Wigan Athletic

Egyptian Star Amr Zaki seems to be one step closer to joining Wigan Athletic this upcoming summer. Wigan, who finished the Premier League in 14th place, have made no secret of their desire to sign the Egypt striker.

Steve Bruce was present at a Zamalek (one of the top Egyptian Clubs) league game towards the end of last season, where Zaki scored twice, and was said to be sufficiently persuaded to pay six million pounds for the attacker.

Zaki was hugely impressive in his country’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph this year, where he was an integral member of the starting XI.

The 25 year old had previously been on the books of Russian giants Lokomotiv Moscow but failed to make a single appearance.

He has however, been hugely impressive for Zamalek since signing in 2006 where he has netted 22 times in 54 appearances. He has also a formidable international scoring record; 21 goals in 40 caps, including two Africa Cup Of Nations semi final goals—in 2006 and 2008.

The deal will be seen as a considerable coup for Bruce and Wigan; Zaki comes with the reputation of being one of the best African strikers still playing on the continent.

Strengths

- Incredible physical frame that has the ability to be defensively harassed and still be able to finish off a play. Nicknamed "Bulldozer".

- Finishing in front of goal lies as his greatest advantage. Finishing off rebounds from goalkeepers is highly present.

- Very active inside the 18 yard box; occasionally steps down and creates plays for others.

- Headers in front of goal are highly efficient.

- Can create something out of nothing with his high activity.

- Asserts himself quickly into a game.

- High football IQ in the 18 yard box.

Weaknesses:

- Satisfactory ball handling abilities; occasionally stumbles.

- Has no particular skills outside the 18 yard box.

- Dribbling ability outside penalty area is poor.

- Gets too frustrated easily with officials' calls.

- Occasionally uses his physical strength violently to create space.

- Low football IQ outside the 18 yard box

Coventry City, Norwich City and Leicester City are all interested in signing Luton Town midfielder David Bell. The versatile midfielder spent the end of last season on loan at Leicester City.

(Sky Sports News)

Coventry are also on the verge of signing Hibernian’s French midfielder Guillaume Beuzelin on a free transfer. (Sky Sports News)

Crystal Palace are prepared to take Tottenham to a tribunal over their attempted signing of sixteen year old prodigy John Bostock. The eagles are looking for a bigger financial package for the England U-17s captain, than the White Heart Lane club are offering. (The Metro)

Manchester United are preparing a thirty million pound offer for Seville’s Brazilian duo Daniel Alves and Luis Fabiano (The Sun)

Stoke City are to offer recently released Aston Villa midfielder Patrick Berger a twelve month contract to stay in the premier league instead of moving back to his native Czech Republic. (The Mirror)

Steve Bruce is chasing nineteen year old Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulosfrom AEK Athens for Wigan Athletic (The Mirror)

Derby County will ask for either Jon Stead or Rob Hulse as part of any deal involving taking Robert Earnshaw to Bramall Lane (The Sheffield Star)

Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has finally lost the plot and put the entire City squad up for sale. (The Guardian)

AC Milan have released BothCafu andSerginhofor the summer and both are free to move on Bosmans (Sky Sports News)

Valencia have agreed to rescind the rest of Jose Santiago Canizares’contract at the Mestalla meaning he is another high profile free agent (Sky Sports News)

If Gary O’Neilleaves Middlesbrough, then boss Gareth Southgate will turn to Newcastle winger James Milner, with a five million pound offer. (The Sun)

Sevilla and Galatasaray have been put on alert with the news that Michael Landrupwill quit Getafe this Summer (The Mirror)

Manchester City could have to start their UEFA Cup campaign at Hudderfield’s Galpharm arena after a Bon Jovi concert interrupted plans for the pitch at the City of Manchester Stadium to be relayed. (The Guardian)

Marseille coach Eric Gerets admits that both Samir Nasri and Djibril Cisse could both leave if the club receive favourable offers for the pair. (BBC Sport)

Former Middlesbrough striker Lee Dong Gook has offers from five different Japanese clubs, all vying for his services  after he was released from the Riverside (Press Association)

Tottenham Hotspurs may be forced to sell Dimitar Berbartov to balance the books after Darren Bent’s lack of impact on the team and his crippling wages (The Times)

Bolton have released Andranik Teymourian, Ivan Campo and Stelios Giannakopoulos, but the whites hope that Ricardo Gardner and Jussi Jaaskelainen will sign new deals. (Sky Sports News)

Tottenham could face competition from AS Roma in the race to sign Bolivia Striker Marcelo Moreno.

