Premier League Predictions: Man City to secure top four finish as West Ham make it into Europe

Mark Young makes his predictions for the final matchday of the 2015-16 season.
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Swansea City 1-1 Manchester City

Manchester City need a draw at the least to finish in the top four of the Premier League and they could get exactly what they need in Wales.

City left their top four future in the hands of rivals United this week but with the Red Devils stumbling at Upton Park, the pendulum has swung back to the Citizens.

Swansea manager Francesco Guidolin signed a new contract this week and will want to send the home fans home happy for the summer, especially after their 4-1 win at West Ham last week.

The Swans have won four on the bounce at home but City should go to Wales and come away with what they need.

Manchester United 2-1 Bournemouth

Manchester United need to win and hope for the best in their race for the top four but they should get their victory against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

United stumbled midweek as they went from 2-1 up to losing 3-2 to the Hammers on Tuesday night with Louis Van Gaal’s side falling at almost the final hurdle.

Anthony Martial was fantastic midweek and should be seen as the main threat to Bournemouth, who are very happy to be remaining in the Premier League for another season.

The Cherries will give United a test but the Red Devils should sneak it, even if it may not be enough.

Stoke City 1-2 West Ham United

West Ham United’s defeat to Swansea last weekend could be seen as a missed opportunity in hindsight, as they could be set to miss out on the Champions League by a slim margin.

A win last weekend would’ve had the Hammers level on points with City with one game to play, but a win at Stoke will still give the Hammers Europa League football for their new home next season.

Stoke have been chipping away at the fixtures in recent weeks but should have enough to finish in the top half of the table under Mark Hughes this season.

West Ham should be able to take advantage this week of a team that have very little to play for and make it in to Europe.

Newcastle United 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur

The other battle in the Premier League this season is who, out of Tottenham and Arsenal, will finish above one another, with Spurs going to Newcastle on the final day.

Spurs, who had been challenging for the title, need just a point to ensure they finish above their North London rivals, but their opponents already being relegated should work in Tottenham’s favour.

Despite Rafa Benitez bringing some much needed points to the North East, their relegation was confirmed with Sunderland winning on Wednesday night.

A poor season for the Magpies could get slightly worse as Spurs should be able to not only get the point they need but a couple more to round off what has been a great season for them.

Arsenal 4-0 Aston Villa

Arsenal host Aston Villa in the last game of the season as they look to chase down Tottenham.

The Gunners have had an up and down season and will be rocked by the news of Danny Welbeck being ruled out for at least nine months after undergoing knee surgery.

They will take solace from their solid draw at Manchester City last week, which has nearly guaranteed their top three finish in the Premier League and automatic qualification for the group stages of the Champions League.

Aston Villa earned a point at home to Newcastle last week but it was too little too late. They should end the season on the wrong end of a North London hiding.

Read more by Mark Young here

Follow Mark on Twitter at @markyoung1988

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