Premier League – Matchweek 36

Really nice sering Ayling come out to greet the young ones in the tunnel. Now I hope Leeds get their assses kicked so bad the kids cry.

Robles eh? When Howard was getting crap he should've had more games

A very expensive Newcastle back line watches a rebound put in the net by Ayling. Leeds 1-0

Oh, shit.

1-0 Nice guy Ayling, for fuck's sake!

This game and Spurs going to Elland Road are crucial for us. We need NUFC to win this desperately, I think

Blood pressure going back up...

I'm convinced Newcastle are on a man mission to relegate us at this point. I literally can't stand them!

We can only look after ourselves.

Anyone know why there are no Celtic supporters at Ibrox today?

Fear not, Geordies will score.

And Leeds get a penalty.

I thought it was poor from Pope, he should have pushed the ball away rather than out in front.

And now they've got a penalty... bloody Hell!!

Penalty missed,saved!

Saved!!!

Pope saves the penalty

Thank god for that!!

Apologies, Nick.

Yay. Joelinton you are a fuck with that foul. Completely reckless.

We will take it!

Fuck me – penalty to the Geordies!

1-1

Newcastle get a penalty and they score 1---1

It's bad enough I get heart problems watching us… now I get heart problems watching other games too!

Fuck yes. Sad to say I needed tbar but whatever. 1-1. Fuck the Lard.

For all their deep passers to the right, Newcastle are getting little from them. On another note, Ayling seems like an alright guy.

I think from here we can assume Spurs will cave final game.

Jeez, I was hoping Leeds were going to go into a wonderful nosedive, but that ain't happening. For fuck's sake…

So The Barcodes decide to have their worst game all season today? Typical.

Are Leeds winning?

They should be, Paul. Newcastle have been pathetic so far.

Still 1-1.

Saint-Maximin is coming on soon. Hang in there.

Draw won't be the end of the world.

A draw will do, anything but a dirty Leeds win.

How is that not a red card? Much more dangerous than the one Allan got.

This ref looks too much like Hank on Breaking Bad.

Handball innit?

Red card. Late, nowhere near the ball. Catches the ankle.

Penalty, handball, must be 100%

No card?

Why check? It's nailed on!

yellow surely?

Ref bottled out of the yellow card, he's thinking of getting out of Leeds alive

Fuck Robles and his Tim Krul impression. 1-2 Newcastle

Get in.

2-1 ahh poor Leeds

Two thumping penalties!

That's huge. It's not just watching football games anymore.

We have lucked out because Newcastle really have been shite.

How on earth did it take 5 minutes to decide that was a penalty after a basketball manoeuvre? The keeper would have been proud of that.

Gordon and Maximin on, not a defensive substitution from Howe, going for the third.

Dale, absolute garbage. Can’t believe they are winning. This ain’t over yet.

Skunks are really crap! Wonder how they won at Goodison Park!!

Third is coming. Leeds are wide open now

Had to be a second yellow for Junior. More terrible refereeing. Shite 2 - 2.

Fuck. They're back in it.

Shit!

Colin, #51,

"Lucked out" has the opposite meaning in US and Canada to what it has in UK.

Here's a stat I just saw. This season the shite have lost the same number of away games as us. 8.

Told yez, this ain’t over. Newcastle are shitting themselves.

What the...

Forest got an incredibly flukey deflection against Brighton that got them back in the game, now Leeds deflection and right into the corner.

Freaking Newcastle better not shit the bed here.

Gordon for the win.

The Red Shite pact with the devil is working again.

Said all along you can't fucking predict results this stage is the season … it's a free-for-all. Leicester will beat that shower Monday and we could still beat City.

It's fucking silly season … form is irrelevant.

I'm thinking Howe would have been better off sureing things up with 10 minutes to go.

That Firpo challenge straight red without question. The length of time to award the 2nd Newcastle penalty off the charts for clear handball.

The Premier League and TV want last-day dramas. They want Liverpool in the Champions League.

Has Bruno Guimaeres ever had a worse game? He’s probably turned the ball over more times today than in the last ten games put together.

Gordon and Saint-Maximin have been worst than shite since they came on.

Gordon! Skunks have been conned well and truly by Everton.

Junior gone

Crowd not happy with Sam taking off Bamford.

Strange... thought they had a rule about not showing disrupters?

Trippier has been awful like all the skunks today.

That’s ok
1 win more for us sees us above Leeds they are not winning their last 2 and our goal difference is better.

St Maximin = Bolasie MK II

Newcastle, unbelievably bad today.

Yes, Barcodes have been absolutely shite, Leeds have battled well with with the mostly poor players they’ve got.

That’s not the end of thebwro. More points and a better goal difference and a game in hand.

Big Sam doing what he does
Massive point for Leeds
Don’t agree John, Leeds have 2 winnable games left

Not the worst result.

As I see it, this result is better for us than a NCU win. Now RS will do anything to win against Lesta!

That will do. Keep out of the bottom 3 this weekend and we'll be in charge of our own fate. That's about the best we can hope for from this nightmare season, the worst season we've had since last season.

Got a bad feeling Leeds will get 6 points from last 2 games

I can see Leeds winning there next 2 games

Great. I guess Newcastle will stay motivated V Leicester but thwy play midweek v Brighton.

Don’t be so fucking ridiculous Paul

Now for Chelsea v Forest and super Frankie Lampard.

So Ayling thinks Allardyce is working his magic at Leeds. One point out of six is indeed, magic!

Soren - and Newcastle will be right up for Leicester at home next week

Thank f**k we never got that St Maximin, the classic example of a headless chicken!

Haha, Leeds winning their next two games. Tell us another joke.

I had a bad feeling all along that a nonzero Leeds result would mean many more posts pumping other teams’ odds while pissing in ours.

4/5 points from the last 3 games will be enough imo.

Matt, spot on.

Leeds Utd's remaining fixtures:

West Ham – A – May 20
Tottenham – H – May 28

Nottingham Forest's remaining fixtures:

Chelsea – A – May 13
Arsenal – H – May 20
Crystal Palace – A – May 28

Leicester's remaining fixtures:

Liverpool – H – May 13
Newcastle – A – May 20
West Ham – H – May 28

One more win and we are fine

Not impossible, Rob. West Ham and Spurs? Would you want either of them playing for your life?
Anyway, over to you, Frank. I've always loved you.

