Premier League Final Day: Manchester City And Manchester United Battling For Champions League Football

The title and relegation spots have already been sealed, but the final day of Premier League action still poses one question: which of the Manchester sides will clinch fourth spot.

It’s not quite the same level of drama as the unforgettable climax to Manchester City’s first title win back four years ago. Nonetheless, the outcome of Sunday afternoon will be crucial for the future of two great clubs.

Bring it on!

Manchester United V Bournemouth

Sunday 15th May. 3PM. Sky Sports 1

Manchester United looked destined for a top four finish when they took a 2-1 lead at West Ham on Tuesday night. But Louis van Gaal’s men couldn’t hold on and now enter the final day relying on Swansea as well as their own performance.

However, the Red Devils cannot allow themselves to worry about things at the Liberty Stadium. Instead, they must focus on beating Eddie Howe’s Cherries. With the firepower of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford being supplied by Wayne Rooney and co, they should be confident.

Whilst Bournemouth don’t have anything to play for having clinched safety with plenty of time tot spare, they’d love to end their inaugural Premier League campaign with three points at Old Trafford. So it certainly won’t be easy for the hosts.

Then again, United have been solid at home and know what they need to do. Whether Van Gaal is to stay on or not, Old Trafford expects a win.

Manchester United v Bournemouth Betting

The Red Devils are firm favourites to do all they can for a top four finish and are priced 2/5 for the win with Bet365. Bournemouth, meanwhile, are available at 8/1 and the draw can be backed at 4/1.

Van Gaal’s men have got to take an attacking approach. Even if City win their game, the Red Devils need to put on a display to show their fans that this club can move forward. Furthermore, they’ll be looking to build momentum ahead of next weekend’s Fa Cup final.

It’s hard to feel confident backing United to score goals, but they should dominate the game. With the chance of a refund, we’re backing them on the -3 Asian corner handicap.

Swansea City v Manchester City

Sunday 15th May. 3PM. Sky Sports 2

It’s advantage Manchester City as Manuel Pellegrini’s men enter the final day with fate in their own hands. However, the trip to Wales is, at least on paper, the more difficult challenge. With this in mind, they will need to play far better than they have on the road in recent weeks.

If they bring their A game, it should be a routine win for the visitors. The quality of Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne, and Kelechi Ihenacho should give them a great chance of goals against an often vulnerable Jacks defence. Meanwhile, firing the club back to Champions League football would be a great parting gift from Yaya Toure.

Swansea will want to ruin the party, though. It’s not been the smoothest of seasons, but Francesco Guidolin’s men could finish with a flourish having already beaten West Ham and Liverpool in their previous two outings. The inspiration of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Andre Ayew should give them a fighting chance.

If Manchester City aren’t at the races, Swansea could well do the Red Devils a favour. Whatever happens, it will be a massive afternoon for fans in either side of Manchester. The Blue half will be expected to be celebrating come 5PM but, at this stage of the campaign, quite literally anything could happen.

Swansea City v Manchester City Betting

Despite conceding home advantage, the Citizens are firm favourites at odds of 8/15 with Bet365. The hosts are available at 5/1 whilst the draw can be backed at 15/4.

They haven’t impressed this season, especially since the announcement of Pep Guardiola’s pending arrival, but the visitors should have enough to confirm Champions League qualification. Whilst things have been far from great, De Bruyne has established himself as a key player in his debut season at the Etihad, and he could have a big say again.

The Belgian does everything. He assists, he scores, and he impacts the play t every given opportunity. At 13/2, he’s a great shout for Man of the Match.