Premier League Fixtures 17th April Part 2

Manchester City v Manchester United
I think I’d like this match to finish in a draw. Even if Arsenal can’t win the League, they could manage second place if Manchester United are without Wayne Rooney.
But I don’t want Manchester City to win as I don’t want them to finish in the top four. I don’t know if Craig Bellamy meant it when he said he’d retire from international football if City got into the Champions’ League but I’d really rather not find out. He’ll probably play in this match though unless he crashes his new Harley Davidson which he’s not allowed to ride.
Ryan Giggs is a big doubt with a hamstring injury. It would be a shame if he missed out as he’s played in every Manchester derby since his United debut. Owen Hargreaves is in the squad according to ITV.com but there are also rumours he won’t play this season.

Stoke City v Bolton Wanderers
Stoke are currently in 10th place and I’m sure they’d love to be there come the end of the season – if they win this game they could go 9th if they score enough and Birmingham lose to Hull by lots of goals. So they won’t go 9th will they?
Bolton are looking shaky again after a less than great run of form (although their last four games were against Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester United and Everton).
Ryan Shawcross is still having problems with his ankle and he’s not expected to play. Tony Pulis says he’s more interested in protecting Ryan than getting him into the England squad which is a nice thing to hear from the Welsh manager. Danny Collins has done well in defence in Ryan’s absence.
Sam Ricketts will probably play for Bolton but who knows where?

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea
Tottenham could still get the fourth Champions’ League place at the expense of Manchester City but they don’t have the easiest run-in. First up: Chelsea. Well they’ve beaten better teams than Chelsea. They did it just two days ago.
Gareth Bale could help to make it up to me by scoring against Chelsea. He was seen with an ice pack on his thigh after training yesterday but there’s no news to suggest he’s in danger of missing the match.