Leeds didnt win so its an ok result, but they do have a win in them.
We do need to collect a few points from somewhere, 3 at least I'd say.

4/5 points from 3 games is enough but the worry is its highly unlikely we get anything against city and that's a lot of pressure to be perfect in the final two games. can't believe Newcastle screwed that up

Franks on a roll. of 1

Win tomorrow would help.

John

The goal difference is only four better than Leeds if we lose tmrw and they win their next game that could get wiped out

West ham have nothing to play for and might be in a European final. Spurs are just crap.

Leeds are very capable of pulling off two wins from here. Who among us doesn't at this point think that West Ham and Spurs are a bag of shite? Leeds just nearly beaten a team that are one of the teams of the season and got beat by city by the odd goal last week. We've got a real fight on our hands. Let's not think we're home and hosed.

Has Lampard ever won 2 consecutive games as a manager!? Not sure about this.

Goal difference could yet come into this. Thinking - Haaland hands penalty kick to team mate who misses. Not 3-0, ends up 2-1. On second thoughts, don't think.

Win tomorrow will deeply demoralise the other 3 as they are banking on us losing Will.

I certainly don’t see Newcastle competing in the champions league

A villa win today will also help.

Get City out the way and not be in the bottom 3 is a big improvement on where we thought we might be a week ago.

At least Leeds stay behind us. Thing is I could see them beating West Ham possibly?

This is all too stressful.

Stop going lightweight on your love for dirty Leeds and say the name- Lardiola! Allardici! Disgustico!

Need Chelsea win today, then I can see forest only getting to 36 points - if we get to that our goal difference will see us above them

Kevin, agreed. We need to not lose at least, I feel.

If we do, then next games, it comes down to - are we more likely to win away at Wolves than Leeds are at West Ham?

Soren, not sure why a Villa win today would help? Spurs are still chasing Europe, and we need them needing to get something on the last day to achieve that objective, so a spurs win today is more helpful us.

Beating City tomorrow also opens the door for Arsenal who play Forest next week, permutations, permutations .

Yep!

Three draws and we should be ok.

jeez that was a fucking unhelpful point they got. it means that if we get beat tomorrow, then a draw at Wolves and a win at Bournemouth still might not be enough. That's a sobering thought after our lovely week.

Nothings changed, do our job and we'll be OK. Can't speculate or control what happens elsewhere.

That's not so bad. One nil up and missing a penalty. Could easily have been three points. Chelsea win now please. One nil down though !!!!

Rob, Sorry. My mistake. I thought they were playing Arsenal! Stressed out you know.

On the earlier game I couldn't tell which shite team was in the bottom 3! Tripper and Guimaries both built up to be superstars. Could hardly string a pass between them. Thanks skunks

Forest 1 up

Forest scored

Forest. Wouldn’t you know it.

Good selection as usual Frank

0-1 to notts

How shite is Lampard!?

Lampard not helping us. What a surprise!

Jeez, a Forest win here and they're pretty much safe. Which would leave 2 places from 3 teams remaining.

We really need Chelsea to do something they haven't really looked like doing under Lampard.

Bottom, Soren. They don't like being called Notts at all!

*Nottm. That was an unfortunate autocorrect!

Chelsea are a mess - Forest will be all but safe if they win today

Goalie needs shooting for that goal and Sterlings miss….he’s been shite since leaving City

Sick of posting …. There is form last few games … anyone can fucking beat anyone

Chelsea completely disorganised, Frank made them worse.

Frank eh. What an absolutely clueless manager.

Tony, he specializes.

Fuck everyone else - our premier league is STILL in our hands, they win, we win - simple enough !

Be great if Forest lose. However as long as we do better than Leeds and Leicester we will be safe.

John, his contract is five years £84.5 m

Time to start earning it today!

can you believe we held onto that dolt for as long as we did. Whatever happens I really do hope we see the back of Moshiri and his merry men this summer, he's been an unmitigated disaster.

Fuck off, Frank. Go into TV instead. Do the One show. If Jenas can do it anyone can.

Travesty this, it’s Chelsea who should be getting relegated, they are stinking the place out. A shocking performance so far.

Better you shitbags.

I was driving and heard Leeds draw level at 2-2.
Got to the cricket club bar and saw them doing laps of honour and the crowd giving it loads so assumed they must’ve won it dramatically….
They’re still below us, right??
Weirdos!

Mmm, teams getting more points from Chelsea and Spurs than we bloody did. Christ I hope we don't pay the price 🤞

Some Chelsea fans leaving … going back to the pub?

How can someone be so bad at football management and earn so much from it.

Fat Frank, the man who just keeps giving

Football Managers and Politicians, get the sack for being crap and turn up somewhere else a few months later. Then retire as millionaires.

I think Leeds will beat Spurs on the last day. Spurs will be on their holidays. Really need Forest in the mix. I expect Leicester to lose next 2. We don’t want a final day shootout. Bournemouth won last 4 away games, I think but losing today. Wolves won last 4 home games. I’d kill for a draw tomorrow.

Are Chelsea going to in the FFP shit now? Or will that just deflect again?

Chelski what a mess, so much talent but couldn't organise a raffle right now.
Chris MaCausland can read a game better than Frank

Have Brighton really got so many games in hand?

Chelsea are…………words fail me.

For not the first time in my life, fuck off Frank

Todd Boehly should ring the dugout and tell Frank to go home and mow the lawn. Chelsea don’t even look like scoring.

Well let us pray that Man City gift us a point or three tomorrow. Newcastle and Chelsea have been very charitable today.

The nerves are kicking in again now.

Just shows Potter wasn't the problem.

I haven't really watched Chelsea (apart from against us). They're shocking. They look like they've never played with each other.

All that expensive talent on the pitch but then they've got dross in positions to.

That Madueke guy with the bandana is terrible. Tries to look exciting but just squeezes the game and slows every attack. And who would he be crossing to even if he did get down the line?

Who in his right mind would sack Potter and appoint Fat Frank instead!!!!?
Hes awful!