Lee Carsleycould leave Everton and rejoin Birmingham City on a two year deal (The Sun)

Motherwell Striker Ross Mccormackhas put English clubs Wigan and Middlesborough on alert after admitting that he wants to move to England. (Daily Express)

AC Milan will turn there attention to Celtic’s Polish International keep Artur Boruc with a ten million pound bid. (Daily Record)

Rangers want to swap Northern Island International Steven Davis for Gabon International Daniel Cousinwith Fulham. (Daily Mail)

Derby County Striker Kenny Miller is on the verge of a return to Rangers. (Scottish Sun)

The Daily telegraph say that Samuel Eto’o no longer wants to leave Barcelona but the Sun say that AC Milan still snatch Eto’o from under Spurs’ noses.

Sunderland have joined the race for Manchester City captain Richard Dunne. (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal will join Aston Villa in the race for Werder Bremen playmaker Diego if Alexsander Hleb leaves. (Daily Mail)

Preston North end are interested in Gretna keeper Greg Fleming (Daily Record)

Falkirk sign Sheffield Wednesday captain Lee Bullen on a Bosman transfer. The thirty-seven year old defender played every position for the Owls last season, he even played in goal.

Wigan are keen to sign out of contract Le Mans midfielder Hassan Yebda. But will face competition from a host of clubs throughout Europe for the Frenchman’s signature.

AC Milan were the mystery club that bid, close to thirty million for Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech last month. (Corriere dello Sport)

Tottenham are expected to return for Bolivian striker Marcelo Moreno with a six million bid to the player’s club in Brazil, Cruzeiro. (Press Association)

Liverpool are interested in Manchester City and England U-21 midfielder Michael Johnson in a six million pound move. (The Sun)

The reds have also completed the double signing of Swiss right back Philip Degen on a free from Borrusia Dortmund and installed ex Bolton manager Sammy Lee as assistant manager to Rafa Benitez. Lee has already played and been first team coach at the club before he left to concentrate on his role in the England set up.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Carvalho have shocked Manchester United and Chelsea respectively by both admitting that they could leave for Spain in the summer, just five days away from the Champions League Final. Both players have been linked to Real Madrid in recent weeks. (Daily Star)

Rio Ferdinand has signed a new five year contract with Manchester United until 2013. (The Mirror)

West Ham have bid six million for Manchester city defender Richard Dunne. (The Times)

The Irons have also made Anton Ferdinand available for transfer, after manager Alan Curbishley finally lost patience with the former U-21 star. (The Times)

However Alan Curbishley’s job may not be safe with new Italian Sporting Director Gianluca Nani earmarking Foligno manger Pierpaolo Pisoli as a future Upton Park manager. (The Times)

Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra will unload the “deadwood,” at Eastlands. With Paul Dickov, Darius Vassell, Rolando Bianchi, Giovanni, Javier Garrido, Georgios Samaras, Valeri Bojinov and Andreas Isaksson all set to be allowed to leave in the summer. (The Times)

If Gareth Barry leaves for Liverpool, then Martin O’Neil will bid five million for Chelsea outcast Steve Sidwell. But Werder Bremen’s Brazilian playmaker Diego and Bayer Leverkussen’s German international Bernd Schneider remain other alternatives. (The Guardian)

But Middlesborough boss Gareth Southgate is also interested in bringing Sidwell to the Riverside. (Daily Mirror)

In the bidding war for Ronaldniho, Manchester City have bid twenty four million while AC Milan have bid only twenty, although the Brazilian sees the San Siro as his preferred destination. (Gazzette dello Sport)

Samuel Eto’o is also available for thirty million, to fund a big name signing in the summer. (Marca)

Manchester United and France defender Mikael Silvestre would be interested in a move to Bordeaux to rejoin former club team mate Laurent Blanc, who is the Grondin’s clubs manager. (L’Equipe)

Newcastle may rival Sunderland for the signature of Manchester United and Northern Ireland defender Johnny Evans if the Red Devils make him available for transfer. (The Journal)

