Premier League Fixtures 17th April Part 1

Birmingham City v Hull City
Birmingham are pretty strong at home and Hull aren’t really strong anywhere. So you could say they’ve got as much chance as taking points here as they have anywhere. They’ll be hoping the financial crisis at Birmingham has messed with the players’ heads a bit. Not to mention that their new owner is a Manchester United supporter. His favourite player is Ryan Giggs – mine too!
Boaz Myhill will be in goal for Hull, probably.

Blackburn Rovers v Everton
Everton have a chance of pipping Aston Villa to the third Europa League place (Portsmouth can’t play in Europe, Chelsea are there already) – but only if they can beat Blackburn who have been doing quite well. Both teams are on long unbeaten runs so I’m expecting a draw.
Jason Brown will be on the bench for Blackburn and I think I know why. Sam Allardyce is English so he wants one his players in the England squad – and to be fair I’d pick him if I was the England manager (which I wouldn’t be).

Fulham v Wolverhampton Wanderers
It’s been a very busy season for Fulham but I’m sure they’d still love another top ten finish, as long as it doesn’t get in the way of their Europa League challenge. They’ve beaten Manchester United and Juventus – I think that counts as a very good season. Wolves are looking safe but another three points would go a long way.
Simon Davies missed Fulham’s last match with a rib injury but there’s nothing to suggest he’ll miss this match too. Simon’s contract expires at the end of the season so there isn’t much time to offer him a new one – but surely Roy Hodgson wouldn’t let him go?
David Jones and Dave Edwards both started Wolves’ last match and with the captain suspended, they could start together again. Wayne Hennessey will be on the bench and possibly Sam Vokes. Wayne and Sam both played and Sam scored as Wolves Reserves beat West Ham Reserves 4-1.