Not sure about that Joe. He switched systems so much they lost their identity. A lot of lineups throw it in once there is instability in the manager position but I would put some on the players. They’ve got enough to not suck it like this.

And just to stick one in Potter, Brighton are doing better without him.

Frank needs to make changes at HT, not after 70 minutes. Where have you heard that before? Needs to get Havertz and Pulisic on now. Probably won’t happen, Frank is as bad a manager as he was good as a footballer.

Forest are not fit to not wear the shirt. Cooper Out

So former blues, skinny little shit and clueless Frank, doing us no favours today. Even lard arse is keeping the pressure on us. Who needs enemies…….

Joe, or it might show that both Potter and Lampard are problems?

Rob @ 92,
Hope our players are not of the same frame of mind as you !

I think the problems at both clubs Lampard managed this season go well beyond him.

That doesn't mean he shouldn't have been sacked by us though. And it doesn't mean he's not failing at Chelsea.

Colin, I guarantee the Big Sam smile will be ear to ear if he keeps the Tykes up at our expense. No love lost there.

Would anyone take a draw now in this match?

I'm watching - i'd take 0-1

Well then. Chalobah with a pass. 1-1

Get in !

Sterling has been shit all game, but smashes one in.

Now I’ll take a Chelsea win.

Steve Cooper grimacing, but you can’t tell.

Steve Cooper asking if anyone has any salmon

Yes Chelski score again

Thank god for that.

Yes thank you Aurier? for that dumbass defender move at the midway line Frank 2-1 Forest.

What the hell was that Forest player doing sliding in there? Awful defending.

Sterling again. 2-1

Frank Lampard, genius manager

God bless Rahim and FF

Super Frank!!

Sterling on fire.

Aurier lol. Spurs couldn't wait to get rid of him.

Fat frank. What a manager!!!

Shocking defending

Bollocks

Looked off!

Offside

2-2. Poor defending by Chelsea.

As I said, earlier - Frank one of the best.

For fuck's sake, I honestly think we are gonna need another 6 points.

O...K

I get the feeling that when it was 1-1 we were okay but now that it is 2-2 I feel like this is really bad for our chances to stay up.

This is the pits, hanging our hopes on the likes of Chelsea, hoping the shite win on Monday.

Some real over-the-top reactions on here today – literally none of our rivals have won and people are throwing the towel in.

For fuck's sake, I'm a negative bastard but being outdone on here today.

Leeds are fighting for it, so are Forest, and Brighton proves we are fighting harder. We just have to keep it up, there’s no free pass.

It is THAT Everton confidence, Paul! :)

Mitrovic, just imagine if we had him upfront, oh and Fulham's manager for the past few seasons.

Shout out for Roy at Palace, what a turnaround!

Oh when the Saints go marching down.

0-2, looks like it's all over for them.

I still think 3 points will see us safe.

Ha ha, useless Lampard still trying to get us relegated.
Four more points will make us safe possibly three, If we can't do that, then relegation is deserved.

Ziyech a good substitution, he's got a goal in him.

10 minutes to go in the Chelsea game and all my streams went down.

We'll earn our safety at Wolves next week!

Looking forward to the party!

UTFT!

Weak but a result we'll take. Frank had a chance for redemption and pissed his pants again.

Leeds and Forest are fighting for their lives and I can only say good on them too. They both got one point closer than they were Monday evening but it is no calamity, it is still 100% up to us and we have a reasonable run-in.

We are possibly favourites to stay up even playing Man City tomorrow, a draw tomorrow would do us a pile of good. We have to believe we can stay up. My thoughts are that we can afford to lose tomorrow as long as it is with honour and that 4 points out of 6 in the last 2 games will see us stay up.

Thanks Frank!

Newcastle were awful and Chelsea were somehow even worse, so thank god neither Leeds nor Forest got the win, especially considering both were leading.

Very good news. I don't think Forest have got another win in them. which would mean a win and a draw would be enough for us to stay up (provided Leicester don't win all their games).

Kevin, tbf, Forest are picking up points and scoring. It's been a good turnaround for them.

It's pretty much as you were. Anything less than a win tomorrow could see us back in the relegation zone if Leicester beat Liverpool, who aren't exactly consistent this season. Well, not in footballing terms anyway.

Joe, yes, they are all fighting down there. I think their run in though is too much for them (unlike Leeds who have two very winnable games).

I was watching the Villa v Spurs game which went into the 97th or so minute, switched to see how Chelsea had got on, saw Forest fans celebrating and thought "My God, Frank, what have you done?" Closed the link in anger and came on here only to see that it was a draw and not the dreaded win for Forest.

On the Spurs game, a ludicrous decision to award the away team a penalty in the closing stages, it took them an age and the referee to watch it on the screen, before giving it. If a goalkeeper gets the ball and happens to bring down the forward once the ball has gone, how on god's green earth can it be a penalty?

Anyway that win last Monday has already showed its value with today's results, I hope we can get all 3 points again tomorrow… a long shot, but we should be treating this game as our most important, there's a chance we might fluff the so-called winnable games.

A bad day at the office. The only saving grace for us is 3 points tomorrow and our best mates cuffing the Foxes on Monday.

John @220,

How is it a bad day in the office? We haven't yet played and both Leeds and Forest dropped points, they may on another day have won.

Lucky Saints fans. The pain is over.

Chesterfield currently leading Notts County in the Conference League Playoff Final. It will really please Sean Dyche no end if they can manage to hold on, and then he can double his joy with a victory tomorrow.

Not absolutely terrible but we could've done with Newcastle and Chelsea winning. Forest are the new Stoke. Horrible team to watch but they are fighting. Same goes for Leeds.

I hope we don't lie down and get steamrollered tomorrow. A draw will do. I still think 35 points will see us safe.

What a poor manager Lampard is. That kid, Mdiweke(?) was shocking but Frank kept him on for 70 mins. Thanks for nothing, Frank.

Don't be surprised if Liverpool lose to Leicester on Monday.

I agree with Sean, it's as we were. Arsenal will beat Forest next week so they will go into their last game away at Palace on 34 points with a poor goal difference. Whether Palace show up will be another matter, hopefully Hodgson's bluenose wife has a word.

Leeds 4 points at the very best?

Leicester, draw against Liverpool, draw at Newcastle away, win the last game home West Ham ... at the very best?