Wolverhampton Wanderers want to sign Leicester City striker Steve Howard for one million. The Scotland B international only joined the club from Derby County in January. (Daily Mirror)

Feyenoord want Chelsea’s Israeli defender Tal Ben Haim. (Daily Express)

Gary Johnson will attempt to bring Reading striker Leroy Lita back to Ashton Gate if Bristol City win the playoffs and are promoted to the Barclays Premier League. (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal want experienced Barcelona and France defender Lillian Thuram next season to shore up their defence. (Daily Star)

Nottingham Forrest will attempt to bring both, Wales Striker, Robert Earnshaw from Derby County and England cap, James Beattie from Sheffield United to the City Ground. (Various)

However Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell is also interested in signing Earnshaw, and unite the pair at Bramall Lane instead. (The Star)

Aston Villa will bid four million for Reading’s Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle. (The Mirror)

At Anfield, Portsmouth are in talks with Peter Crouch over a possible fifthteen million pound deal and Scott Carson wants his ten million pound price tag lowered so he can leave Liverpool. (The Times)

Cardiff are ready to cash in on seventeen year old wonder kid Aaron Ramsey after the FA Cup Final, with bids of one million being muted as enough to prise the youngster from Ninian Park. Liverpool and Manchester United are interested. (Daily Telegraph)

Another Cardiff star that may leave the welsh club is semi final hero Joe Ledley, who is considering his future, after a failed bid from Wolves for the winger in the winter. (BBC Sport)

Portugal international Deco has confirmed that he will leave the Nou Camp this summer with Serie A and the Premier League his preferred destinations. (Sky Sports)

It's that time of year again, when chairmen and owner's wallets are deeply hurt. The summer transfer window will often define a team's season, so which team will break the bank?

It really depends on your position in the upper echelon of English football, to know how much you have to spend. Champions Man Utd looking to safe-guard their title, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool chasing them down.

Everton, Villa, Man City, Portsmouth and Newcastle spend aiming for Europe. While promoted Stoke, West Brom and strugglers Fulham and Wigan spend to survive.

Arsenal: A spectacular collapse left the Gunners empty handed and injuries took a heavy toll on Wenger's paper thin squad. With Flamini having already departed, there is a real possibility Hleb and Adebayor could follow.

What they need: A goalscoring midfielder and a defensive midfielder. Another centre back to replace Senderos wouldn't go amiss.

Who: Yaya Toure has touted himself for Flamini's old position, while Dunne and Martins are consistently linked.

Aston Villa: A great season that just fell short of UEFA Cup qualification. The Intertoto will suffice but O'Neill will need to strengthen to push on and challenge Liverpool.

What they need: A defensive linchpin to replace Juventus bound Mellberg. If Barry departs then another quality midfielder will be needed.

Who: Portuguese U21 international Nelson of Benfica and Wigan winger Antonio Valencia would be quality additions.

Blackburn: Mark Hughes has a knack of making quality signings for knockdown prices—McCarthy and Santa Cruz examples.

What they need: A proven Premier League defender to give Friedel more cover.

Who: Mark Hughes recently ran the rule over Espanyol vice-captain Daniel Jarque, the defender would be available for no huge sum. 

Bolton: Gary Megson must spend big if the Trotters are to avoid a relegation scrap in 08/09. The money is there after Anelka's move to Chelsea.

What they need: A proven goalscorer to replace the departed Frenchman is the main concern for Wanderers.

Who: Apparently competing with Newcastle for the signature of St Etienne hot shot Bafetimbi Gomis. He would cost around £15 Million.

Chelsea: Avram Grant led the Blues to the brink of Premier League success but the main criticism was the boring football. Excitement is a must at the Bridge

What they need: A play-maker and a possible replacement for Drogba.

Who: Diego, Messi and Deco—take your pick Roman. Samuel Eto'o could link up after a disappointing season in Spain.

Everton: UEFA Cup football was secured yet again on a shoe string budget and Moyes will be keen to add some quality to the squad.

What they need: Yakubu to score 20 goals and if Moyes could bring in a suitable  player to partner him at the Goodison, Everton will really be feared going forward.

Who: Although unlikely, a move for Louis Saha would do wonders for the Toffees. The perfect foil for Yak with an eye for goal.

