EPL: The Premier League decider?

It has all the makings of a classic.

Two attacking teams, the title on the line, the anniversary of the terrible events of Hillsborough: the scene is set for drama.

The way the teams have played recently suggests Liverpool and Man City will put on a show at Anfield.

And while Chelsea are — despite some dangerous assumptions — far from out of it, the firepower on show on Sunday is expected to confirm that this season’s Premier League title will not be returning to London.

Forget the players for a minute and let’s focus on the fans. The Red half of Merseyside are believing again and they will fervently line the streets to welcome the team bus to the stadium.

As a player, if you can’t be moved by that, you’re probably in the wrong game.

The other potentially-inspiring factor is the raw emotion generated by memories of Hillsborough. The scars of that day define the club in so many ways and Tuesday marks 25 years since 96 fans were crushed to death at the FA Cup semi-final in Sheffield. Any self-respecting English football fan knows where they were that devastating Saturday afternoon in 1989. All games this weekend kick off at seven minutes past the hour in recognition of when that fateful game was stopped after just six minutes. City are a fine club with an astounding team of superstars —but  Liverpool fans will ensure  their players feel that, as their anthem preaches, they’ll never walk alone. And that may well prove the difference. n

All 11:07am unless stated

TOMORROW

C Palace v Aston Villa

Villa can beat Chelsea but then produce abject performances, much to their fans’ frustration.Palace sense survival and Villa’s previously-good away form has vanished.

Prediction: 2-0

Fulham v Norwich

Fulham’s chances of staying up rest on a win here — and they’ll take on a Canaries team is in disarray after the sacking of Chris Hughton. In comes Neil Adams, formerly a youth team manager. Adams, for what it’s worth, is a favourite of chef-turned-chairman Delia Smith. So on her head be it.

Prediction: 1-1

Southampton v Cardiff 

Saints should put the final nail in the coffin of this wretched Cardiff team, who have shown how easy it is to undo years of hard work in getting promotion.

Few tears will be shed outside Wales when their return to the Championship is confirmed. 

Prediction: 3-1

Stoke v Newcastle

Newcastle resemble a rudderless ship at present, which must be infuriating  for their fans. 

At least if you’re in trouble you have something to rally around! This team have a chairman seemingly content with midtable and players who know their season is effectively done. Stoke, still out to prove they can excel using a more expansive game, have more motivation.

Prediction: 2-1

Sunderland v Everton

The Toffees are going strong and now have fourth place in their own hands after their superb win over Arsenal. Make this consecutive win number seven.

Prediction: 1-2

West Brom v Tottenham

The only thing that continues to save WBA is the fact the teams below them are so bad. Tottenham, meanwhile, are adept at putting away sides below them.

Prediction: 1-3

SUNDAY

Liverpool v Man City

9:37am

One suspects Liverpool have a better chance of beating City than Chelsea given the set-up of those two teams.

The Reds could make it 10 wins on the spin here and they have been irresistible at Anfield.

But City’s slickers are unbeaten in 10 away games and have Sergio Aguero back in the squad, although it may come too soon for him to start.

It’s hard not to see this game living up to its billing.

Prediction:  3-2

Swansea v Chelsea

12:07pm

Eden Hazard is likely to be injured for this one, although Matic should return to bolster the midfield. Swansea — despite three home wins in their past five games — will do extremely well to get anything here. 

Prediction:  0-2

Gunners feeling the pressure

TOMORROW

Wigan v Arsenal

1:07am

The Gunners have managed to turn all the pressure on themselves by making this their sole chance of silverware this season.

While they are in serious danger of missing out on the top four, failure to win the FA Cup would be an equally-devastating blow considering the teams left in.

Wigan have been reinvogorated by manager Uwe Rosler, though, and will put up a test. 

If Arsenal have the right mentality, they should progress but, after the defeats they have suffered this season, that is far from a given.

Prediction:  1-3

SUNDAY

Hull City v Sheffield Utd

12:07pm

The Tigers won’t get a better chance to reach the FA Cup final for the first time in their history.

The Blades, though, are this year’s giantkillers. Who can seize the moment? Premier League class should tell.

Prediction:  2-1