So I think we need a win and a draw to scrape home.

I would settle for a point tomorrow. Then 4 points from last two games should see us safe.

Well, rubbish day for us.

Sean # 217,

I would say Liverpool have been pretty consistent recently, winning the last six games, and drawing with Arsenal in a seven-game unbeaten run. Just as Notts County equalise!!

Not a good day but certainly not a rubbish day. If either Forest or Leeds had won, it would have put us under a lot more pressure. As it is, they are both very firmly in the mix, and Forest will do well to get any more points to be honest against Arsenal at home and Palace away.

I think 4 points from here would see us safe. Very possibly only 3. It's firmly in our hands. Though that doesn't make me feel a lot better!

Rob,

I wasn't aware of that, I don't usually bother to keep up with them but every time I have seen them they seemed to have lost, much to my amusement.

Well that gives me a bit more confidence. I hope they smash Leicester off the park and close the gap on the goals against column.

I can't believe I just said that.

Sam @228,

Win tomorrow and win next weekend and we can enjoy the final game of the season.

Of course it won't work out that way, it never seems to for Everton, but I'm still thankful that Forest or Leeds didn't win.

I also believe that it's Leicester and Leeds who are contenders for the drop and we need neither of them to win another match this season.

Lampard's record in the last 22 games he has managed:

Won 2
Drawn 3
Lost 17

Incredible that a player of his calibre has turned into one of the worst managers ever! On top of that, he is one of the most likeable people, so impossible to hate him!

If there is a silver lining, thank fuck we got rid of Lampard.

You will probably never see him anywhere near another Premier League club.

Depends how you look at it.

We took our chance against Brighton. Leeds and Forest missed theirs today.

All-in-all, it's a decent day for Everton.

Stop City tomorrow and I believe that Everton will also beat both Wolves and Bournemouth.

There's a vein of belief and realism of what's required to get the season bagged and see Everton regroup in the summer for next season.

It's a funny old game, but I hope the neighbours play their part on Monday and beat Leicester.

Three Cup Finals; Everton to believe and they will do it.

UTFTs!

Ajay, they are absolutely pathetic stats. What was Moshiri or Boehly thinking?

We need 37 points.

Forest 37 points – 1 more win.
Leeds 37 points – 2 wins
Leicester 37 points – 2 wins

We survive on Goal Difference from Forest and Leeds.

I always look at the worst case but West Ham and Spurs will not help us. Got to keep it tight against City and, if we do lose, we need it to be by only one or two.

Not a bad day as long as we do our stuff.

West Ham will best Leeds, they are shit, and Forest are not getting another point imo. One win is probably enough.
Win and draw, easy.

It's all very much up in the air yet, let's hope the reds play a blinder at Leicester. Anything can happen, though; you can get some very strange results in these last games.

We got a draw at Man City, so we should have some kind of chance of getting something tomorrow. We need a dose of good fortune.

The other week, if all of the 'relegation' candidates had drawn every match, we were done for.

Today, if all the remaining games end in draws, we'll be safe.

Pleased for Notts County.

Good day all round for the city of Nottingham.

Barry @231,

I think a draw tomorrow and a win at Wolves would be enough for a more relaxed last day. But I'm not sure we'll manage that.

Since when do Everton provide us peace of mind?!

Easy Allen.

Paul @235,

I'm even more worried now, Everton don't do cup finals anymore.

Also, remember guys West Ham are safe and have their European games to concentrate on. Leeds are better already under Big Sam and they will beat a pathetic Spurs – even with Kane's penalties.

If we'd have got rid of Frank before the World Cup, we'd be safe now.

I'm fairly confident Liverpool will beat Leicester.

West Ham are more of a concern and I don't fancy Spurs at Elland Rd on the last day.

Wolves away is not the gimme some people think. They've won their last 4 at home.

Those points today are worrying.

One point behind forest was ok because of our superior goal difference. Two points makes all the difference.

Similarly, Leeds could leapfrog us with a point after tomorrow's game if our goal difference takes a hammering.

Not a good day at all.

So do we go full gung ho against City and try to win but leave ourselves open for a thrashing or go tight and try to pinch a point?

Surely this time last week was more worrying than it is tonight? I think some on here are addicted to being downbeat.

It's true the only thing that will currently guarantee our place in the Premier League is to win all three matches remaining.

Let's see how things look after this weekend's games are completed, and then again next weekend. If it was down to the naysayers, we would already be in Southampton's situation.

Andrew #247,

"So do we go full gung ho against City and try to win but leave ourselves open for a thrashing or go tight and try to pinch a point?"

We kept it tight last week with only 5% possession (okay, a bit more than that!) and won. I suspect we'll see the same tomorrow in terms of possession (not sure about the 5-1 win – maybe a narrower margin?).

Well said, Barry.

We are likely to end the weekend out of the Bottom 3 with the easiest of last 2 games compared to Leeds, Forest and Leicester.

People are getting carried away thinking these teams – who are where they are because they are crap (like us) will suddenly win their last 2 games. Not going to happen.

Could have been fucking tonnes worse.

Leeds and Forest have dropped points.

Let's be positive.

There will be no gung ho-ing for the foreseeable. This season, it will be the effective system of 4-5-1 with Doucouré behind Calvert-Lewin. The excellent McNeil wider and Iwobi working his socks off.

It's a tough game tomorrow but this is the system we have to go with, trust it and stick with it. It works best, the players understand it, and they can execute the game plan.

When did we last go gung-ho? How many Prime Ministers have we had since then?

I must admit I don't think today went well. I was expecting two losses. I think we must now prepare ourselves, not to be overtaken, but for the likely prospect that this thing goes to the final day.

Ain't life grand?

Seems there are a right lot of Evertonians who reckon that Liverpool will beat Leicester on Monday. The last time we all were hoping they would do us a favour was against Bournemouth and we remember what happened there. Although we would welcome a Liverpool win, I certainly wouldn't put any money on it.

Leicester, Forest, Leeds and us are all fighting for survival – can anyone remember a closer battle? People saying we have an easier final two games are in fantasy land – there are no easy games in our position. It's up to the players to keep us up, not our opponents.

