May 2023

Arsenal v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Arsenal v Wolverhampton Wanderers  Though neither team has anything to play for, this game does hold some importance in terms of building momentum. Arsenal have totally went off the boil ever since their title challenge began to fall apart at Anfield. Wolves, meanwhile, are in the process of trying to convince current manager Julen Lopetegui to stick around after financial fair play issues meant the backing promised is not likely to be forthcoming.

Arsenal News

Arsenal are missing more than a few players for his one, with the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, William Saliba, and Gabriel Martinelli all missing out for this one. Reiss Nelson might miss out with illness, too, which would be a blow considering it looks likely to be his final game for the Gunners. This could be the final game in an Arsenal shirt for a few players, including the likes of Granit Xhaka.

Wolverhampton Wanderers News

Wolves are relatively fit, with the likes of Chiquinho and Saja Kalajdzic the only players out for this particular game. However, this could be a game for farewells as club stalwarts like Raul Jimenez and Ruben Neves look almost certain to depart from the club. Both have given many years of service, but look almost certain to leave for pastures new.

Verdict

Expect a relatively low tempo game, with both teams not likely to exert too much energy in a bid to try and simply see the game – and season – out. Still, with so many departing names either side, expect a few players to be trying to sign off with a positive final contribution. Arsenal win.

Score Prediction: 3-1

West Ham United v Leeds United

West Ham United v Leeds United  Given the brutal nature of their league run-in, this is as ‘must win’ as it gets for Leeds United. Sam Allardyce’s outfit are facing a West Ham United team who are almost certainly safe, and used up ample energy on Thursday night reaching the UEFA Conference League Final. If Allardyce is to get the 3 points his team likely needs to stay up, they will not get a better chance than at the London Stadium.

West Ham United News

The Hammers are only missing one player, with star striker Gianluca Scamacca out for the remainder of the season with injury. Though he has struggled in the Premier League, the Italian has been crucial in their European run. Other than this, West Ham can look forward to the return of Vladimir Coufal as he made the bench again after a period of time out with injury.

Leeds United News

Leeds are in the opposite position, they are missing some key players. Attacking talent Luis Sinisterra is out for the season, while midfielders Tyler Adams and Marc Roca are both out of this game barring a fitness miracle. Also missing will be Junior Firpo, who was suspended, and Liam Cooper, who has struggled all year with injury and form issues.

Verdict

A hard one to call, but with West Ham more or less safe and energy expended in Alkmaar, we could see a surprise Leeds win. They have the need to win, as their remaining fixtures offer little hope of three points. In a way it is now or never for the Whites, and we can see it being now.

Score Prediction: 1-2

Newcastle United v Arsenal

Newcastle United v Arsenal  Having endured a tough run of games away from home in the tail-end of the season, Arsenal continue that win a game away to Newcastle United. Though the title looks more or less gone by this point, Arsenal need to keep fighting to see what they can pull out of the bag and hope Manchester City slip up somewhere. Is it likely to be at St. James, though, with Newcastle still scrapping for top four?

Newcastle United News

Newcastle do have quite a few injuries, as is common for this time of the year. They are certain to be without Jamaal Lascelles, and there are doubts regarding Allan Saint-Maximin and Sean Longstaff. Outside of that, though, Newcastle have a mostly fit team to pick from – for the first time in a while, they have no real injuries in their striking department.

Arsenal News

Arsenal are short of a few themselves, mainly in defence. Takehiro Tomiyasu is done for the season, while William Saliba is facing a fight to return himself. Gabriel is also likely to miss out, meaning that Arsenal will be missing three of their first-choice back four.

Verdict

This should be a tough one to call, with both teams very much in need of points. Given the freshness of Newcastle’s attack and the injuries Arsenal are dealing with, though, it is hard to see the Gunners keeping Newcastle out. This could create a shoot-out style match, which is something that is more likely to suit Arsenal than Newcastle. Expect a hard-fought match with plenty of quality, but no winners.

Score Prediction: 2-2