Football Pools Preview - TERMINATING!

Preview

The Football Pools were not struck last week and they will terminate this week with the Premiership season completed.


Game 1: Arsenal v Fulham

After their midweek loss to Blackburn, Arsenal need to win this to confirm third place in the Premiership. Fulham have a dreadful record away from home and so the Gunners should get the points.

Recommendation: Arsenal by 1 to 2

Game 2: Aston Villa v Blackburn

Villa are sixth on the Premiership table and will be keen to finish an excellent season on a high note. Blackburn have continued to improve throughout the season and earlier this week were able to upset Arsenal. Villa has won more games away from home than at Villa Park this season but they should get the points.

Recommendation: Aston Villa by 1 to 2

Game 3: Bolton v Birmingham

Neither side has a great deal to play for here with Bolton well clear of relegation and Birmingham in the top half of the Premiership table. This has draw written all over it.

Recommendation: draw

Game 4: Burnley v Tottenham

This will be Burnley's last game in the Premiership for some time as they head to the Championship next season. Depending on what happens against Manchester City midweek, Spurs may need to win this to finish fourth on the ladder and a place in Europe next season.

Recommendation: Tottenham by 1 to 2, 3 or more

Game 5: Chelsea v Wigan

The equation for Chelsea is simple - win and the Premiership for the season is yours. Wigan don't win away from home very often and they're most unlikely to do so here.

Recommendation: Chelsea by 3 or more

Game 6: Everton v Portsmouth

Everton have had another steady season and look destined to finish eighth on the table while Portsmouth have known their fate for many months and are heading to the Championship next season. Everton should finish their season with a flourish.

Recommendation: Everton 1 to 2 or 3 or more

Game 7: Hull City v Liverpool

Neither side will be happy with their season - Hull have been relegated while Liverpool are seventh on table, well below expectations. Hull are OK at home but Liverpool should hold too many guns.

Recommendation: Liverpool by 1 to 2

Game 8: Manchester United v Stoke

Like Chelsea, United have to win and hope that their nearest rival is unsuccessful. A win at Old Trafford looks a forgone conclusion but it might not be enough for the Red Devils to take out yet another title.

Recommendation: Manchester United by 3 or more

Game 9: West Ham v Manchester City

West Ham are now safely in the Premiership for another season after a very average campaign. City may well have to win here for a fourth placing in the Premiership and a place in Europe next season.

Recommendation: Manchester City 1 to 2 or 3 or more

Game 10: Wolves v Sunderland

Wolves have spent the last month or so worrying about relegation but that curtain has now been lifted and they can relax. Sunderland lie just below mid-table and so this is another match with a draw looking most likely.

Recommendation: draw