COYB

Fancy us tomorrow. City aren't unbeatable. Bound to have a bad result somewhere. They've already failed to win at Villa (when they were shit) and Forest this season.

Oliver: "People saying we have an easier final two games are in fantasy land – there are no easy games in our position."

I would say we have the easier final two games; that's not saying they're easy – just less difficult. But, of course, that guarantees nothing.

Keep the faith and the belief boys.

We will come through now we have Calvert-Lewin back and Mina in for Keane.

35 points should be enough, 36 to be sure.

So one win and a draw from 3 games will see us safe!!!

Leicester will bottle it. Leeds bottled being in the driving seat today.

It's all well and good coming back from nothing to take a point, both Leeds and Leicester need wins.

Brent, and also what version of the supposed difficult team turns up. Newcastle were dire today, Chelsea were a complete mess of a team.

I'm optimistic Liverpool will be on it against Leicester as they can smell blood for the 4th spot and will want to guarantee a Europa place.

One team I wouldn't be relying on turning up is Tottenham when they play Leeds on the last day.

Tony, Spurs fans must be angry with Spurs' inconsistency. Beaten by Villa today, I see.

Yes Brent, With no real manager they are like a ship without a rudder, with a captain who wants to bail out. Running on fumes.

I think Forest are in big trouble, likely having to go to Selhurst Park and get an away win to survive. That won't be an easy task.

Oliver # 256.

If I remember rightly, the last time we wanted a favour from the RS was less than four weeks ago, when they mullered Leeds 6-1. Maybe even when they beat Forest a couple of weeks ago.

Rob 264. Didn't they beat Forest 3-2 recently too?

Not so sure, Brent.

Leeds to play West Ham next, three days after they play a big match that they undoubtedly will put a lot of effort into. Leeds will be fresher – say no more!

Leicester's last match is also West Ham last day 28 May; if Moyes is in the final – that would be 31 May – say no more!

We play two teams who are already safe and won't have any nerves whatsoever. There will be those who say "They'll be on the beach " – I don't agree, both would like to send us down.

The players have it in their hands – it's down to them.

Yes Grant, I’ve just edited my post saying that, but thanks anyway. 👍👍

Oliver, don't ever become pessimistic, please!

Okay, Rob and Grant,

I stand corrected!

Bag of nerves, Brent!!

Three straight wins to end of the season. What's all the fuss been about?

I wish.

For me, we'll get nothing tomorrow and beat both Wolves & Bournemouth. After today's results, both know they're safe.

I want to see Brentford win tomorrow leaving West Ham's future still a question mark so they go for it against Leeds.

One win and a draw from 3 cup finals. Not too much of to ask!!!!!

I agree that four points are needed - the difficulty will be if three of those are required against Bournemouth. We need to give ourselves a bit of breathing space and beat Wolves.

The relegation fight has taken on a manic and unpredictable nature from last Monday. Anything could happen from now, forget form and predictions.
Let's get out there and do something manic (in a Dyche sort of way), unpredictable and joyful ourselves. It's in our hands, we've got three games the rest (apart from Leicester) have got two.

One win from our last 3 games should be enough now I reckon. If Leicester lose to the RS tomorrow night and we win 1 game, that leaves Leicester and Leeds needing to win both their last 2 to stay up which seems highly unlikely to me.

Also, I think today is a bit of a free hit for us. As long as we don't get hammered and mess up our goal difference. I can see us giving City a game today, and a point would be fantastic. A one goal loss wouldn't be the end of the world.

Peter 276, it's technically in our hands, but realistically we need a favour tomorrow for that to be the case. I don't expect any surprises today, and our goal difference could be reset from Monday.

It's in our hands, not technically or anything else, and it's not a favour we need tomorrow just a match going to form. Come on, Danny, a bit of Eurovision fever optimism, please!

Danny @ 278, good to see you back again. Things were a getting way too positive on here.

Ajay way back at 232:
“On top of that, he is one of the most likeable people, so impossible to hate him!”
If it helps - he’s a Tory!
UTFT

Anyone give a fuck about Arsenal v Brighton? Me neither… it's 0-0.

Dale we need an Arsenal win to make sure they have something to play for at Forest next week.

Well okay, Jeff. As long as it isn't some Rube Goldberg sequence of events affecting goal differential I am in. C'mon Gunners, yay.

1-0 Brighton FFS

Crap!! BHA winning at Arsenal is not good for us at all!! Arsenal should be in the title race for the Nottingham visit!

Arsenal playing a stinker.

Oh dear

De Zerbi damn dude, not on the road you shitbag.

Arsenal will have nothing to play for against Forest.

I don’t see Arteta allowing that, Jeff.

Invoking Si and maybe Gary's theory that they'll play better with no pressure.

That De Zerbi system is tight on defence though. Lined up and aggressive.

Colin, allow it or not, psychologically the players will crumble against a rampant Forest imo.

They’re showing that now 0-3

Jeff, do you really not expect a response from Arsenal after this? Brighton came back from their letdown with incentives reduced.

If I’ve got the expression right, Brighton are creating a new anus hole for the Arse.

Amazing game, football: last week we beat Brighton 5-1 and we were expecting a draw as a good result. They play Arsenal who are challenging for the league title and Brighton beat them 3-0.

I feel like in about 2 hours and 10 minutes I'm going to need a shower to get the filth off me due to rooting for 'them'.

Jamie, can't bring myself to wear red tonight - but I'm in a fetching pink ensemble.

You and several thousand more, Jamie.

Jeff, Arsenal will be playing for pride now. The pressure is off them.

Leicester lose tonight and I think that's them down.

Here's the angle. Yeah we may benefit if those guys win but we really just want them to get so close to what they don't deserve, only for the door to slam on their ass.

Come on Lesta lol.

Brent@298
I had you down as a Rainbow type of guy.
😁

Rs look half asleep.

Cheeky, Ray!

I hope Leicester lose. I refuse to say it another way as I would choke on my own treachery!

20 minutes and no great threat from us, erm them, yet.

Sorry Brent.

RS looking like slowly waking-up.

This is being played at a snails pace.

The way I look at it we're not hoping for an RS win, we're hoping for a Leicester defeat.

It feels better this way.

Controlling possession and keeping the crowd out of it early. A mistake looming for LC back four?

