Source: Daily_Mail
Premier League and Champions League predictions by Daily Mail reporters
It's crunch time for clubs chasing the big domestic and European prizes, and those fighting desperately to avoid the drop. So, who's catching the eye as we enter the last weeks of another riveting season? Sportsmail's top team deliver their verdicts on what we've seen and what's still to come[LNB] If you could select one golden ticket between now and the end of the season, which game would you watch?MATT LAWTON: Manchester United versus Manchester City at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final. With United trying to juggle Champions League commitments as well, I have a feeling City will win this one. But I'm guessing a certain chief executive won't be in New York predicting as much during what is going to be a tense build-up. [LNB]IAN LADYMAN: Tottenham versus Real Madrid. Its hardly likely to be 0-0 is it?[LNB]MICHAEL WALKER: Liverpool v Newcastle - Andy Carroll's first game against Newcastle, has shades of Malcolm Macdonald when he moved to Arsenal in 1976.[LNB]MATT BARLOW: Manchester United v Chelsea, Champions League quarter-final second leg. With Chelsea stirring into life and United going for a Treble this promises to be classic Euro duel, decorated by quality players and intensified by familiarity.[LNB]DES KELLY: The one that allows you to study Lionel Messi And The Football Factory. Give me a seat at The Champions League Final at Wembley between Barcelona - and whatever team they will inevitably beat and I'll be happy. More so since a golden ticket is free and that means Michel Platini and the greedy rats at UEFA will be deprived of a tiny slice of the profit they are squeezing from the fans with their extortionate pricing policy.[LNB] On top of the world: Lionel Messi and Barcelona are favourites to claim their second Champions League trophy in three years at Wembley[LNB]DOMINIC KING: Real Madrid v Barcelona at the Bernabeu on April 17. The race for La Liga is finely balanced and Jose Mourinho will undoubtedly have something up his sleeve to avenge that 5-0 drubbing last November. [LNB]NEIL MOXLEY: Two games of the Premier League season remain and West Brom travel to Molineux to take on Wolves. What a climactic finale that could prove to be.[LNB]COLIN YOUNG: I have a feeling Tottenham hosting Arsenal will be a cracker, but if Manchester United and Blackpool both need to win at Old Trafford in the last game of the season...[LNB]LEE CLAYTON: Wembley for the Champions League Final. They have recreated the 'Wembley Magic' in the new stadium and it deserves its showcase game. Barcelona should be there, but wouldn't it be great if anEnglish club beat them.[LNB]SIMON JONES: Chelsea v Barcelona Champions League Final at Wembley.[LNB]JOHN EDWARDS: Manchester descending on Wembley. Never mind the jibes about London meaning it will be like a home game for United, this is an occasion not to be missed for any Mancunian. A trek maybe, but no-one will mind the inconvenience.[LNB]CHRIS WHEELER: United v City in the FA Cup semi-final. No need to hype up this one.[LNB]LAURA WILLIAMSON: Tottenham v Real Madrid, April 13. Jose Mourinho back in London and a white hot atmosphere at The Lane.[LNB]SAMI MOKBEL: United and City at Wembley. Does not need any explanation. It'll be huge.[LNB] Who has been your player of the season so far?MATT LAWTON: Anumber of candidates have emerged during the season but nobody ismaking a sustained challenge for the title. Samir Nasri has excelled attimes, as have Nemanja Vidic, Carlos Tevez and Gareth Bale. ScottParker's consistency for West Ham and his performance for England inCardiff also makes him a serious contender. But nobody has impressed memore, and given me more cause for optimism, than Jack Wilshere. A majorstar of the future. [LNB]IAN LADYMAN: Carlos Tevez. Without him, Manchester City would be staring at the Europa League places.