PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTIONS

Middlesbrough v Man Utd (1245 BST)

Middlesbrough are looking like a side that are going to be relegated and, although they have had some good home results against Manchester United in the past, I can't see them pulling it off again.

Sir Alex Ferguson has already said that he will change his team around ahead of next week's Champions League semi-final second leg, but he will bring in quality players with fresh legs who will see them through this one.

Verdict: 0-2

Chelsea v Fulham

I think Chelsea accept that the title has gone and, like the other two teams still involved in the Champions League, I think they will take the opportunity to rest a few players.

It is a local derby and Fulham will be looking to top off a really good season with a result. They will be busting a gut. Chelsea, understandably, maybe less so.

Verdict: 1-1

Manchester City v Blackburn

Last week was a very good result for Manchester City against Everton to secure only their second away win in the Premier League. It looks like they could finish the season strongly despite injuries and their home form has been good all year.

Because of the perils of Hull, Middlesbrough and Newcastle I think Blackburn are probably safe and, even if they are defeated here, will be in the top flight next season.

Verdict: 2-0

Portsmouth v Arsenal

It's a great time for Portsmouth to have this game with Arsenal's minds on pulling back a goal deficit to Manchester United in the Champions League. They could really put the seal on their season and cement their safety.

Arsenal have nothing really left to play for in the league now and Arsene Wenger may be tempted to try out some of his squad players.

Verdict: 2-1

Stoke v West Ham

Both of these teams have exceeded expectations this season. It's tough going to Stoke with their record and excellent home support. Tony Pulis has got it absolutely right with two wide men, two big lads up front and the added threat of Rory Delap's throw-ins.

West Ham, under Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke, have done very well indeed. Their problem has been numbers with the sheer amount of injuries they have suffered.

Verdict: 2-1

Tottenham v West Brom

Tottenham are very good at home and create an awful lot of chances and I think on the day they will just be a little too strong for the Baggies.

West Brom had a great win last week against Sunderland, but they can really struggle on the road. Both sides play decent, attractive football though so it could be an entertaining clash.

Verdict: 2-0

Wigan v Bolton

No real pressure on either of the sides here. Wigan have done extremely well considering they have always had to sell players along the way. The loss of players like Wilson Palacios is just a matter of course for Steve Bruce unfortunately.

Bolton have flirted with the bottom three but have come up with results when it matters to move away from the relegation scrap. They are playing with a little more freedom now as well.

Verdict: 2-2

SUNDAY

Liverpool v Newcastle (1330 BST)

It looks like Steven Gerrard will be back for Liverpool and, while they have been setting the trend for Manchester United previously, this weekend they will be watching to see what the leaders do on Saturday. Whatever happens at the Riverside though they need to win.

Newcastle are dependent on Middlesbrough and Hull's results as much as anything. They went 4-3-3 against Portsmouth last week, but I think it would be a big gamble to go that way against Liverpool at Anfield.

Verdict: 3-0

Sunderland v Everton (1600 BST)

Sunderland really came up short against West Brom last week, which was a game they would have targeted to secure their safety. I'm sure Ricky Sbragia will have them fired up to make sure they compete here.

Everton have come a long way this season, played really well at times and still have the FA Cup final to look forward to, but I think one or two of them may have taken their eye off the ball.

Verdict: 2-1

MONDAY

Aston Villa v Hull (2000 BST)

I think Aston Villa have broken the back of that awful run of form they were going through and, where once they will be looking at fourth, now they will be concentrating on keeping hold of fifth spot.

Hull really are foundering now at the worst possible time of the season and this is another tough game for them.

Verdict: 2-0

Mark Lawrenson was talking to BBC Sport's Mike Henson