Forgiven, Ray.

And that was dodgy by Leicester in their own area.

You'd expect the first 5-10 to be emotional and charged and Leicester on the front foot. But the rs are now dominating play completely.

As Julian says, let's hope Leicester lose.

There's no way Leicester can play this high line / trap and get away with it for 90+.

Didn't Dean Smith's Villa win 7-1 against RS a few seasons ago?

Elsie 1-0 down!!

Liverpool's right flank looks wide open. TAA playing in the middle but GOAL

Get in!

There we go

VAR to intervene?

Yes

VAR check.

Fuck me, I can’t just believe I clapped that goal.

Goal stands!

Come on you rs. Yeess

Totally onside. Could see that all the way from America

On

This means more. We go again.

Pointless VAR check, he was miles on

Get in you RS bastards

I think the phrase is ‘Golasshole!’.

they'll never walk alone that's for sure

2-0

They did go again 😂

2-0.

2-0!

2 excellent ta RS

Wow fucking amazing goal. TY rs

I hasten to say it's not over yet Jamie. The thing is I can't see Leicester winning at Newcastle but they will beat West ham at home on the last day which would give them 33 points. That won't be enough.

2

Nah, offside,

VAR to chalk this off

The good thing is the rs knowing they may have helped to keep us up.

Offside I reckon

2-0 stands!

2-0. Bye bye lesta

Look at it this way. If RS win, they will feel shitty too because helping us at the same time lol.

They looked offside there but not complaining

It stands! Nearly 3 as well

So it's now 1 from us Leeds and forest

That was mightily close to offside.

Golasshole dos by a fartskin.

Haha. How does that stand? League is bent, seriously. This is the only time I'm thankful it is, but clearly there's something amuck / nefarious.

On. 4 more please.

We helped them last Monday Soren

Faes is good for another gift.

onside by the heel of Evans... sort of thing that happens when relegation is inevitable.

Although against us, Iverson would have saved that second goal, very poor keeping for that goal

Paul. If we get 2 wins and WHU lose their next 2, they'll will be in trouble too.

We did indeed Julian.

Any chance of another 7 to help the goal difference?

Stop cheering the RS, you shameless traitors!

A sportsman accepts his gifts with modest grace.

Julian mate -

As you say with a rs win here, Newcastle will NOT lose at home to Leicester. Leicester max points = 33.

Also, I don't think Forest are out of this yet to be honest. I don't care what's going on at Arsenal, they won't beat them. Then who knows against Palace?

Put it this way - win one of our last two and it'll be close but even then I think at 35 will JUST keep us up. Win both and we survive guaranteed. So it's win both for me. ;0)

Leicester started well but last 20 they have been horrendous

UTFT!!!!

Moshiri / Kenwright what a pair - having us cheer the RS scoring. The indignity of it all. Those two had better get out of OUR club this summer. Enough is more than enough.

Will -

No one's cheering them! We're simply cheering a more advantageous Everton position! 😜

Jamie palace will be up for it as that game is Woy's sending off game.

Ian 364. Minutes or matches?

West Ham are going to be the key team because they play Leeds and Leicester. They also have the Europa games to contend with which could come into play.

The only grace in football is coup d’grace for Leicester.

Exactly Soren. Forest aren't out of this by a long shot. In fact, they are in a very "Everton" position - they're rooting for everyone around them to lose! 😂

Jamie, that's acceptable :-)

I’m going to throw an hand grenade onto this thread now and say that I think Everton should have been trying to sign that Curtis Jones.

He’s fucking shite….. Fuck off lad…… I hate him me, he just reminds me of those horrible bastards… I’ve had them all, but always imagine if he had scored that same goal for Everton, that he scored against us, he would have been made for life, and would probably be snorting his head off on Lodgy, surrounded by people who remembered his goal!

If Everton are going to stay up, then alls we need to do is win our next two matches, especially if those horrible fuckers win tonight and put real pressure on the maggots.

The half-time scoreline is quite acceptable.

Home fans booing Elsie.

I want Leicester to lose. But does anyone feel a twinge of pity for them?

I mean, the 2016 title was amazing. 7 years later out of the league. Rough, rough, rough.

Better them than us, but jeez that's kinda brutal in an honest moment.

You English espouse a much more socialist economic approach, kind hearts and all that. Yet your sports are just dog-eat-dog brutal kill 'em all and let God sort 'em out.

Jamie, we wish equal misery on all our opponents.

Indeed, Jamie. They are only 2 points better off than us. I'd say their chances to scape the drop are worse than ours!

Jamie, I hope Forest are out of it, or that would mean Leeds and Leicester each scoring 4 points - which I'd rather they didn't!

* actually 3 pts for Leeds, goal difference.

Soren west ham GD is only -14. That's worth another point.

Not one iota Jamie. Only decent thing from Leicester was Family. Great band.

He’s brill Tony. I couldn’t do it though. Maybe in a few years we could get a clean clone?

That's nothing, Jamie. What about winning the League with your centre forward scoring 60 goals & then being relegated only 2 seasons later?!

Not a fan of Showaddywaddy, Alan?

If that second goal would have been against us we would be complaining of typical VAR bias for the Sky Favorites.

2 things from tonights game.

1. It's only when you watch objectively that you realise how many decisions Liverpool get, I'm convinced that second goal was off.

2. Leicester are woeful in defence. Christ on a bike, I thought we were bad, they play like strangers.

Will, a gentle clap was sufficient!!

Rob ;-)

Paul, Maybe they get 2 x bashing and we score a handful in each game as we did against BHA!? What about then?

Leicester are doing us a great favour here by losing. Doesn’t matter who’s beating them.

I’m going to need a shower after this. I feel grubby.

I walked past the loft extension cursing to City fans about everything they represent.

I now feel dirty for hoping they get a result.

Confession on Sunday after we beat Wolves.

Now we need a BHA win against skunks on Thursday to create panic in the NCU ranks for Lesta visit lol.

Is there a transfer or wage based ranking if relegated teams? I would think Leocester is in the top quintile.

Just hope we get safe this weekend. I can't do another last day drama.

The thing is, Jamie, far too many Leicester fans annoy many of us with their neanderthal Brexit chanting and their witty 'feed the Scousers' and 'Boris pays for your benefits' shtick. I'd love to see them relegated.

