Okay Ladies & Gentlemen, this is it...the penultimate round in what has been an epic season. Looking at everyone's picks over the campaign we've had a couple of 9 for 10's but not one of us could hit perfection.

If you played it safe and picked the 'B4' every week you'd have at least guaranteed 92 wins, interesting huh but a boring strategy however I think I'll employ it next season!

Season-to-date: 166 from 330 = 50% (48 bulls-eyes)

Bolton vs. Hull

Wanderers will have earned no new supporters this season but they'll not care one jot because in Northern terms 'it's been a job well done!' It'll be interesting to see what kind of attitude Gary Megson sends out with his team - we're Bolton Premier League battlers or we're Bolton and we're on holiday.

If bums twitched any harder or faster, Hull could possibly have a top ten single down at the local drum & bass club. Now level on points with Newcastle but with an inferior goal difference it looks all over for the Tigers. If they could just recapture the Emirates spirit for ninety minutes they might make it interesting but I think that bird has flown.

Bolton 1 - 0 Hull

Everton vs. West Ham

With sixth place assured, this must be the weekend where David Moyes looks ahead to the FA Cup Final and rests the 1st team regulars - if he doesn't and someone gets crocked, he'll kick himself from Merseyside to the Outer Hebrides.

West Ham were disappointing to say the least against Liverpool. Gianfranco Zola would've have looked at that performance as a measuring stick and thought to himself...'boy, have we got a long way to go.'

Everton 1 - 1 West Ham

Man Utd vs. Arsenal

Let's be honest here, United were magnificent against Wigan as they chased the game at the JJB and that's why they'll be crowned champions. You could say that it's harder for them to fail with the talent available but that would be a disservice to Sir Alex Ferguson who continues to manage egos better than anyone in the history of the game.

Arsenal travels to the Theater of Dreams after back-to-back thrashings - and I can't remember having ever seen the Professor so downhearted. I believe that this rough patch could quite easily spiral into a crisis if they're not careful and this match is crucial to the clubs morale. Will it be 90 minutes of torture or character?

Man Utd 2 - 1 Arsenal

Middlesbrough vs. Aston Villa

Gareth Southgate's players let their boss believe that anything was possible for what seemed like a millisecond at St. James' Park before reverting back to type. They'll be a massive clear out at the Riverside once the campaign officially ends and it will start with the gaffer.

Villa are to the top of the table what Hull are to the bottom - a team seemingly incapable of shaking out of a slump that is embarrassing. To think we seriously thought about a 'B4' membership card is now laughable. It just goes to show you that the gap, which is huge, is now pretty much unbridgeable.

Middlesbrough 1 - 1 Aston Villa

Newcastle vs. Fulham

The atmosphere generated by the Toon Army on Monday night was impressive to say the least and it's not something I want to see disappear from the Premiership. Alan Shearer will want more of that plus a repeat performance from his squad as they showed a desire and commitment that has been missing all season long.

Fulham were superb at the Cottage against Villa however they usually don't travel well. With a Europa League placing in sight, Roy Hodgson, must figure out a way to silence the Geordies early doors or that could get swept away in a 'Shearer Wonderland.'

Newcastle 2 - 1 Fulham

Stoke vs. Wigan

It'll be party time at the Britannia as Tony Pulis, the playing staff and the faithful give a collective finger to all those critics and pundits who said that they'd go straight back down to the Championship. It's been a brilliant effort by the Potters, well done and sorry I doubted you.

Wigan stopped trying weeks ago so I was surprised to see them put up a fight against United and then I remembered that Steve Bruce would love takeover from his old mentor one day...appearances are everything, enough said!

Stoke 2 - 0 Wigan

Tottenham vs. Man City

From entertainers who can't win to grinders that get results - I'm not sure if that is the Tottenham way but there is no knocking its effectiveness. I'll be a very interested observer of Harry Redknapp over the next couple of months as he is the master wheeler & dealer.

Is Mark Hughes keep the seat warm for the 'Special One?' It feels as though there are conflicting messages emanating from Eastlands and I'm having trouble reading them. With European football a must for the other half of Manchester, City must get something out of this challenging fixture.

Tottenham 2 - 1 Man City

Sunday

Chelsea vs. Blackburn

So now Carlo Ancelotti wants the poisoned chalice eh! The Italian has the credentials, the ego and the chops to turn the Blues into European champions but I don't know how he'll handle the Premiership having never stepped out of Italy. In all honesty it's hard to see Chelsea ever regaining their luster until they have some stability in the managerial ranks - over to you Roman.

Like one of Sam Allardyce' former clubs, Blackburn have done the job required which judging by the early season form looked nigh impossible. Think deck chairs, umbrella cocktails and lot's of suntan lotion.