[LNB]MICHAEL WALKER: Nemanja Vidic. You notice his worth to United even more when he's not playing.[LNB]MATT BARLOW:Jack Wilshere seems a dangerous, build 'em up knock 'em down vote buthe's wonderful to watch and gets better with each game. He has helpedto make England feel proud of its football talent once again. So, thereyou go, Jack Wilshere, a very modern midfielder.[LNB] Style and substance: Jack Wilshere (left) and Nemanja Vidic have shone this season[LNB]DES KELLY:There isn't an outstanding candidate. In terms of impact and longevitythis year is likely to produce the 'weakest' Footballer Of The Yearwinner since David Ginola collected the award in 1999 or Robert Piresin 2002. Scott Parker and Gareth Bale deserve an honourable mention,Samir Nasri has been brilliant at times, but even though he has lost hisedge in recent weeks and never tires of moaning about his lot, CarlosTevez is the player who has made the difference more than any other.[LNB]DOMINIC KING:Nemanja Vidic. The reason Manchester United will win the title isbecause of their defence and Vidic has been a colossus. Doesn't get thecredit he deserves.[LNB]NEIL MOXLEY: Scott Parker - inspirational. West Ham would be relegated already without him.[LNB]COLIN YOUNG: Charlie Adam has been an absolute sensation.[LNB]LEE CLAYTON: Fluctuation in form makes this a hard one (Nasri, Bale, Tevez off the boil). If I was filling in my Football Writers ballot sheet today, it would be Scott Parker, for the impact he has made on histeam.[LNB]SIMON JONES: Charlie Adam has excelled and exceeded all expectation in a cavalier Blackpool side.[LNB] It's just like watching Brazil: Charlie Adam's (right) antics at Blackpool have been a revelation[LNB] JOHN EDWARDS:Scott Parker. Steven Gerrard's shoulders have carried Liverpool attimes, but Parker's are just as broad. Gets better with age. Hisdynamism on the pitch and demeanour off it, after playing at Tottenhamwithin hours of losing his father, was the mark of an exceptionalindividual.[LNB]CHRIS WHEELER: Rafael van der Vaart. Even at ?8m, he was a bargain for Spurs.[LNB]LAURA WILLIAMSON:Scott Parker. It's one thing to excel in a team fighting for honours;it's quite another to inspire and propel a team battling relegationweek-in, week-out.[LNB]SAMI MOKBEL:Jack Wilshere. The Arsenal midfielder just pips Scott Parker for me.Parker has again carried West Ham on his shoulders - but Wilshere ispoetry in motion. Rarely gives the ball away, great first touch andalways puts a shift in. Top player.[LNB] ...and who do you expect to emerge as a back page hero between now and the last kick?MATT LAWTON: WayneRooney with a wonder goal at the Emirates on May 1 to see off Arsenaland all but secure that 19th English title for Manchester United. [LNB]IAN LADYMAN: Ian Holloway. He will keep Blackpool up. Just.[LNB]MICHAEL WALKER: Kevin Davies - in memory of Nat Lofthouse. Davies will be Bolton's captain in the FA Cup final.[LNB]MATT BARLOW: Hard to see United's quest for three trophies unfolding without a significant contribution from Wayne Rooney.[LNB]DES KELLY:Having made his England debut, I'm looking to Matt Jarvis to helpinspire Wolves to climb away from relegation and seal another PremierLeague season for Mick McCarthy's men; topped with a storming final dayperformance in what could be a survival showdown against BlackburnRovers - possibly at their expense too.[LNB]DOMINIC KING: Scott Parker - seems to be on a one-man mission to keep West Ham up. He will certainly make more headlines.[LNB] Super Scott: Parker (left) has been West Ham's driving force this season[LNB]NEIL MOXLEY: ManuelAlmunia or Wojciech Szczesny or Lukasz Fabianski or Jens Lehmann - anArsenal goalkeeper finally comes up trumps, earning the Gunners glory -and Arsene Wenger an 'I told you so,' moment.[LNB]COLIN YOUNG: I can't believe Fernando Torres has not got a part to play in the outcome of the title and the Champions League.