Match to catch

Part one of Liverpool’s Premier League-deciding pair of home games sees Manchester City in action at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. The Reds begin the weekend at the top of the table, two points clear of Chelsea and four ahead of City, who have two vital games in hand, so Brendan Rodgers’ side can just about carry on playing the underdog role that has suited them so well. Should they beat City, however, and go into the April 27 match against Chelsea still at the top, then the pressure may begin to tell. Sunday’s match promises to be a belter, with both teams committed to attacking football and many players at the top of their game. I think in-form Liverpool may just shade it. Prediction: Liverpool 2 Man City 1.

 

Keep an eye on

That monster clash at Anfield rather overshadows the FA Cup semi-finals, which are taking place this weekend. Usually these games are among the highlights of the English season, but this year the cast list is far from illustrious, and Wigan, Hull and Sheffield United are surely only playing a supporting role to overwhelming favourites Arsenal. The pressure is on Arsene Wenger to finally end the Gunners’ nine-year trophy drought, and it would take yet another against-all-odds performance from holders Wigan to deny them a place in the final. Prediction: Arsenal 3 Wigan 1.

 

For the purists

This weekend’s second semi-final between Premier League mid-table side Hull City and third-tier Sheffield United is in danger of being overlooked almost completely, as it follows on from Liverpool-Man City on Sunday and kicks off at the same time as Chelsea are in action at Swansea. It’s sad, but the Yorskhire derby at Wembley will surely attract far fewer viewers. Prediction: Hull 2 Sheffield United 1.

 

Showing form

Everton were magnificent in dispatching Arsenal 3-0 at Goodison Park last weekend and they have now won six league games in a row. Roberto Martinez has done a fantastic job in his first season in charge and they have a very good chance of pipping the Gunners to the fourth Champions League spot. They host both Manchester clubs before the season is out, but they also face three away games, in which they can’t afford for their concentration to waver. They should beat Sunderland this weekend, but Southampton (April 26) and Hull (May 11 — the last day of the season, against former striker Nikica Jelavic!) could be where fourth place is won or lost. Prediction: Sunderland 0 Everton 2.

 

Need a win

Norwich City pressed the panic button during the week and sacked manager Chris Hughton with just five games to go and replaced him with the untested youth coach Neil Adams. While it is justifiable to get rid of Hughton – he failed miserably to get meaningful contributions out of last summer’s big attacking signings Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Johan Elmander and Gary Hooper – the timing and inexperienced replacement are questionable. The Canaries finish the campaign against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, so they really need a win at Fulham on Saturday to keep the bottom three at bay. Prediction: Fulham 1 Norwich 1.

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