Fulham: Talk about your Great Escapes, Roy Hodgson the miracle worker has kept the Londoners afloat somehow. Now do they build on it or get sucked back in next year?

What they need: A defender wouldn't be a bad addition to help an ageing Aaron Hughes. A midfielder to partner Bullard.

Who: Like most years the Cottagers will have to be content with Championship standard signings and Premiership also-rans. No notable signings here.

Liverpool: Benitez simply must get every transfer 100% right if Liverpool are to challenge for the title. But in the middle of board room unrest who will throw Torres style money at additions?

What they need: A second striker to help out Torres, Kuyt and Crouch are not good enough for Anfield sadly. Another midfielder with a good left foot is in demand.

Who: Barry could well head to Anfield in the coming weeks but will a mega move for his fellow England international David Bentley materialise?

Manchester City: Definition of turmoil at Eastlands, Eriksson set to be sacked, no manager set to replace him and captain Dunne set to lead a player exodus!

What they need: "Big Phil" Scolari and fast. If that calibre of manager arrives it could well stop players leaving and allow them to strengthen.

Who: Ronaldinho's signature would truly send shock waves around the world but can Thaksin Shinawatra detract him from the bright lights of Milan.

Manchester United: The Champions had a vintage season, scoring was no problem, least amount of goals conceded and the small matter of the best player in the world Ronaldo. Seem fairly invincible...

What they need: If Louis Saha vacates Old Trafford then another striker will be required by Fergie, who has already indicated he will strengthen.

Who: Dimitar Berbatov, Luis Fabiano or Michael Owen. Most likely Berby, with Ramos resigned to losing his key man already.

Middlesbrough: A bellow average season for an average team, Southgate has done well with limited funds but with Alves hitting form, a replacement for Woodgate could see the Teesiders propelled up the table.

What they need: You would have said goals until that 8-1 victory over Man City. Now, it's the defence that needs major surgery.

Who: Could compete with Villa for Nelson, him and a few decent additions would be a success in the summer.

Newcaste United: The King is back in Toon and if Mike Ashley backs Keegan then Europe will be on the horizon. The last taints of Sam Allardyce's reign are disappearing and all is well on Tyne for now.

What they need: A solid leader at the back, to bring Taylor along and end a long suffering problem. Another striker wouldn't do much harm.

Who: Richard Dunne is expected to move North to rejoin his old gaffer while Bafetibi Gomis has been watched several times by Dennis Wise.

Portsmouth: An excellent season which has culminated in an FA Cup final appearance against Cardiff. Redknapp has worked wonders on a team threatened by relegation a year ago.

What they need: A striker to replace the departed Benjani. The wheeler dealer Harry will surely find someone to fill the boots.

Who: Peter Crouch has been a long time target for the South Coast club and would be guaranteed first team football if he moves there.

Sunderland: Roy Keane has dismissed calling staying up as a success but satisfactory, that shows the ambition the Cork man has for Wearside. 40 Million he says isn't enough, get the chequebook out Quinn.

What they need: A good old fashioned defender who'll kick anything is badly required. Another striker to partner Jones would go along way to securing Sunderland's Premier League status.

Who: Richard Dunne has been linked but he'll most likely join rivals Newcastle, Diego Forlan would be perfect and Keane might be able to persuade his old team mate to move.

Tottenham Hotspur: Take out the Carling Cup triumph and in reality it's been a terrible season at the Lane. Many people's favourites for fourth finished in eleventh, Ramos will be judged next season.

What they need: A big name striker to replace the inevitable departure of Berbatov and a solid centre back to partner Woodgate.

Who: The Spanish connection has thrown up David Villa and Gabriel Milito. Both have had bad seasons and could be willing to move on.

West Ham United: Marooned in tenth for all of 2008 was hardly exciting but it was a better situation then they found themselves in twelve months earlier. Terribly inconsistent, beat both Man Utd 2-1 and Derby 2-1 at home.

What they need: To secure Dean Ashton to a long term contract and get all their injured players back, Dyer, Bellamy and Faubert will make a huge difference. An attacking midfielder would be welcomed.

Who: Could renew interest in Giles Barnes, showed enough for Derby to prove he belongs in Premier League.

