The big run-in: my predictions

Here are a few predictions from yours truly regarding the wind-down of the 2013-14 season. Feel free to say what you think of them, and weigh in with your own predictions too. And whatever team you support, best of luck to you for the big run-in!

Man City v Aston Villa - Clear home advantage here. I can't see Villa springing any surprises in the contest and putting another twist in the title race, especially without Benteke to overpower the big City defence. The loss of Aguero shouldn't stifle City's firepower and I see Pellegrini's men obliterating Villa. 4-1.

Sunderland v West Ham - Sunderland have been on fire lately and thoroughly deserve to stay up, especially with their only threat - Norwich - being so toothless. West Ham beat a poor Spurs recently but I think they will get complacent and the relegation battle will end today. 2-1.

Cardiff v Chelsea - On paper, this should only be going one way. In practice, Cardiff have nothing to lose and Chelsea have taken a morale battering in Europe and against Norwich and Sunderland. I think the 'little horse' will keep running, however, but this game should be entertaining. 2-4.

Fulham v Crystal Palace - Palace have been on a meteoric rise and thoroughly deserved their point against Liverpool, which has probably cost the Scousers the title. Fulham's season has been one of unequivocal failure and only Cardiff playing against Chelsea will save the Cottagers finishing bottom. 0-1.

Hull v Everton - Fifth place is in the bag, to all intents and purposes, and Everton don't like to end their season on a low note but might rest players who have an eye on the World Cup, like Lukaku. Hull are playing for pride and have their mind on a bigger issue - the FA Cup Final. This has bore draw written all over it. 0-0.

Liverpool v Newcastle - Game of the century - that magical 4-3 - was played between these two. There's history here, and the best attack in the land is up against one of the most stubborn keepers in the league. Liverpool will call up an all-out war to keep the title alive, but this could leave them vulnerable on the counter and it won't be good for Pardew to end the season with seven defeats from eight. 2-2.

Man City v West Ham - Surely City will kill off the title race once and for all, and in style, against Fat Sam and his team. West Ham's 'lump it forward for Carroll to head down' isn't going to fool anyone and their defence doesn't have the stones to cope with City's multimillion pound offensive line. 4-0.

Norwich v Arsenal - Norwich have always been a bogey team for Arsenal and as they will (probably) be relegated by this point, they will probably go all-out attack so they bow out of the league with a bang. Arsenal will probably be blooding eager youngsters, and the tradition of high scoring end of season games between the two clubs will probably continue. 2-3.

Southampton v Man Utd - Giggs probably won't be in charge next season and will want to sign off on a high note, as will leavers like Vidic and newbies like Wilson. However, Southampton deserve respect and have had a very successful season which Pochettino won't want spoiled at the death, and the likes of Lallana and Rodriguez can be a handful. 1-1.

Sunderland v Swansea - Sunderland should be safe by this point and will be playing to celebrate more than anything else. They are not prolific but Wickham has been a recent revelation. Garry Monk's team have fallen off the radar lately and the likes of Michu have been very subdued - I don't expect a goalfest. 0-0.

Tottenham v Aston Villa - This could well be Tim Sherwood's final game at the helm so I can see Spurs going all in for a big victory (although I doubt any goals will come from Soldado). Villa have had a few good results of late and with a difficult game against City unlikely to yield a win, they will want to get one at White Hart Lane, so I see a stalemate. 2-2.

West Brom vs Stoke - The Baggies under Pepe Mel have had a torrid season and given a few more weeks could well have gone down. Stoke have been their usual solid if unspectacular selves and I doubt this will be a big performance away from the Brit. 0-0.