Hope Liverpool win 10-0. I could put up with that which would help us stay in the Premier League.

We need help off anyone, we certainly don't get it off the board.

Also, luckily, Arsenal are playing Forest a day before City game so they will still have hope for a City slip up!

Contrast our fans supporting our lads against City, even when 3 down, with Leicester fans booing their team when they went 2 down.

I think that's a sign that the Leicester supporters have lost hope, Brent. We still have hope - our suffering continues to the bitter end.

Or the sweet end, Dennis!

Yay Beardo. Diaz should work on Ricardo and babaloo his ass into a second yellow.

Paul -

I had no idea they did that! Pretty shitty. Down they go! Off with their heads!

I’m being told that Tom Davies could be joining Norwich. As yet, unsubstantiated rumours, but will try and find out more.

Norwich. Nice part of the country.

Tonight, I finally get to know what it's like supporting a team that gets all the marginal decisions! 😂

How many English players do we need to roster? Is that still a thing?

I've thought that might be a reason to hold onto Davies, Holgate, etc.

I hear you Jeff @407

Bitter-sweet, Brent. Hopefully we'll survive, but then all our fury should be directed at the Board that have brought us so low.

I live in Norwich, I'll be sure to say hello to Tom Davies.

Also, can the RS stop singing this fucking song.

What a shit game.

3-0

3 nil

Sorry, that was pretty. What a freaking free kick.

"The most sensational of footballers" says the commentator as that 3rd goal goes in. What utter shite.

3 but doesn't matter anymore

Surely they see this out.

I feel unholy and we still have to look after ourselves.

Bye bye foxies.

OMG Maddison just completely puss'd out and ducked. Not what you want when your survival is on the line!

Now let's hope they miss out on a Champions League place.

Don’t ‘Look Back in Anger’ Dennis.

Nice - 0.3

That's wrapped things up. We've come through a very tough weekend and are still out of the Bottom 3 with 2 games to go.

Come on Everton.

They'll be lucky if there's not a lynch mob, Dale.

Tielemans out of contract next month. Worth a go?

Wouldn’t judge him on last few games.

Dean Smith looks shell-shocked. What an uninspiring appointment he was.

A horrible RS win but an excellent Leicester defeat.

Things can turn around pretty fast in footy. Seems like just yesterday Leicester looked set.

Leicester - Newcastle and West Ham
Forest - Arsenal and Palace
Leeds - West Ham and Spurs
Everton - Wolves and Bournemouth

Is it too much to ask for Newcastle, West Ham, and Everton wins this weekend?

With you, Dennis, I just wanted to namedrop the movie.

And Arsenal too, Jamie – just to be greedy!

Jeez, how did salad miss that? Clean through and strokes it wide.

Leicester are bloody awful, don't know what's happened to their players but they look a shadow of where they were a year ago.

I suppose it's been a 9-year rollercoaster for them though.

Yes James! (430)

And then there were two.

I think Forest will stay up so it's out of us and Leeds.

I don't think Wolves will be as easy as people think, the manager is a very well respected figure and their final home game I expect will be a performance.

We will need to match the levels we reached at Brighton.

Saladman has served up some serious shite tonite.

Some sackings were crazy this season; Tuchel at Chelsea, Haslehuttel at Southampton and Rodgers at Leicester. They've all got worse.

Liverpool bringing on someone from the U14s.

I've yet to speak to any Everton fan who genuinely thinks any game is easy for our team, Jim B.

I like Forest's history but Cooper has that squad going thespian for foul calls. If it wasn't for Leeds I think I'd prefer them down. Leicester is kind of meh but it is an elevator-shaft type drop for them after winning the title.

Jamie, those are mini RS!

Don't you all just luv the RS.

Julian, only a mad man would sack Tuchel and appoint Fat Frank instead!!!!!

If we'd have had Mina in the team, we'd have beaten Leicester.

From the Watford school of how to run a club, Soren.

This is over. If I'm a Leicester supporter, I'm furious. Absolutely shite display by them.

If I had to guess, the final table at the bottom will be:

Everton 35 pts
Leeds 34 pts
Forest 34 pts down on GD
Leicester 30 pts
Southhampton 24 pts

I agree, Jim. Wolves have won their recent home matches (last 4 I think). The Leeds v Spurs game concerns me. Spurs are like us away from home.

Leeds are the danger.

I wonder where is Gary fucking Lineker now!?

While the league title is likely to end up at the Etihad, Arsenal will still want to make City work for it, and who knows, City have got Brighton and Brentford away, far from easy games, and you never know what could happen, especially if City drop points against Chelsea, though highly unlikely. So I expect Forest to lose against Arsenal, and also Palace away. Forest are certainly not out of this.

Leicester were poor, didn’t create much at all. They are going to struggle at Newcastle. May beat West Ham, 33 points

Forest defeat then draw 35 points

Leeds huff and puff but two draws 33 points . Concerned about the opposition turning up in both their matches though.

A win and a draw for us should be enough, easier said than done.

Aye, still more twists & turns to come. We just have to hope that we can take advantage of having it in our own hands to achieve safety.

Ideally, we need the teams around us over the next week to pick up points whilst Everton draw against Wolves leaving us needing us to win well against Bournemouth which we do and then Bill comes out with a 'Good Times' poster.

Far more exciting than a meaningless end of season run out!

Things can change so fast. Just got to focus on Wolves.

We play before Leeds and Leics, if we can get a result that’ll be a blow for them. However, if we lose then Leeds are going to have that added incentive against West Ham. And Leicester against Newcastle, although less worried about them.

In saying that, if we’d have been offered the league table as it is before the Leicester or even Brighton game, we have taken it. We played ok against city, hopefully Wolves will be half on the beach.

Feels like a long time until Saturday….

Ian @ 454; you forgot to engage the sarcastic/ironic font when you posted - because its the last thing we need.

I'm all for a nice end of season canter in the sun

Svein-Roger:

I agree. The degree of difficulty is approximately the same for all teams involved, I'd say. Going to be a tense last day.

Leeds however are the team with the most gung ho facility should they choose to go at it and it could work against both their opponents. Depends on Sam's influence maybe.