Wigan Athletic: Dave Whelan should give Steve Bruce the backing he deserves in his first summer at the helm. Survival was achieved with good football and hopefully they can keep talents like Valencia.

What they need: A second striker and a partner to Titus Bramble at the heart of the defence.

Who: Could swoop for Championship hotshot James Beattie and Crystal Palace rock Mark Hudson.

Over the weekend, tickets for the US vs. Barbados World Cup soccer qualifier went on sale. The game at Home Depot Center will be played on June 15 at 2 p.m. Pacific Time.

For those not in the LA area, the game will be televised live on ESPN2 and Galavision.

Barbados represents one of the trickier matches in this round. Though they are relative newcomers to international competition and sit over 100 places below the US on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, coach Eyre Sealy has a stable of no less than 11 England-based professionals to call on.

Emerson Boyce of Wigan Athletic played in the last round against Dominica (Barbados won the series 2-1 on aggregate). Also, Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood; Tom Soares and Paul Ifill of Crystal Palace; and Mark McCammon of Doncaster Rovers are just some of the English brigade eligible to play for the Bajan Braves.

This will be the U.S.’s first match in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. In preparation for this game, the U.S. will play three friendly’s in June against top opposition.

The U.S kicks of its warm-up games with a trip to famed Wembley Stadium for a May 28 clash with England. The U.S. will then face fourth-ranked Spain on June 4 at the Estadio El Sardinero in Spain before heading back across the Atlantic to face No. 1-ranked Argentina on June 8 in New Jersey.

These three friendlies might be the toughest three-game stretch in U.S. soccer history.

US Soccer is anticipating a sold-out Home Depot Center for the Barbados game and we have great tickets available.

World Cup Soccer Tickets

Get Great Tickets on StubHub.com!

Nervous nail biting, constant checking of the cell phone for the latest updates around the league, and hundreds of questions waiting to be answered: it's all a part of the process when entering the final day of what many refer to as the best league in the world.

And for Ryan Giggs, the scene couldn't have been more perfect when he came on as a substitute for his 758th appearance in the United shirt, a record that ties him with Sir Bobby Charlton, to record the game clinching goal that sent a travelling mob of United supporters into delirious celebration as they watched their side clinch their 17th domestic league title.

Cristiano Ronaldo added to his tremendous goal total of 31 on the season with another successfully converted spot-kick in the 33rd minute when he sent Latics goalkeeper Chris Kirkland diving the wrong way.

Sprinkled in with the Wigan fans across the JJB Stadium, the day wasn't filled with the type of comfort that you would have expected from a team destined to lock up another title. Andriy Shevchenko stuffed the ball into the back of the net in the 62nd minute to give the London club some hope of clinching a Premier League title of their own.

However, it was not to be for Chelsea, as Manchester United already held the tie-breaker based on goal difference heading into the final day of the season. Needing a United slip-up and a Chelsea win, the Blues' supporters at Stamford Bridge fell to complete silence, almost in complete resignation that Chelsea would still be without a trophy in the 2007/2008 season.

With a Chelsea side already dejected, Bolton's Matt Taylor equalized through a weak shot between the legs of goalkeeper Petr Cech in injury time to leave Avram Grant's men two point behind United.

Chelsea's problems could stem even further after John Terry had to be withdrawn from the match after he was involved in a collision earlier in the game with Petr Cech. The Blues' skipper is rumored to have a partial dislocation of the shoulder, but could still be making an appearance in Moscow for Chelsea's Champions League final clash with their English rivals Manchester United.

In the battle for fifth place and the final UEFA Cup spot, Everton clinched a 3-1 win over Newcastle at Goodison Park to finish five points ahead of Aston Villa, who drew 2-2 against West Ham.

Yakubu rediscovered his mid-season form as he ensured that David Moyes' men would be in Europe for next season. Moyes' record signing of £11.5 million from Middlesbrough has paid dividends as his 21 goals on the year have made him the first Everton player since Peter Beardsley to top 20 goals on the season—a feat that hasn't been achieved for 26 years.

Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry appeared to have fired in what should have been a sure game-winning goal until Dean Ashton destroyed Martin O'Neill's hopes of participating in European football for next season.

