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Last Updated: Thursday, 12 May, 2005, 16:24 GMT 17:24 UK
Lawro's Premiership predictions

By Mark Lawrenson
BBC Sport football expert

All kick-offs 1500 BST unless stated.

Sunday

Birmingham v Arsenal

Arsenal are sweeping all before them, the best team in the Premiership at the moment.

They are playing superb football and I cannot see them losing here.

Birmingham have had a difficult season, their key players have struggled with injury and form but they will be better for it next season.

Verdict: 0-2


Bolton v Everton

Everton came off the rails at Arsenal on Wednesday, with manager David Moyes saying afterwards that he was embarassed by the scoreline.

While both clubs have done very, very well this season I do not think this will be a classic.

I expect Bolton to sneak a hard-fought contest.

Verdict: 1-0


Charlton v Crystal Palace

Palace have really fought for their Premiership lives over the last few weeks.

But local rivals Charlton will be desperate to prevent Palace from securing a crucial victory on their own patch that could ensure the Eagles stay up.

What's more, Charlton need to end the season with a win in front of their own spectators.

Form-wise, the Addicks campaign seemed to end in March but I just get the feeling that one last hurrah might just take some of the bitter taste away after the late slump saw any hopes of European football next season fade.

Verdict: 2-1


Fulham v Norwich

Norwich were fortunate to beat Birmingham last week after being outplayed for much of the match.

But credit to Nigel Worthington's team, who have kept going right until the end of the season.

Looking at the match, though, I reckon that Fulham, like Charlton, need to end with a win to finish the season off on a high.

Verdict: 1-1


Liverpool v Aston Villa

Villa are coming unstuck, having not won in their last four games.

David O'Leary's team have little to play for and probably cannot wait for the season to end.

Liverpool, on the other hand, have lots to think about.

Everyone selected will be giving it their best shot to make sure they are in the team that plays in the Champions League final in Istanbul.

Verdict: 2-0


Man City v Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough have not been impressive away from home but have improved with George Boateng back in the team.

City, though, go into this game on the back of a real feel-good week.

They beat Villa last weekend and are undefeated in seven Premiership games.

Stuart Pearce has just been appointed manager permanently after an impressive spell in caretaker charge and City know that a win over Boro will probably give them a place in the Uefa Cup.

Verdict: 2-1


Newcastle v Chelsea

I saw Chelsea at Manchester United on Tuesday and even with half a team out they were awesome at times.

As a set of players who have had a good season, the Chelsea team will go into this team knowing they are just 90 minutes away from a well-deserved holiday.

Newcastle came unstuck at Everton and I think they will end with a defeat.

Verdict: 1-2


Southampton v Man Utd

Saints will give anyone a decent game at St Mary's and have a good record at home against Manchester United.

I also reckon Sir Alex Ferguson will rest several players with a view to next weekend's FA Cup Final and this will work in Saints' favour.

Verdict: 2-1


Tottenham v Blackburn

These two sides have had decent seasons if you take into account the change of management at both clubs.

Tottenham have done OK under Martin Jol, while Mark Hughes has kept Rovers in the Premiership.

I think they will both be better next season as well.

Verdict: 2-0


West Brom v Portsmouth

It is a pity for West Brom that their good run could not have lasted another three or four games - if it had they would probably be clear by now.

LAWRO'S FINAL TABLE

The problem I have with West Brom is that I think they struggle for goals.

Portsmouth have improved away from home under Alain Perrin.

And the players at Pompey are under pressure to prove their worth to the new boss as he decides who to keep over the summer.

Verdict: 1-1




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