[LNB]LEE CLAYTON: Fernando Torres. He can't carry on being so bad for so long. [LNB]SIMON JONES: Fernando Torres. Ominous goalscoring duck for Chelsea is bound to be broken.[LNB] A matter of time? Surely Fernando Torres will open his Chelsea account soon[LNB]JOHN EDWARDS:Has to be someone with that rare gift of being in the right place atthe right time when it matters most. No-one fits the description betterthan Javier Hernandez. Just watch him rise from the bench to poach atitle-winning goal in the last throes of the final day.[LNB]CHRIS WHEELER: Mario Balotelli if he can overcome the urge to throw darts at people and that irritating aversion to grass.[LNB]LAURA WILLIAMSON: Andy Carroll. If only so we can all use the word 'swashbuckling' more often. [LNB]SAMI MOKBEL: CarlosTevez. I can just picture it now. Tevez scores the winner againstUnited, at Wembley, and celebrating in front of Sir Alex Ferguson.[LNB] Your favourite moment of the season so far?MATT LAWTON:Barcelona's performances against Arsenal were magical but still has tobe Gareth Bale's display against Inter Milan at White Hart Lane. Haveseen few better individual performances.[LNB]IAN LADYMAN: WatchingRoman Pavlyuchenko observe Joe Jordan's set-to with Gennaro Gattuso atthe San Siro from close quarters and choosing not to get involved. Wasthe big Russian merely confident in Jordan's ability to look afterhimself or maybe just a little scared? You decide.[LNB] Head to head: Roman Pavlyuchenko is nowhere to be seen as Joe Jordan (left) clashes with Gennaro Gattuso[LNB]MICHAEL WALKER:The underrated brilliance of Andrey Arshavin's winner againstBarcelona. It is difficult to finish with such composure in thatsituation.[LNB]MATT BARLOW:Bale's demolition job on Maicon and Rooney's scissor kick v City werespecial but, on his full debut for Chelsea, centre-half David Luizpopped up on the left-wing at Fulham and crossed the ball with anoverhead kick. It seemed to herald the arrival of a defender with adifferent dimension.[LNB]DES KELLY:It has to be Gareth Bale's destruction of reigning European ChampionsInter Milan over the course of two scintillating Champions Leagueperformances. His power and pace on the left destroyed one of themeanest defences in world football and made the Brazilian star Maiconlook as if he was running in treacle, with lead boots on, and a deadleg.[LNB]DOMINIC KING:Luis Suarez dancing around four challenges and showing astonishingclose control to set up Liverpool's opener in the 3-1 win overManchester United. Only someone with supreme talent and confidencecould have pulled that move off.[LNB]NEIL MOXLEY: Obafemi Martins' goal which sealed an improbable Carling Cup final victory for Alex McLeish's Birmingham City.[LNB] Boy's Own Stuff: Substitute Obafemi Martins pounced in the 89th minute to give Birmingham their first silverware for 48 years [LNB]COLIN YOUNG:Still that breathtaking save from Craig Gordon, but great to see KennyDalglish back in the North East, beaming away and cracking jokes.[LNB]LEE CLAYTON: The emergence of Jack Wilshere, who can overshadow Cesc Fabregas, should excite every England fan, whatever your club. Harry Redknapp, the next England manager, for what his team have brought to the Champions League. [LNB]SIMON JONES: Alex McLeish lifting the Carling Cup at Wembley. Fitting for one of football's good guys.[LNB]JOHN EDWARDS:Gareth Bale destroying AC Milan. Pundits go on about 'showing' a wingerinside or down the flank. Maicon showed Bale half of White Hart Lane,but it was stil riveting stuff.[LNB] Untouchable: Gareth Bale (left) made mincemeat of Maicon[LNB]CHRIS WHEELER: Birmingham winning the Carling Cup with that ridiculous late goal against Arsenal.[LNB]LAURA WILLIAMSON: Anfield's welcoming Kenny Dalglish home with a spine-tingling rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone before Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Everton.