The season ends with a disappointing 2-2 result away from home, considering that Villa had a realistic chance of leapfrogging Everton to 5th place. Regardless of the match itself, Villa's efforts would have proven to be meaningless as Everton had already secured victory against Newcastle. 

In what should prove to be Sven Goran Eriksson's last match in charge of Manchester City, the Blues of Manchester were spanked in humiliating fashion as their 10-man side fell to Middlesbrough 8-1.

Although City are most likely to be awarded a UEFA Cup spot via the Fair Play League, Eriksson's future as manager looks even gloomier after such a result.

Led by a hat-trick from record signing Afonso Alves and two goals tallied in by Stuart Downing, Boro finished out their season on a high-note as they look to build towards gaining mid-table status for next season. 

At the bottom half of the table, Fulham's Danny Murphy converted the goal of the season for his side when he headed in a Jimmy Bullard free-kick in the 76th minute to lift his side towards retaining their Premier League status.

Despite next week's crucial FA Cup final match against Cardiff, Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp still elected to field a full strength squad—only to no avail as the travelling Fulham supporters at Fratton Park were signing in jubilation.

Danny Murphy's critical goal spelled the end for Reading and Birmingham as they get set to join Derby County back down to the second tier of English football.

In spite of the fact that Steve Coppell's men hit four past Derby goalkeeper Roy Carroll, Reading was left to rue the questionable goals given up earlier in the season as they were eliminated based on goal difference with Fulham. Defensive lapses and questionable performances at the back have proven costly to Reading as they look to regroup for another run back with the Premier League big-boys. 

Over at St. Andrews, fans were turning on co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan after their side failed to stay up despite a convincing 4-1 victory over Blackburn. 

Cameron Jerome's double proved to be pointless as Alex McLeish was forced to suffer another injustice as he joins Steve Coppell and Paul Jewell in their quest to bounce back to the Premier League. 

Uncertainty with Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung's proposed takeover with Birmingham City could ultimately be looked as a key reason behind Birmingham's overall failure.

With Steve Bruce leaving due to constant instability regarding his status as Birmingham's manager, the points lost during that time have Birmingham fans ruing their status as England's "yo-yo" club.

Birmingham vs. Blackburn

It all comes down to the wire for relegation threatened Birmingham, but with Blackburn still within a shout for a place in Europe next season, Alex McCleish won’t be expecting an easy game. A win may not even be enough for the Blues if Fulham or Reading pick up three points in their final league matches. I wouldn’t be shocked if Blackburn condemns Birmingham to the drop. Birmingham 1 Blackburn 2.

Chelsea vs. Bolton

It’s do or die for Chelsea but the Blues know that even a win may not be enough to grant them the chance to lift the Premier League crown. Nonetheless, a win and any slip-up by United will see Chelsea crowned champions. Only a dramatic twist of fate will see Bolton lose their Premiership status so consequently I don’t fancy Gary Megson’s side will be putting up much of a fight against Avram Grant’s title chasers. Chelsea’s home record speaks for itself and I don’t see them stumbling at home. Chelsea 3 Bolton 0.

Derby vs. Reading

Derby has long been relegated but Reading know a win could secure safety, depending on Fulham’s result. Steve Coppell’s side has struggled recently but I anticipate them snatching the win at Pride Park. But the question is, will it be good enough? Reading 1 Derby 0.

Everton vs. Newcastle

Everton has already secured a place in the UEFA Cup for next season and Newcastle aren’t playing for anything more than pride so there isn’t much riding on this fixture. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if this game ended in a draw. Everton 2 Newcastle 2.

Middlesbrough vs. Man City

It’s been a roller coaster season for Gareth Southgate but he will certainly be the more relaxed of the two managers on Sunday. Sven Erickson’s future at Eastlands is looking rather bleak and the Swede is being linked with the vacancy at Benfica. Expect Erickson to conclude his short era at City with a win. Middlesbrough 0 Man City 2.

Portsmouth vs. Fulham

 Portsmouth’s players will have the FA Cup final on their minds but Harry Redknapp knows a place in Europe is still up for grabs. Fulham meanwhile will have their eyes fixed firmly on securing a place in England’s top flight next season. Roy Hodgson’s side looked dead and buried but have produced an improbable comeback in recent weeks. They’ve come too far to throw it away now. Portsmouth 0 Fulham 1.