Chelsea 3 - 0 Blackburn

West Brom vs. Liverpool

By the time this kicks off, United will be champions and that just may help the Baggies as they crunch the numbers. With a million different scenarios possible they'll hope that Liverpool will be gutted and go through the motions allowing them to get closer to Newcastle or Sunderland. Form has been excellent recently...where was that the last seven months!

Second place is a must so the Reds will have to swallow their disappointment and put in a professional performance against a side who'll want it a lot more than they do. This is where you find out about character and mentality.

West Brom 1 - 2 Liverpool

Monday

Portsmouth vs. Sunderland

Portsmouth and Sunderland will know exactly what they have to do after the weekend fixtures. If the results pan out the way I think they might it means they'll stare at each other for 90 minutes and replay the notorious Germany/Austria match from the 1982 World Cup. Yes, a draw would do them both very nicely.

Portsmouth 0 - 0 Sunderland

Until then, I'll see you at the far post.

Predictions Week 36

Yes, yes, yes, I'm back to 50% finally. After weeks of promises I have delivered and now I intend to maintain form over the last three rounds and prove that I indeed do know the prediction game. It feels good to be king!

Season-to-date: 160 from 320 = 50% (47 bulls-eyes)

Blackburn vs. Portsmouth

Getting rolled by a schizophrenic Man City club isn't going to ease relegation fears however the mathematics are simple - win and barring a collapse of ridiculous proportions, Sam Allardyce has done the job required of him when he replaced, Paul Ince - keep Rovers in the Premiership.

Portsmouth had enough chances last week to hurt Arsenal but in all fairness that couldn't hit a barn door with a sledgehammer. Peter Crouch was wasteful as was John Utaka but at the end of the day they may just escape the drop due to the woefulness of those below them.

Blackburn 2 - 1 Portsmouth

Bolton vs. Sunderland

Only four points separate these teams but it feels like the size of an ocean. Gary Megson knows that one point from his final three matches will be enough so I expect a performance much like the one produced at the JJB last week. They'll be no football played however they'll be lots of perspiration spent.

It really is now-or-never for the Black Cats. After having backed them for weeks to get out of trouble, I'm reluctant to leave them now but they have that smell about them. The sell-by-date has expired and they've been tossed into the 50% off shelf. If they can't get a point here it'll come down to the Portsmouth fixture.

Bolton 0 - 0 Sunderland

Everton vs. Tottenham

I keep thinking Everton will take an eye of the Premiership and save themselves for the FA Cup however David Moyes doesn't subscribe to my way of thinking. They were basically at full strength last week and they'll probably be a full strength this week, which means a steady diet of high-pressure football.

Other than the Man Utd hammering, Tottenham, has been in excellent form. With the Harry Redknapp fire-sale just weeks away, the rumor mill is working overtime around White Hart Lane about who will go and who will stay. This starting XI may answer some of those answers.

Everton 1 - 2 Tottenham

Fulham vs. Aston Villa

From certain relegation fodder to a possible place in the Europa League must go down as one of the biggest turnarounds in English football. It just goes to show you what an experienced coach can do when given the second most precious commodity in football, namely time. I hope other owners around the country and in particular the Premiership have paid attention.

Wow...it was ugly but finally Villa get a win after months of heartache. What Martin O'Neill has been going through, one can only wonder, however the Irishman does have character and belief. Now it's about finishing well and keeping the core of his side intact because the vultures are circling ready to pick off his best talent.

Fulham 2 - 2 Aston Villa

Hull vs. Stoke - The $100 Million Match Part I

That gurgling sound you hear coming from the KCS could well be Hull's last Premiership breath. They gave everything against a struggling Villa and came away with nothing - now is the last home stand. If ever Yorkshire grit was needed this is it because the men in white coats are standing by to take Phil Brown off to the funny farm.

Despite the surprising home loss to the Hammers, Tony Pulis can break out the champagne, caviar and plan that nice little retreat to the Costa Brava. With the pressure off I feel the Potters would like nothing better than to nail their fellow promoted club right back to the Championship.

Hull 2 - 2 Stoke

West Brom vs. Wigan

The Baggies have one thing in their favor, the Latics have already switched off and that may buy them another week of dreams about collapses, miracles and escapes. Anything other than a win though and the dream becomes reality and a nightmare meaning relegation back to the Championship.

Professionalism will be the key word for Steve Bruce and his Latics however it will be awfully tough to achieve as safety has been assured. I expect a half-hearted display but that might be enough.

