Premier League preview – Week 38

Chelsea v Everton

Key Battle: Fernando Torres looked like a player reborn against Benfica in the Europa League final and Phil Jagielka will have to be at his best to keep him quiet.

Player to Watch: Frank Lampard has just signed a new contract after breaking the Chelsea goalscoring record last week.

Talking Point: Chelsea still need a win to guarantee a top three spot, but will they quite manage to do enough?

Prediction: 0-0

Liverpool v QPR

Key Battle: Coutinho could run riot for Liverpool against this dishevelled QPR side, whose midfield will be limply kept together by Shaun Derry .

Player to Watch: Daniel Sturridge scored his first hat trick last week and can continue to show his best form against this QPR team.

Talking Point: Liverpool have been trying to finish the season on a high whilst QPR have looked like they want the season to end for months now.

Prediction: 7-0

Man City v Norwich

Key Battle: Sergio Aguero popped up with a goal last week after Roberto Mancini’s sacking and he will be a threat if he can get past Sebastien Bassong.

Player to Watch: Yaya Toure has not looked himself for quite some time for City but can show something approaching his best form here if it’s his day.

Talking Point: Without Roberto Mancini City’s players could be liberated and Norwich have nothing left to play for now.

Prediction: 3-0

Newcastle v Arsenal

Key Battle: Theo Walcott goes up against Davide Santon at the back for Newcastle, and he will hope to continue his fine goalscoring form.

Player to Watch: Lukas Podolski netted twice in the week for Arsenal and may keep his place up front ahead of Olivier Giroud, who returns from suspension.

Talking Point: Arguably the biggest game of the day, Arsenal have to win for their top four hopes against Newcastle.

Prediction: 1-2

Southampton v Stoke

Key Battle: Morgan Schneiderlin against Glenn Whelan will be an interesting battle in the middle of the pitch as these sides slug it out.

Player to Watch: Rickie Lambert will look to finish a superb season on a high for the Saints as they play host to Stoke.

Talking Point: Both of these sides will be relieved to have survived in the Premier League season, but there are storm clouds ahead for both off the pitch.

Prediction: 2-1

Swansea v Fulham

Key Battle: Michu and Dimitar Berbatov go head to head in what can only be described as a battle of the prolific playmakers.

Player to Watch: Pablo Hernandez has enjoyed a good first season in England with Swansea and will hope to showcase more of his skill here.

Talking Point: The final game of a superb season for Swansea will be an interesting affair as the Welsh club look to sign off on a high.

Prediction: 3-0

Tottenham v Sunderland

Key Battle: Jermain Defoe will look to get the better of John O’Shea at the back of the Sunderland defence as Spurs go in search of crucial goals.

Player to Watch: Gareth Bale, who else? If one man is going to fire Tottenham into the Champions League, it is the brilliant Welshman.

Talking Point: Tottenham are relying on favours from elsewhere but have to show their own hand and come away with a big three points first.

Prediction: 3-1

West Brom v Man Utd

Key Battle: Robin van Persie against Gareth McAuley pits one of the league’s best forwards against one of its best defenders.

Player to Watch: Javier Hernandez can thrive in this final game of the season as United look to finish on a high.

Talking Point: Sir Alex Ferguson’s final game in charge of Manchester United means this could be emotional for the visitors.

Prediction: 1-1

West Ham v Reading

Key Battle: Two of the league’s best goalkeepers of recent weeks, Jussi Jaaskelainian and Alex McCarthy, this game could be won by whichever team has the better performer between the sticks.

Player to Watch: Andy Carroll has enjoyed a good second half of the season for West Ham and will be their big threat here.

Talking Point: Two teams who came up last season together, but Reading will depart to the Championship for next season while West Ham reflect on a highly satisfactory campaign.

Prediction: 2-0

Wigan v Aston Villa

Key Battle: James McCarthy will be up against Karim El Ahmadi and can dominate in midfield for Wigan in this game.

Player to Watch: Shaun Maloney has been the man in form for Wigan of late and can produce his usual heroics for the home team.

Talking Point: They are going down but it has been a remarkable season for Wigan, and they can say goodbye to the Premier League with their customary style.

Prediction: 4-0