Daniel Sturridge’s injuries), while others have been self-inflicted (too many average signings and tactical tinkerings) — but the last thing Rodgers needed was key player Raheem Sterling’s transfer demand overshadowing Liverpool’s end to the season. While the England forward has been far from his best this season, there won’t be a shortage of takers when it comes to paying big money for him and satisfying his wage (sorry, Champions League) demands. But he should expect a rough ride from the Liverpool fans at Stoke on Sunday. Prediction: Stoke 2 Liverpool 1.

Get involved

Think I’m way off the mark? Tweet me your EPL predictions to @MartinDownerGN or email sportsdesk@gulfnews.com