West Brom 2 - 1 Wigan

West Ham vs. Liverpool

West Ham owner, Bjorgolfur Gudmudsson, has dents of over $550 million and has stated his desire to sell the club ASAP! Despite this turmoil, Gianfranco Zola's team keeps ticking along picking up valuable points. It's not so hard to imagine them as a real threat if Zola was given a war chest the size of a Aston Villa.

At this point all the Reds can do is keep winning and hope that United slip up. Their recent football has a fizz about it and I can't but help wonder that a early European knockout might have focused them more fully to the prize that really matters. Rumors about the sale of the club keep popping up along with rumors of a new partner for Fernando Torres - who will it be - answers on a postcard please.

West Ham 1 - 3 Liverpool

Sunday

Arsenal vs. Chelsea

The look on the Professors face as Cristiano Ronaldo, the world's greatest footballer, drove a stake through his heart was painful to experience. It consigned Arsenal to another season without the most important commodity in football, silverware. The board must by now see the writing on the wall and know that unless they back their manager to the tune of many millions in the transfer market, Arsenal will continue to go backwards.

Talking of pain, what the Blues experienced on Wednesday night was plain wrong. They were robbed just as they were tasting a saucy spaghetti and sipping a frisky Chianti outside the Coliseum - at least they have the FA Cup Final to fall back on as a booby prize. For Guus Hiddink, his luck has run out and he'll have to think about adjust his tactics for a London rival that plays similarly to Barcelona.

Arsenal 1 - 1 Chelsea

Manchester United vs. Man City

High-octane football is a trademark of Man Utd and I must say, I'm feeling a little heady from the fumes. With Ronaldo destined to be leaving Old Trafford, the Portuguese flyer will want to end it all on a high. I think he'll turn the derby into a masterpiece as a special thank you before heading off to the Bernabeau. With the Champions League final booked, Ferguson, will have tunnel vision as number 18 looms.

City are finishing with a little flourish and would love nothing more than to repeat last year's victory at the home of their biggest rivals. Perhaps the rumors of a 'special' arrival from Milan and I'm not talking Kaka has the players thinking about their futures. With nothing to play for Mark Hughes' men should have the ability to perform with total freedom - Ronaldo vs. Robinho, Madrid future legend vs. Madrid reject...mouthwatering.

Man Utd 3 - 1 Man City

Monday

Newcastle vs. Middlesbrough - The $100 Million Match Part II

The winner survives in the Premiership - the loser goes down!

The fear of relegation has a vice like grip on the Magpies and this fixture really is the last chance. With rumors of a dressing room split and the stench of Joey Barton lingering far too long into the biggest week in the clubs history, perhaps going down would be their best bet. At least they could rebuild from scratch, get back to basics, ship out the dead wood and restore pride to a Northeast institution.

Middlesbrough has been in freefall for weeks, which makes the victory of Liverpool even more remarkable - just where did it come from? I fear for the Teesiders that when they go down (they are), they'll not bounce straight back. If I were chairman, Steve Gibson, I'd look to the future and hire a manager that has a proven track record - Gareth Southgate needs to go back to the reserves.

Newcastle 1 - 0 Middlesbrough

Until then, I'll see you at the far post.

Looking at my predictions from last week left me feeling pathetic, humiliated, humbled and gasping as to how low I could possibly go. Football kicked me in the teeth, I mean a blind monkey could've done better and as for Nostradamus, the less said the better. I'm going to give myself the 'hair-dryer' treatment and emerge from this slump.

They'll be no boasting from me as 50% for the season looks like a mirage in the Sahara - lovely but not realistic bah!

Season-to-date: 153 from 310 = 49% (46 bulls-eyes)

Chelsea vs. Fulham

Chelsea may not have appealed to the purists in Catalunia in the 0-0 draw with Barcelona however you can't argue against the effectiveness of their tactics. I don't expect to see two holding midfield players today but I do expect to witness the power that the Blues typically display against clubs that they consider inferior to them.

Fulham have got to be the feel good story of the season as they've moved from the outhouse to the penthouse over the last twelve months. Much of this can be put down to the injury free campaign that the Cottagers have enjoyed and the wily coaching of many pundits favorite for manager of the year, Roy Hodgson.

Chelsea 1 - 0 Fulham

Man City vs. Blackburn

Perhaps Mark Hughes has been reading the tabloids about his imminent demise because somehow he fired up his team to actually perform away from home last time out. It must be frustrating supporting a club like City as you never know what to expect. On paper they should stroll to victory however once they get on the green stuff it's another story.

Sam Allardyce will know that 3 more measly points will be enough for safety however points in the BPL are the toughest find when you desperately need them. They look to have good spirit though and that along with Benni McCarthy's goals will carry them across the finish line.

