By Robert Wheeler
- Leeds United face Tottenham
- Everton plays Bournemouth
- Leicester take on West Ham
UK – With the title and top four places all secured, attention focuses on the relegation zone with Leeds United, Everton and Leicester City all vying to avoid the drop.
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Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday May 28, kick-off 16:30
Leeds United need to win against Tottenham if they are to have any hope of staying in the division. When they were last relegated from the Premier League, it took 16 years to return to the top flight. Going down would be a disaster for the Yorkshire side, as it could affect the proposed takeover by 49ers Enterprises.
In Leeds’ last match, they fell to a 3-1 defeat to a West Ham side that had nothing to play for. The only positive they did manage to get one goal in typical Sam Allardyce fashion. Weston McKennie‘s long throw was fired in by Rodrigo. However, Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo both picked up injuries at the London Stadium. Without these two forwards, Allardyce’s side will have a tough task in getting the goals needed to stay up.
Their opposition, Tottenham Hotspur, is in free-fall after Ryan Mason‘s side lost 3-1 to Brentford last time out. The only chance that Spurs have of European football next season is if they win and Aston Villa lose. If that happens then it will only lead to a place in the Europa Conference League.
This could be Harry Kane‘s last game in a Spurs shirt, with the England captain again being linked with a move away. Daniel Levy will be a tough negotiator for any club looking to sign his talisman. Although, the club do risk losing him for free if they do not cash in on him this summer.
Score prediction: Leeds United 2-1 Tottenham
Everton vs Bournemouth, Sunday May 28, kick-off 16:30
Everton are currently 17th, so if they win then they do not have to rely on Leicester or Leeds’ results to stay up. Therefore, out of the teams in contention, they have the best chance of staying in the Premier League.
Sean Dyche‘s side has had mixed results of late, so we do not know which Toffees team will show up. They remarkably beat Brighton 5-1 but then lost 3-0 to Manchester City, which was followed by a 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Like their relegation rivals Leeds, Everton also have injuries when it comes to their first-choice striker. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was forced off halfway through their match with Wolves. His season has been plagued by injuries and it would be a massive blow for Everton if he is to miss this game too.
Bournemouth are safe, so they have nothing to play for. They have lost their last three games, so it looks like Gary O’Neil‘s side is ‘on the beach.’ This could be a good time for Everton to face the team from the South Coast.
Score prediction: Everton 1-1 Bournemouth
Leicester vs West Ham, Sunday May 28, kick-off 16:30
Leicester City managed a credible draw with Newcastle United on Monday night. Dean Smith‘s game plan to sit back worked, even if they were some nerve-racking moments when the Magpies hit the woodwork. The decision to bring their best player, James Maddison, on at half-time nearly paid off with the Englishman coming close to assisting the winner for Timothy Castagne.
It will be interesting to see what Smith has up his sleeve for the visit of West Ham United to the King Power this weekend. The Foxes need a win and for results to go their way if they are to stay up.
Relegation would be a crushing blow to a side that won the Premier League just seven years ago. It is unclear how long it will take for Leicester to return if they do go down. Their owner’s travel retail business suffered as a result of COVID-19 and going down will be another financial blow for the club.
West Ham who are safe played with freedom as they defeated Leeds last weekend. The club still have a Europa Conference League final to look forward to, so that will be where David Moyes‘ focus will be.
Score prediction: Leicester 0-3 West Ham
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