Alan Shearer’s Premier League and FA Cup final predictions – Chelsea or Man City?

The FA Cup takes centre stage this weekend but the Premier League rumbles on in the background on a stacked weekend of action.

Chelsea have had a thoroughly miserable campaign in the league and in Europe but they can still salvage some silverware at Wembley on Saturday. City meanwhile are still chasing a domestic treble having already bagged the Carabao Cup with the title race still alive as we approach the final week.

Back in the Premier League, we have games spread across five days with Aston Villa and Liverpool getting us underway tonight.

With Tottenham not in action until Tuesday, West Ham United have the chance to climb out of the relegation zone away to Newcastle United.

Arsenal can move five points clear again when they host relegated Burnley on Monday and will be praying for Bournemouth to end the battle before the final weekend when the Cherries host Pep Guardiola’s side on the following day.

As ever, England legend and Betfair ambassador Alan Shearer has revealed his Premier League predictions to Metro.

FA Cup Final Prediction – Manchester City vs Chelsea

It is really interesting that City have lost the last two finals as favourites. I did the co-comms last year for that game when Palace beat them. Chelsea showed slight improvement last week against Liverpool despite going 1-0 down.

I just think because of the mood that City are in, the belief and the confidence, they’ll edge it. I know that City still give you chances, even watching the game against Crystal Palace, they missed two or three really good chances. I think there’ll be a lot of goals in this, but I think Man City will edge it just.

Prediction – Manchester City win

Aston Villa vs Liverpool

It’s a tough couple of weeks, but it could be a brilliant couple of weeks for Villa if they go on and win the Europa League final, and get into the Champions League. And again, Liverpool are defensively really poor still. I’m going to go for a home win with it being at Villa Park. It’s always a great atmosphere.

Prediction – Aston Villa win

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

I’d only go for Man United just because they’re at home. No other reason than that. Both teams don’t have a lot to play for, so a Man United home win for me.

Michael Carrick deserves to go again next season and to be given the chance to try and rebuild and improve them like he has this season. How long his contract will be, we’ll have to wait and see, but it sounds like he’s going to be given the chance, and I agree with that. I think he’s done a great job and deserves the chance to go.

Prediction – Manchester United win

Brentford vs Crystal Palace

I think with Palace and their team selection over the next week or two games, it is understandable. They’re entitled to do whatever they want; it’s their team and they can plan and prepare for whatever game they want. That’s why I would go for a home win for Brentford, as they’ve got bigger things on the horizon in the league.

Prediction – Brentford win

Everton vs Sunderland

With it being at home, I’ll say Everton. That’s the only reason. I think Sunderland have certainly slowed their pace down over the past couple of months. So, with Everton being at home, I’d say a home win.

Prediction – Everton win

Leeds vs Brighton

I think Leeds will want to sign off on a good result at home, and I think they can be really pleased with how it’s gone for the most part this season. They’re safe, which is a huge achievement anyway, because at times it did look as if they were in trouble. I’m going to go for a draw on this one. I think it’ll be a point apiece.

Prediction – Draw

Wolves vs Fulham

Fulham haven’t been great, but Wolves have been a lot worse. I know they’re at home, but I’ve got no confidence or belief in them whatsoever, so I’m going to say a Fulham away win.

Prediction – Fulham win

Newcastle vs West Ham

West Ham are fighting for their lives. They know they have to come up to Newcastle and get something. I’m not sure they will, to be honest. I think there’ll be a lot of noise if Newcastle don’t win that game, and for that reason, I’m going to say a Newcastle home win. A lot could be decided this weekend because of the result of this game.

Prediction – Newcastle win

Arsenal vs Burnley

When you look at the two games Arsenal have got, you’d have to say they’ve got one hand on the title and are ready to put the other one on it. I don’t see them slipping up against Burnley. There will be nerves; I don’t think they’d be human if there were no nerves. I’ve been in that position myself. But having said that, I think once they get that first goal, that’ll all be alleviated.

Prediction – Arsenal win

Bournemouth vs Manchester City

Bournemouth have had an unbelievable season. I’ve said it loads of times in terms of their recruitment, what they sold last summer to what they’ve got now and where they are.

They deserve great credit, and I think this one could be a draw. Everyone keeps saying Arsenal have to win both games, but they might not have to depending on what happens with City. So, I’m going to say a draw.

Prediction – Draw

Chelsea vs Tottenham

Both teams in the league have had a season to forget. However, when these two teams face each other these games are always tight, and there’s always plenty to talk about in these games, but I’m going to go for a Chelsea home win.

Prediction – Chelsea win

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