Premier League Fixures 1st May

Manchester City v Aston Villa
Some said Aston Villa were out of the race for the fourth Champions’ League place but considering they’re a point ahead of City (albeit having played one more game) and only behind Tottenham (who have played the same number of games as Man City) only on goal difference, I think you’d have to say they’re in with a chance. If they draw with Man City and Tottenham lose to Bolton, Villa will be fourth. That’s how close it is.
Craig Bellamy will probably play for Manchester City at this match but quite possibly not for many more matches if the rumours are true. James Collins will be in defence for Villa.
But what is all this emergency loan business about, Man City? You didn’t see Arsenal applying for loans when Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski were both out, did you? And they arguably have more reason than you. Who did you bribe to get Marton Fulop then? And now I read that you might not even play him.

Portsmouth v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Portsmouth are down, Wolves are safe. A boring game? Perhaps not. Portsmouth are playing like they haven’t realised they’ve been relegated and Wolves’ team might be full of Welsh players.
David Jones and Dave Edwards will probably start for Wolves again but it’s very unlikely that manager Mick McCarthy will take advantage of their safety and give Wayne Hennessey and Sam Vokes a run in the team. If McCarthy did do this, I might have to start liking him.

Stoke City v Everton
A win could put Stoke into the top half of the table. They might have had a top-half finish in the top division before but if so it’s not for a very long time. Everton have a very small chance of stealing Liverpool’s place in the Europa League.
Ryan Shawcross made an early return from his ankle injury last week after an injury led to his introduction in the 9th minute. If he starts, Danny Collins could be on the bench but I hope Tony Pulis drops someone else instead.

Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers
Tottenham remain in fourth place on goal difference despite losing to Manchester United last weekend. Bolton are now safe but could finish anywhere between 14th and 17th.
Assuming Harry Redknapp is not mad, he will select Gareth Bale to play at either left back or left wing. Or maybe both like last week.
Sam Ricketts could be on the bench again for Bolton.