The curtain drops Sunday on another Premiership season, with Champions League and Europa League spots left to be determined. Here are five matches to keep tabs on:
Sunday programming alert: Watch Tottenham v Sunderland (on Sportsnet), West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United (on Sportsnet ONE), and Chelsea v Everton (on Sportsnet World). Live coverage begins at 10:30 am ET/7:30 am PT.
Sunday programming alert: Watch Liverpool v Queens Park Rangers, Manchester City vs. Norwich City, Swansea City v Fulham and Wigan Athletic v Aston Villa on Sportsnet World Online. Live coverage begins at 11 am ET/8 am PT.
Chelsea vs. Everton
Rafa Benitez returned to London with the Europa League trophy on Thursday, ahead of managing his final match for the club. The good feelings continued around Stamford Bridge with the news of Frank Lampard signing a one-year contract extension, ending speculation of his imminent departure this summer. A long and tiring season culminates with a top-four finish guaranteed. However, Chelsea must collect all three points to avoid having to qualify for the Champions League next season.
An automatic Champions League spot could come down to a playoff, if Chelsea and Arsenal end level on points, goals scored and goal difference. The Blues currently sit two points clear (72 points) and hold the tie-breaker by one goal (+35). The Premier League fails to recognize head-to-head statistics, thus Chelsea’s double over their London rivals has no bearing on the final standings. With the Gunners’ 4-1 mid-week victory — should they beat Newcastle by a one goal margin, score two more goals than Chelsea, and the match at Stamford Bridge end in a draw — based on Premier League rules, a playoff must be played. The odds are minimal at best that this incredibly rare scenario will occur.
Although it’s been 19 years since Everton earned a victory at Stamford Bridge in the league, David Moyes will attempt to end his 11 year tenure at Everton on a winning note. Despite departing without silverware, the Scotsman leaves behind a tremendously grateful fan-base which is saddened to see him go. Without adequate resources to challenge the leagues heavy-hitters, Moyes’ achievements on a small budget are quite extraordinary. His focus on youth development and low-cost high reward purchases kept the Toffees competitive, finishing eighth or better in all but three of his 12 seasons in charge, and qualifying for Europe on four occasions. A victory in London would surpass his previous club record for points in a season (63) by three points. The three-time LMA Manager of the Year winner will have an entirely different challenge next season.
Liverpool vs. Queens Park Rangers
Anfield bids farewell to one of its own on Sunday, as Jamie Carragher will touch the famous ‘This Is Anfield’ sign one last time before walking out of the tunnel and onto the field which was the scene of so many memories. A guard of honour will await him, as Liverpool pay respect to his 16 years of loyal and dedicated service to the first team (second on the club’s all-time appearances list with 737).
Although, a Premier League title remained ultimately elusive, Carragher walks away from the game with 12 medals (three League Cups, two FA Cups, two Community Shields, two UEFA Super Cups, a Champions League, a UEFA Cup and a FA Youth Cup). Liverpool chairman Tom Werner laid out the red carpet for a Carragher return one day, telling local media that there will always be a role for the defender at Anfield. Even Alex Ferguson has heaped praise on the retiring centre-back, confessing his love and admiration for the Kop legend, and calling Carragher the epitome of loyalty and dedication.
Despite the result itself meaning nothing to either team, the Reds will be intent on giving their vice-captain a memorable send off. QPR dropped the reverse fixture 3-0 at Loftus Road.
Newcastle United vs. Arsenal
The onus is on Arsenal to produce a victory against an opponent with absolutely nothing left to play for this season, and rubber stamp a place in the top four. Arsene Wenger hasn’t missed out on Champions League football since his inaugural campaign (finishing third in 1996-97). To be fair, Wenger took over two months into that season, and it’s rather remarkable that Arsenal has never finished outside of the top-four in his 17-year reign. Continuing that trend hinges on collecting all three points at St. James Park, or at the very least equaling Tottenham’s result, with the Gunners beginning the day one point superior to their North London rivals.
Alan Pardew caused a disgruntled uproar around Tyneside after making some choice comments following the 2-1 victory at Loftus Road last weekend. With safety secured, Pardew unintelligently told reporters he would be happy to end the season with a 4-0 loss to the Gunners. It was quite obvious he spoke in jest, though it rattled the cages of Gerodie nation following a disappointing season. It was always going to be tough to match the success of last season, but despite showing ambition through astute cheap buys, some of the club’s key players are being tipped to be seeking relocation this summer.
Emirates Stadium was treated to a ten-goal thriller in the opposite league fixture, with Theo Walcott scoring an impressive hat-trick in Arsenal’s 7-3 victory. The performance put an exclamation point on the Gunners’ decision to make him their highest-paid player on £100,000 a week.
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Tottenham vs. Sunderland
Spurs’ ambitions of Champions League football next season rests in the hands of their hated North London rivals. Anything but a victory will see Tottenham miss out and forced to settle for successive seasons in the Europa League. Even a win might not be enough, as Arsenal holds the tie-breaker — Spurs need to win and get some help from Newcastle at St. James Park. It might be a tough ask.
If a top-four finish doesn’t materialize, Tottenham could still secure their highest point tally and the most for a team finishing fifth in the league. It’s of little consolation, and probably not enough to keep hold of their prized asset Gareth Bale. Despite the Welshman stating he has no pressing desire for a change of scenery in the near future, bids are expected to come through this summer and test Spurs’ resolve. The return on investment will be astronomical, given his performances and impact, with the majority of the money garnered from his sale likely to be reinvested into strengthening the squad. Life without Bale will take some getting used to at White Hart Lane.
The last five meetings have produced zero wins for Sunderland, with their recent encounter at the Stadium of Light ending 2-1 in favour of the visitors. Spurs sparked a three minute second-half comeback with Aaron Lennon scoring the match-winner.
West Bromwich vs. Manchester United
It all began at Oxford United’s Manor Ground on November 8th, 1986. United surprisingly lost the match 2-0 to then First Division minnows. The significance of that day in British football history can only now be fully understood. After 27 years and 38 trophies won, which elevated Manchester United’s brand and status as a global football superpower, Alex Ferguson finally calls time on a 39-year managerial career. And fittingly it will be his 1500th match behind the bench. The most decorated British manager of all time will begin a new chapter of his life in the United directors box next season, exiting the dugout as a champion, winning his 13th Premier League title.
Love him or hate him, there is no denying his legendary status and impact on the sport itself. Ferguson is hoping when the final whistle sounds at the Hawthorns, the result will be opposite of his debut.
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