Sunderland vs. Arsenal

The Gunners have already secured third place while Sunderland could jump as high as 13th place by winning at the Stadium of Light on Sunday. But the Gunners will be hoping to send out a message to the rest of the big four next season with a persuasive win against Roy Kean’s side. Sunderland 0 Arsenal 3.

Tottenham vs. Liverpool

Very little is riding on this fixture but it won’t change the fact both sides will be hoping to finish the season on a high. Nothing could separate the sides in their previous meeting this season and I’m envisaging another draw. Tottenham 2 Liverpool 2.

West Ham vs. Aston Villa

 Aston Villa will be anxious to secure a place in the UEFA Cup final next season and a win over the Hammers could even see them rise to 5th place. A loss on the other hand, could see them slip as far 8th. But I can’t see Martin O’Neil’s side succumbing to defeat at Upton Park in the final game of the season. West Ham 1 Aston Villa 2.

Wigan vs. Man United

Manchester United is 90 minutes away from retaining their title and I imagine Sir Alex Ferguson will do whatever it takes to make sure his side secure the title by winning against the Lactics. But it will be far from easy for the Red Devils against former United captain Steve Bruce. United may even be in for one of their toughest games of the season, but in the end I think they will prevail and clinch their tenth Premier League crown. Wigan 1 Man United 2.

No matter if my predictions come true this weekend or not, the only thing for certain is that it will be an absolutely thrilling finale to what has already been a fantastic season.

But until then there’s plenty of time for you to give your own predictions below.

Michael Ballack was again Chelsea's hero as the Blues won 2-0 at Newcastle to take the Premier League title race to the season's final day.

On a day where Chelsea HAD to win to have anywhere near a realistic shot at winning the title, Grant sprung five changes from the team that beat Liverpool to reach the Champions League final.

Out went Ashley Cole, Claude Makelele, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, and Salomon Kalou. Three of those weren't even in the squad, with only Joe Cole and Lampard the ones that made the bench. They were replaced by Malouda, Anelka, Obi Mikel, Bridge, and Ferreira.

Newcastle had the best of the early running, with Owen in particular, but were guilty of wasteful finishing. He left John Terry for dead with just six minutes gone to collect Nicky Butt's pass, but lifted his first-time effort over Cech's crossbar.

Chelsea had dominated possession, as expected, but all the chances in the first half were falling to Newcastle.

In the second half, Chelsea upped the tempo and finally, after 61 minutes, a resillient, stubborn Newcastle defence gave in. Drogba curled in a freekick that was met brilliantly by Ballack, who with a glanced header, gave Chelsea the lead.

But it was not until Florent Malouda added a second, eight minutes from time that the points were safe, as the spirited Magpies did their best to preserve a seven-game unbeaten run.

Chelsea play Bolton next week, but in all honesty, I don't think anybody has any doubts that United will go and do their business against Wigan, who have nothing to play for.

Last year, Chelsea drew at home to Bolton, handing United the title. Chelsea then came back and beat United in the FA Cup final.

Knowing United will most likely do the job next weekend, I would love for us to repeat last years feat and beat them in the Champions League final this time.

It's the least Chelsea deserve after a torrid season, with all kinds of turmoil behind the scenes.

Chelsea did a excellent job in getting where they are now. As much as I like to give Avram Grant all the credit, I can't. He does deserve SOME credit, but there are a lot of contributing factors. 

Is it down to Grant's strength or is it down to the squad's strength?

That's up to debate...

While everybody thinks next week will be a "grand finale", I'd rather think Chelsea just delayed the inevitable.

Well done both Chelsea and United...

Although the managerial merry-go-'round in the English game has slowed significantly over the past few months, followers of the Premier League have certainly seen quite the turnover at the head of their clubs during this season.

And then, of course, the axe still hovers over several other managers.

But just how many managers have actually been given the sack or left their positions since the end of last season?

And were their firings legitimate and supported by the majority of fans?

At the top of the table, Stamford Bridge headline—maker Jose Mourinho left the club by "mutual consent" in September.

A sub-par end to last season left Manchester City's Stuart Pearce out in the cold. Newcastle continued their quick-fire removal by axing Sam Allardyce in January.