[LNB]SAMI MOKBEL:Gareth Bale flying past Maicon in Spurs' euphoric win over Inter Milanin the Champions League. Made a fool of one of the best full-backs inthe world and made himself a global star in the process. [LNB] What or who has disappointed you most this season?MATT LAWTON: Chelsea'streatment of Carlo Ancelotti. There are few classier guys in the gameand, having delivered a domestic double in his first season, he reallydoes deserve better. [LNB]IAN LADYMAN:The lack of respect towards match officials at all levels of the gamecontinues to irritate me. The directors' box spat between ManchesterUnited chief executive David Gill and referees' chief Mike Riley summedit up. Do people in football not watch the way things are done in othersports? It is pathetic.[LNB]MICHAEL WALKER: Everton - just because they haven't lived up to the hopes invested in them.[LNB]MATT BARLOW: The missing mojos of Joe Cole and Michael Owen.[LNB] Ordinary Joe: Cole's first season at Liverpool has been dire[LNB]DES KELLY: Thedisgraceful antics of players and managers as they confront andchallenge referees mob handed. The Football Association have beenutterly feeble in supporting their own 'Respect' campaign and they mustintroduce new rules forbidding any player other than the captainquestioning an official's verdict on the pitch.[LNB]DOMINIC KING: Arsenal'sfailure to turn promise into something more significant. With morebackbone and mental resolve, they could have had one hand on the titlenow and the Carling Cup safely tucked away.[LNB]NEIL MOXLEY: Aston Villa Football Club - where do you start?[LNB]COLIN YOUNG: Liverpool before King Kenny's return, and Fernando Torres in particular (although class is permanent).[LNB]LEE CLAYTON: Sir Alex Ferguson and his petty media feuds. I've had the pleasure of sitting in his office and listening to his rich knowledge of football and his deep love and passion of the game. It's unacceptable and weak by the Premier League that he is allowed to ignorehis responsibilities to Manchester United supporters and football in general. He should be setting an example, not being allowed to play by different rules. [LNB]SIMON JONES: Sepp Blatter, FIFA's figurehead, out of touch but never out of pocket[LNB]JOHN EDWARDS:Sir Alex Ferguson's attempt to absolve Wayne Rooney of blame for hisforearm assault on Wigan's James McCarthy. Talk about defending theindefensible.[LNB]CHRIS WHEELER: Fernando Torres. ?50m has to be worth one goal, surely.[LNB]LAURA WILLIAMSON: UEFA banning Joe Jordan from being with Tottenham at the Bernabeu next week - after he was the victim of a headbutt.[LNB]SAMI MOKBEL:Joe Cole. Moving to Liverpool seemed the perfect platform for him tofinally fulfil his massive potential. We are still waiting.[LNB] Set one challenge to a team/player between now and the end of the season.MATT LAWTON:I'd urge Andy Carroll to listen to people like Kenny Dalglish, FabioCapello, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher - and pay serious attentionto the advice given by the sports scientists at Liverpool - andrecognise the fact that beer and elite sporting performance reallydon't go together. Carroll has so much potential and it would be such ashame to waste it. He can get hammered with his mates in Newcastle whenhe's celebrating a decade or more of success at the highest level. [LNB]IAN LADYMAN:To Arsene Wenger. Look around the other Barclays Premier League clubsand recognise what a good goalkeeper looks like. Here is a clue. Hedoesn't tend to drop the ball or pass it to the opposition. Then, onceyou have done that, go and buy one in the summer. You may even win acup if you do.[LNB]MICHAEL WALKER: Sheffield Wednesday to avoid relegation.[LNB]MATT BARLOW: Fernando Torres, score a goal for Chelsea, relax and give us a smile.