Premier League Fixtures 14th April

Aston Villa v Everton
Aston Villa are fighting it out for third Europa League place – with Chelsea certain to get Champions’ League football (mathematically, they could be overhauled by Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur but we all know that’s not going to happen) and Portsmouth unable to participate as they haven’t applied for a licence, there will be no Europa League place for either the FA Cup winners or the runners up.
The Carling Cup has already been won by Manchester United. So the teams that finish in fifth, sixth and seventh place will all be in the Europa League. Villa are currently in seventh place with a game in hand over Everton but Everton aren’t out of it yet.
James Collins is fit to play for Aston Villa but again he’ll be part of an injury-ravaged squad.

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal
Arsenal need to win in order to keep pace with Manchester United and Chelsea. A win for Tottenham would put them just a point behind Manchester City. So Tottenham fans will want to win this match quite a lot.
But I have a cunning plan. If Tottenham are nice and lose to Arsenal, they can still go on to beat Chelsea and Manchester United. And Arsenal will gladly return the favour by beating Manchester City. The plan has a few flaws but I’ll keep hoping.
The only problem with a Tottenham defeat is that Gareth Bale lost his last two matches, despite playing so well he didn’t deserve to be on the losing side. I don’t want him to lose again but Arsenal just have to come first this time. Literally and figuratively.
Arsenal will be without Aaron Ramsey but the amazing news is that he could be ready to play again by the autumn. I don’t want him to play again unless he really is ready but I’ll be very very happy if he is. Oh and Arsenal have got Robin van Persie back. He might not be Welsh but it’s great news all the same.

Wigan Athletic v Portsmouth
Struggling Wigan face the relegated FA Cup finalists in a game they really need to win. You know, just in case Hull City and Burnley get another four points this season. It could happen. And Hull do have a game in hand.
It’s possible that next season Wigan will be in the Championship while the unappreciated Jason Koumas plays in the Premier League. The rumours that his former club West Bromwich Albion are interested in him will not go away.