Squeeky bum time for managers
The narrative this week from the world’s media and pundits is that there’s very little to play for on the last day of the Barclays Premier League season.
The final European places have to be decided but, quite frankly, for most fans there’s more excitement to be had down Elbow Beach this Sunday.
Apart, that is, for our leading Fantasy managers. This, people, is D-Day, the moment when one astute, dedicated, tactical genius is crowned The Royal Gazette champion.
Matthew Black has a 17-point advantage over Jorge Sanchez, with Kyle Beezy and, at a push, Kameron James still in with a chance.
Good luck, chaps, may the Fantasy gods be with you.
All games Sunday, 11am kick offs
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Mesut Özil is a potential fitness doubt but the home fans will expect a goal feast to mark the end of another ultimately unfulfilling season.
Prediction: 4-0
Chelsea v Leicester City
Expect a love-in for Claudio Ranieri, officially the nicest man in football, and also a fond farewell from the home fans for John Terry, who is not.
The official handover from defending champions to the new kings.
Prediction: 1-1
Everton v Norwich City
Roberto Martínez finally ran out of positives to take from his side’s woeful performances ... and was promptly sacked. It’s been coming.
Relegated Norwich will be licking their wounds.
Prediction: 2-1
Manchester United v Bournemouth
United need to win to have any chance of Champions League football but the big question hanging over the club revolves around manager Louis van Gaal. Surely the staid displays on offer this season mean it’s time for a chance at Old Trafford.
Prediction: 2-0
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur
Harry Kane will want to secure the Golden Boot and will aim to finish the season with a flourish ahead of the European Championship. Rafa Benitez is still weighing up his future as he negotiates with the hapless Toon hierarchy.
Prediction: 1-3
Southampton v Crystal Palace
Only Leicester have been better than Saints in 2016; a remarkable performance from Ronald Koeman and his team. Palace will be distracted by FA Cup final thoughts, so home win.
Prediction: 2-0
Stoke City v West Ham United
Now West Ham have finally left Upton Park (it was the longest goodbye, yawn) they have the comedown of a trip to Stoke. Typical end-of-season fare.
Prediction: 1-1
Swansea City v Manchester City
City need a point to secure Champions League football for new manager Pep Guardiola, which is probably the least the Spaniard expected. Expect big changes at the Etihad from here on in.
Prediction: 1-2
Watford v Sunderland
Hopefully, Sam Allardyce will resist the urge to dance this time but his achievement in keeping Sunderland up is not to be sniffed at. A wonderful club terribly run, they will do well to give Big Sam free rein over the playing side for next season.
Prediction: 2-2
West Bromwich Albion v Liverpool
All eyes are now on the Europa League final against Sevilla for Liverpool, which could transform their season with silverware and a place in next season’s Champions League. Expect a much-changed away line-up.
Prediction: 2-2