[LNB]DES KELLY:It's time for Wayne Rooney to prove he is worth it. His contractshenanigans at Manchester United were good for his wage packet, butdisastrous for his reputation coming so soon after a terrible WorldCup. This season's form has gone from abysmal to acceptable. But whilehis new partnership with Javier Hernandez looks encouraging, he stillremains half the player he was last season. An explosive contributionduring the title chase will banish the doubts.[LNB] More of the same, please: Wayne Rooney takes off to stun Manchester City[LNB]DOMINIC KING:Fernando Torres. Show the ?50million that was invested in you was notan expensive mistake and try to recapture that missing brilliance.[LNB]NEIL MOXLEY: Manchester United - create history, win the treble.[LNB]COLIN YOUNG: For Sunderland and Newcastle to stop messing about, get the wins necessary and stay well away from the bottom three, please.[LNB]SIMON JONES: Rio Ferdinand to get fit to play for Manchester United and not tweet about it.[LNB]LEE CLAYTON: To Arsenal: stay in the title race and stop being a teamfor the future. To Harry: go on, wipe that smile off Mourinho's face. Show him who is the Special One. Dare you.[LNB]JOHN EDWARDS:Time for Arsene Wenger to take off the blinkers and admit hisfree-flowing Arsenal are fatally flawed. A joy to watch but just asmuch fun to play against for teams at the very top. Instead of theusual 'I believe in this team', let's hear him admit they need moresteel.[LNB]CHRIS WHEELER: Ian Holloway's Blackpool to stay up and prove everyone wrong who said they never stood a chance in the Premier League.[LNB]LAURA WILLIAMSON: Find the back of the net, Fernando.[LNB]SAMI MOKBEL:For Arsenal defender Sebastien Squillaci to actually concentrate for afull 90 minutes. I've lost count of the number of times his snoozing atthe back has cost the Gunners this season.[LNB] What to look out for outside the Barclays Premier LeagueMATTLAWTON: If I was Thierry Henry I'd be looking out for that missingcobra in New York. But here in England, Adel Taarabt appears to beproving at QPR that Tottenham might have been a bit hasty in lettinghim go.[LNB]IAN LADYMAN: Please let me be wrong but Sheffield Wednesday are sinking like a stone. They could go down. Again.[LNB]MICHAEL WALKER: The automatic promotion of either Norwich or Swansea.[LNB]Top man: Neil Warnock looks set to take QPR up [LNB]MATTBARLOW: Neil Warnock and Adel Taarabt, two colourful personalitiesbound for the top flight. The Welsh plot to storm the Premier Leaguewith Cardiff or Swansea? Steel City slide, Wednesday and United fightrelegation (again). Upwardly mobile under Gus Poyet and moving into abrand new home next season as a Championship club, the future'sBrighton?[LNB]DES KELLY: Swansea City are not only on course for thePremier League, they are heading for promotion with a panache and stylethat is a credit to the Championship and their bright young managerBrendan Rodgers.[LNB]DOMINIC KING: Stockport County's battle to beat thedrop from League Two. A proud record of 106 years continuouslycompeting in the Football League is in grave danger and it would afabulous story if they defied the odds.[LNB]NEIL MOXLEY: Managers: Inthe Championship, Simon Grayson, Paul Lambert and Sean O'Driscoll haveall over-achieved in the Championship with Leeds United, Norwich Cityand Doncaster Rovers respectively. Gus Poyet is destined for greatnesswith Brighton who could be a surprise package next season in theChampionship. I liked Nigel Adkins at Scunthorpe and think Southamptonhave backed a real winner there. Also a special mention for Dean Smithwho has revitalised Walsall.[LNB]Players: Reading's Shane Long, andLeicester City's Andy King are two to watch. Scott Sinclair seemsfinally to have found a position and club to suit at Swansea City.Finally, I've only seen him once but I liked the look of Preston'sKeith Treacy.[LNB]COLIN YOUNG: Carlisle to win the Football League Trophy, promotion for Leeds, relegation for Sheffield Wednesday.