Man City 2 - 1 Blackburn

Middlesbrough vs. Man Utd

Football in the northeast of England is more than a sport, it is life itself. The last time vibes were this gloomy Boro almost disappeared from the game and were only saved by the determination of Steve Gibson and the fans. It's hard to predict where they'll go from here but echoes of Leeds United's collapse abound. From UEFA Cup finalists three years ago to the scrapheap.

That 15 minute spell against Tottenham was one of the most breathtaking spells of football I've ever witnessed. It reminded me of walking down the street as a Ferrari passes by and then decides to open up the throttle. The roar, the power, the wow as the hairs on your neck stand to attention and to think, at half-time I was patting myself on the back for having predicted a draw...doh!

Middlesbrough 0 -2 Man Utd

Portsmouth vs. Arsenal

Portsmouth have clawed their way out of relegation quicksand and now have the good luck to meet an Arsenal team with more than one eye on another competition. Defensively they've been excellent under Paul Hart thanks in a large part to David James and Sol Campbell who'll have plenty of motivation for this one.

Let's be honest, 4th is all but guaranteed, so what's the point in sending out anyone but the reserves for this fixture. Arsene Wenger cannot afford any injuries with a 2nd leg semi-final date versus United just three days away.

Portsmouth 1 - 1 Arsenal

Stoke vs. West Ham

If Roy Hodgson is MOTY, Tony Pulis must run him a very close second. The January window transfer of James Beattie has to be the buy of the season because the combination of Beattie and Ricardo Fuller has been sensational. In conjunction with one of the best home records in the BPL, Stoke, fully deserve another season with the big boys.

Gianfranco Zola looks like a very ambitious manager so I'm a little flummoxed as to why he would sign a four-year deal with a club that is in such a perilous financial state. Then it came to me - Chelsea will swoop in at the end of Hiddink's tenure and then be forced to pay West Ham a tidy sum of money in compensation - finally some smart business at Upton Park.

Stoke 1 - 0 West Ham

Tottenham vs. West Brom

Watching Howard Webb celebrating down at the Stretford End with Ronaldo & co must've really stuck in Harry Redknapp's throat - okay I'm joking but who knows what would've happened had the pen not gone United's way. This will be a nice little rebounder for the Londoners and they'll need to display some character.

Where an earth did that Sunderland destruction come from asked Tony Mowbray on Sunday morning - if only we knew Tone because some of that spirit four months ago would see you in mid-table instead of holding up the trapdoor. It could be officially over after this round, so Baggie fans, enjoy every minute of it.

Tottenham 2 - 1 West Brom

Wigan vs. Bolton

As pitiful as my prediction powers were last week, I did get Wigan spot on. Joining them on the deckchairs this weekend and supping Margaritas are Bolton. You might have to let the punters in for nothing at the JJB or we could see an all time Premiership low attendance.

Wigan 1 - 1 Bolton

Sunday

Liverpool vs. Newcastle

'What if' are the two words that begin every sentence for Liverpool supporters. What if we hadn't tied Fulham, West Ham etc.  What if we hadn't lost to Boro . What if Torres hadn't been injured.  Unfortunately we'll never know 'what if' however if I may suggest a new tactic, namely 'next season...'

I wonder why so many of us get sucked into this 'Messiah' business. I'll hold my hand up and say guilty. Maybe its because we remember what once was...Liverpool/Newcastle, the match of the decade. Today, its just another nail in the coffin of a proud club. The Toon Army weeps.

Liverpool 2 - 0 Newcastle

Sunderland vs. Everton

The only satisfaction Sunderland has at the moment is that Newcastle is in worse shape than they are. To get rolled over by the Baggies was pathetic and sums up all that is wrong with the Black Cats - they have no heart and the faithful know it. How do you cheer for a team like that?

Luckily for the Mackams, Everton will be thinking more about the FA Cup Final and trying to avoid injuries, which they couldn't do last week losing Phil Jagielka than the Premiership. With a place in Europe guaranteed, if I were David Moyes, I'd do a 'Fergie' and call up the reserves.

Sunderland 0 - 0 Everton

Monday

Aston Villa vs. Hull

I almost feel like we have to step back in time to black & white television for this one. Do you remember when the Villains and Tigers were the darlings of the division. These clubs would swagger into the Emirates and walk off with the max (the only 2 teams to do so). Martin O'Neill and Phil Brown were innovative and daring managers. 

Now what do we think about the teams and the managers? Football is at times a cruel, unsophisticated game that ultimately measures itself with a table, a table that requires only one thing...RESULTS!

Aston Villa 3 - 0 Hull

Until then, I'll see you at the far post.