Liverpool’s frustration, Manchester United’s joy and Arsenal’s are piling up cricket scores

With two weekends to go in the Premier League, we are approaching a tough time up and down.

Manchester City’s absence from league action – they face Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday – has given Arsenal a chance to strengthen their hold on the top.

Down the stretch, West Ham can pile on the pressure on Tottenham with a result at Newcastle.

Here, we look at the fixtures and give our Premier League predictions for this weekend.

IT’S FRIDAY

Aston Villa v Liverpool (8pm)
The biggest game in the Champions League qualifying race, the winner is guaranteed to play in Europe’s top club competition next season. The loser will look anxiously over his shoulder to see how sixth-placed Bournemouth fare in their final two games. Villa, of course, have two options: their league position or beating Freiburg in the Europa League final. The latter could also open the door for Liverpool. It’s tough but both sides can clear their doubts by winning this one. So…
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-2 Liverpool

ON SUNDAY

Manchester United v Nottingham Forest (12.30pm)
Reports this week suggest that Manchester United are willing to turn Michael Carrick’s temporary position into a permanent one. He could improve his chances by seeing off an already protected Nottingham Forest side. United will have to play better than last weekend when they were lucky to escape Sunderland with a 0-0 draw.
Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Nottingham Forest

Brentford v Crystal Palace (3pm)
Brentford have spent most of the season inside the top eight but their challenge for a Europa League place has been shaken after just one win from eight games. They should take the first step towards achieving that goal on Sunday against a Crystal Palace side whose focus, and for a few weeks now, is the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on May 27.
Prediction: Brentford 2-0 Crystal Palace

Everton v Sunderland (3pm)
Both teams have been heading towards Europe for the past few weeks but some form of stickiness has seen their challenges fade away. It’s not too much for them to win – depending on other conditions – but a win here is important. Sunderland won at Hill Dickinson in the FA Cup, on penalties, in January but we want Everton to win this one.
Prediction: Everton 2-1 Sunderland

Leeds v Brighton (3pm)
If Villa finish fifth and win the Europa League then the Champions League qualification places include sixth place. That is the only boost seventh-placed Brighton need ahead of their trip to Elland Road. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the Seagulls this season but they seem to have arrived at the right time. Leeds proved to Spurs on Monday night that they had not dropped their tools despite being safe, but we think that Brighton’s great need may be enough.
Prediction: Leeds 1-2 Brighton

Wolves v Fulham (3pm)
Wolves have endured a very painful season that is about to end mercifully. Fulham are in eleventh place which is about what you would expect. The Cottagers will see this, along with next week’s home game against Newcastle, as a great opportunity to finish strongly.
Prediction: Wolves 0-2 Fulham

Newcastle v West Ham (5.30pm)
The big game of the day sees West Ham’s pursuit of three points extend to Tyneside. The Hammers played well against Arsenal last weekend and, on another day, would have picked up a vital point. VAR decided otherwise but Tottenham could not make the most of the following day, only managing a draw with Leeds. Nuno Espirito Santo’s start the weekend in the bottom three, two points behind Spurs. A win here will put a lot of pressure on their London rivals. For Newcastle, there is little riding on the game apart from the chance to push West Ham closer to the trap door.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 West Ham

MONDAY

Arsenal v Burnley (8pm)
Above and below is a close game with an Arsenal side closing in on their first league title in 22 years. There have been some scares for the Gunners in recent weeks but they should have few problems here against a Clarets side that has looked woefully lacking in top form all season. The title is unlikely to come down to goal difference so expect the home side to continue to attack. This could be a very long night for Burnley.
Prediction: Arsenal 6-0 Burnley