[LNB]LEE CLAYTON: Swansea's football to be rewarded with promotion. Brendan Rogers is one of football's talented, good guys.[LNB]SIMON JONES: Steve Cotterill's Portsmouth to sneak into the play-offs[LNB]JOHNEDWARDS: Norwich - they've got another Martin O'Neill in Paul Lambert.He even cuts the same figure on the touchline, with boots on, tracksuittrousers tucked inside his socks and forever pushing up his sweatshirtsleeves.[LNB]CHRIS WHEELER: QPR boss Neil Warnock. He's coming back and this time it's personal.[LNB]LAURAWILLIAMSON: Gus Poyet's Brighton & Hove Albion are flying at thetop of League One. Their move to a new stadium will coincide nicelywith promotion to the Championship this summer.[LNB]SAMI MOKBEL: Neil Warnock's infectious smile when Queens Park Rangers achieve promotion top-flight promotion.[LNB] What we're predictingIAN LADYMAN Title winners: Manchester United.Relegated: West Ham, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Wigan.Champions League winners: Chelsea.[LNB]MATT BARLOWTitle winners: Manchester United.Relegated: Wigan, Blackpool, Blackburn. Champions League winners: Chelsea.[LNB]DOMINIC KINGTitle winners: Manchester UnitedRelegated: Wigan, Blackpool, Blackburn.Champions League winners: Real Madrid [LNB]COLIN YOUNGTitle winners: Manchester UnitedRelegated: Blackburn, West Brom, WiganChampions League winners: Barcelona [LNB]JOHN EDWARDSTitle winners: Manchester United.Relegated: Blackpool, Blackburn, Wigan.Champions League winners: Manchester United.[LNB]LEE CLAYTONTitle winners: Manchester United.Relegated: Wigan, Blackpool, Blackburn.Champions League winners: Chelsea. [LNB]LAURA WILLIAMSONTitle winners: Manchester United.Relegated: Blackpool, Blackburn, Wigan.Champions League winners: Barcelona.[LNB] MATT LAWTON Title winners: Manchester United.Relegated: Wolves, West Brom, Wigan.Champions League winners: Barcelona.[LNB]MICHAEL WALKER Title winners: Manchester United.Relegated: Wigan, West Brom and Blackburn.Champions League winners: Barcelona.[LNB]DES KELLY Title winners: Manchester Utd. Relegated: Wigan, Blackpool and WestHam, who will finish below West Brom andBlackburn on goal difference.Champions League winners: Barcelona.[LNB]NEIL MOXLEYTitle winners: Manchester United. Relegated: Wigan, Birmingham, Blackburn.Champions League winners: Real Madrid.[LNB]SIMON JONESTitle winners: Manchester United.Relegated: West Brom, Wigan, Blackpool.Champions League winners: Chelsea. [LNB]CHRIS WHEELERTitle winners: Manchester United.Relegated: Wigan, Birmingham, West Brom.Champions League winners: Barcelona.[LNB]SAMI MOKBELTitle: Manchester United.Relegated: Wigan, Blackpool, WolvesChampions League winners: Barcelona[LNB] The final countdown! The lowdown on your club's fortunes in the Premier League run-inRevealed: Premier League bosses vote on top manager, best player and moreMartin Samuel: You're alright Jack, but Little Pea will end up Mushy Pea after Mexico's hectic summerThe new Drogba! Carroll tipped to eclipse Blues star after England heroicsWilshere, Carroll and co: Sportsmail's guide to PFA Young Player of the Year[LNB] Explore more:People: John Edwards, Andy Carroll, Sepp Blatter, Mario Balotelli, Lionel Messi, Michael Owen, Alex McLeish, Joe Cole, Mike Riley, Maicon, Neil Warnock, Ian Holloway, Harry Redknapp, Obafemi Martins, David Gill, Thierry Henry, Craig Gordon, Matt Jarvis, Andrey Arshavin, David Ginola, Simon Grayson, Charlie Adam, Carlo Ancelotti, Alex Ferguson, Jamie Carragher, Simon Jones, Mick McCarthy, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Gareth Bale, Steven Gerrard, Kevin Davies, Paul Lambert, Jack Wilshere, Kenny Dalglish, Fernando Torres, Nigel Adkins, Jose Mourinho, Jens Lehmann, James McCarthy, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez Places: Barcelona, Manchester, New York, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, Birmingham, Milan, Norwich, United Kingdom Organisations: Football Association, Football League