And then there was Billy Davies at Derby, Lawrie Sanchez at Fulham, Paul Jewell at Wigan, Martin Jol at Tottenham, Steve Bruce at Birmingham, Sammy Lee at Bolton...

And then, there is the constant speculation over others. Will Rafa Benitez and Avram Grant start next season at their respective clubs?

How long will Gary Megson and Roy Hodgson last if they fail to save their clubs from relegation? (Tough job there, mates!)

What about Gareth Southgate—how long will the Middlesbrough board and supporters stand by as their club continue their slope down the table since Steve McClaren's exit?

Nine managers have turned over since the end of last season. And that isn't even including Sam Allardyce's exit from Bolton before the last game of last season.

What does this signal for the English game, and for world football itself?

Is this simply the fallout from the high expectations and huge risks that come with managing a Premiership side presently?

Is this something that will continue?

Weigh-in with your perspective!

This weeks action has proved to be vital at the bottom of the EPL. Away from the glitz and glamour of the title race, there are a number of teams fighting for the right to vist Old Trafford and Anfield next season.

It was a Saturday afternoon of thrills, spills, seemingly unassailable leads and late late winners.

The bottom two met at Pride Park with Fulham in desperate need of a victory. Derby County scored first thanks to January signing Emanuel Villa.

It was a vital game for Fulham and they equalized shortly after through Diomansy Kamara. Three points for Fulham would have put them level with Bolton Wanderers, four points from safety.

Fulham got the goal they needed with just 12 minutes left on the clock. Derby's Dean Leacock summing up a terrible season for Derby by gifting Fulham the lead.

Fulham's celebrations only lasted a matter of seconds however as Emanuel Villa popped up with his second of the game. The goal could well have relegated Fulham who sit six points from safety in 19th position.

The 2-2 draw was not enough though for Derby to survive another week. They've become the first side to be relegated from the EPL in March. Paul Jewell's men (11 points) are also in serious danger of snatching Sunderland's record (15) of least points in an EPL season.

In what was expected to be a one sided affair, Arsenal travelled to the Reebok Stadium to face Bolton.

It was Bolton however that took the lead through a Matty Taylor header. Arsenal's chances of getting back into the game went from almost certain to maybe not, thanks to a moment of madness from Abou Diaby.

The midfielder flew into a challenge on Gretar Steinsson with his foot and studs well in the air. It was a sickening hit and one red card not even Arsene Wenger bothered to complain about.

Should he be banned for life Arsene?

Bolton took full advantage and scored a second before half time. Matty Taylor again, this time with a deflected shot from the edge of the area.

Bolton were surely heading out of the relegation zone! Or were they?

Arsenal staged a superb fightback in the second half to score three goals with ten men to snatch the desperately needed points from the Trotters. William Gallas, Robin Van Persie and a late Jlloyd Samuel own goal gifting the Gunners three points.

Bolton now lie four points from safety after the two teams above them earned valuable wins.

One of those sides was Birmingham City who last week lost star player James McFadden to a knee injury. Well the old saying goes "one man's loss is another man's gain." The man to gain was Mauro Zarate.

Zarate bagged two for the Blues against Manchester City, but at 2-0 and the Birmingham faithful sure of three points things took a turn for the worse.

Birmingham's Franck Queudrue was sent off and a penalty awarded to City. Elano stepped up and fired City back into the game.

Luckily for the Blues this is not the City side from earlier in the season. They were able to hold their lead before adding another thanks to a Gary McSheffrey penalty. The decision looked harsh but Birmingham will take them any way the come.

Alex McLeish's men move four points clear of Bolton but stay just one place above the drop zone.

One point above them sit Wigan Athletic who got no joy at Fratton Park with Jermain Defoe scoring the games only two goals.

Wigan themselves slipped to 16th place thanks to the late late show at the Stadium Of Light.

Sunderland jumped four places in the EPL thanks to a dramatic win over West Ham United. The London side had taken the early lead through Freddie Ljungberg. Sunderland's player of the season Kenwyne Jones equalized shortly after.

The game seemed to be heading for a draw but just like last week, Sunderland snatched all three points in injury time. Andy Reid was the hero this week with the goal that pretty much guarentees survival for Sunderland.

Is it all over at the bottom of the table? Can you see either Fulham or Bolton hauling themselves out of trouble?

I have my doubts and it looks like relegation could already be set!