We can't slip up, Saturday.

duplicate post

If Leicester fail to win one of their two remaining games, Leeds lose one of their remaining games and Everton win one of their games, we'll be safe.

I’m still really worried. Praying that everything goes as the bookies think but expecting some shock results somewhere.

Barry - or we could win, Saturday, and still need to win against Bournemouth!

Will @462
Of course every permutation is valid, but I was trying to combat the nihilism that sometimes pervades these pages.

The first of the relegation rivals' games I haven't watched. Didn't feel right.

Leicester have looked terrible of late. They'll get nothing at Newcastle. But if they're in with a shot on the last day you could see them beating West Ham. 33 points best they can hope for.

Leeds' resurgence under Sam is being completely overrated. City should have smashed them and they were never in that game. Newcastle got away with a bad start but looked like adding more goals before a freak deflected goal when Leeds were showing very little. But they've always scored at a decent rate. Can definitely see them taking 4 points against West Ham (a) and Spurs (h). 35 points would be an excellent return for them but it's completely foreseeable.

Forest are finding form at the right time with decent shape and a returning striker amongst the goals. But Arsenal will be far too good and they'll do well to take a point away to a Palace side probably sending off their saviour on the last day. 35 points is generous.

So we might need one win. Fixtures aren't terrible but 3 points from 2 games is better than we've managed through the season. The Bournemouth game terrifies me.

Wolves away is huge.

I know, Barry. The realism vs optimism balance!

Ernie - the spectre of that double thrashing... woohoo!

There is no spirit in the Leicester team. Too many of their players think that they are too good to have to get stuck in. I will be very surprised if they stay up.

The media have written off Leicester but seem to think we will survive.

Hmmm…

Hoping that Calvert-Lewin is able to play at Wolves, he's been superb since his return and brings a different dimension to this Everton squad.

Leicester look defeated but anything can happen in the final games.

Let's hope West Ham turn up and beat Leeds, and Arsenal, beat Forest.

Everton to beat Wolves or at least take a point.

UTFTs!

Will, I think that's got a lot of us scarred. Plus the last time we played them at home.

Bournemouth's away form is similar to our home form.

And Wolves have been far better at home than we have been away.

We just desperately need a win. Possible, but we're far from safe. It's very unlikely we'll be definitely safe going into the last game regardless.

Ernie, yes, it's a triple whammy!

Endless permutations to distraction but as ever, the answer is, have to do it for ourselves. Let's hope we can.

I still think we missed a beat by not beating a very poor Leicester team that were there for the taking. If Dyche had had the balls to really go for it, we'd be slightly more comfortable right now.

Just got in from Ned Kelly’s watching our cousins beat Leicester, my mate got a text from his mate who is in hospital, a great Blue who never says a bad word about the Toffees, he asked my mate was he watching “ Those Cunts” he said he was watching with me, “ Bastards he said, I’m not sure if I want them to win” I said to my mate “ Tell him we are watching them while wearing red and white scarves” He did and got the reply “ Get to fuck “

We carried on watching the match, the two of us jumped up when Liverpool scored and again when the second went in.

My mate said he felt a bit guilty cheering their goals, I said I didn’t give a fuck I’d cheer for Lucifer if it helped us, and it ended on a nice note with their 3-0 win and we can return to normal and hope Newcastle and United keep them out of the fourth spot and we do the necessary and get the points needed to stay up.

Dave, you didn't cheer Liverpool scoring. You cheered Leicester conceding.

Somehow, in my warped and childish mind, that's a very clear distinction.

Dave.

You're gonna be singing Arsenal, Newcastle and West Ham songs in your mind this weekend. Don't feel bad about it it's just that needs must.

We win on Saturday, then we should not need any more help anyway. COYB

Still think Leeds have 2 very winnable games and our game against Wolves is a must win. I just hope West Ham, who have nothing to play for turn Leeds over.

We can't go in to the last game in the Bottom 3.

I'm glad Leicester lost but gutted the Shite won!

I wouldn't cheer on that shower if they were playing a select Putin, Waffen SS, Pol Pot eleven with Jimmy Saville in goal and managed by Maggie Thatcher!

It's in our hands - bring on Saturday and UTFT!

I agree with John@476, Leeds will win both games. We have to win ours.

Beat Wolves and hope Leeds and Leicester lose this weekend and we are safe. I think Forrest go down with Leicester and Southampton.

Most important thing is to keep the situation in our own hands, and to guarantee that we need a win on Saturday. Otherwise we pass that gift, hopefully temporarily, to our rivals.

If we are the authors of our own fate on the last day and fall short, then so be it. But, from what I've seen we are better than our rivals lately, and have the ability, with a fully fit Calvert-Lewin and also Mykolenko, to do the necessary business.

I miss the football in the summer when the World Cup or Euros are not on. Not this year, I'll enjoy the break from it, and be more excited about the club having the big reset and then moving forward with unity throughout.

We can't over think this: if we win, we are in the strongest position. No matter what happens elsewhere.

To that end, Dyche has to have assumed Calvert-Lewin will not be okay for the Wolves game. He must also realise that Maupay offers little of a goal threat and should not lead the line in his absence.

We need to score goals to win, he has gone a season with one goal, his stats are abysmal. Ellis Simms by comparison is not much better in an Everton shirt, but he does give Everton a target man option – something that is totally missing with Maupay.

If Calvert-Lewindoes not play, it has to be Simms. I think he has a better chance of scoring, he is a target man to be played off.

Playing Maupay if Calvert-Lewin is absent is really not a sensible option.

I'm delighted Liverpool won last night.

I've a bad feeling that Forest and Leeds will both win at the weekend.

In genuinely think we need to win both games.

What was notable last night was the atmosphere.

The Leicester players had no cohesion or togetherness. They have lost the supporters, who vocally expressed that.

Looks like it's between us and Leeds, but Forest aren't out of it just yet. I believe we'll be okay. They keep doing it to me. I keep going back for more.

I love, live and breathe you, Everton. I always have and always will. Please give me something back…

I think Leeds could easily beat West Ham and Spurs, depends if those sides turn up. Let’s pray that Dom is fit.

Shane

I can't see that happening, both will win. Hammers, it's the final home game they will want to go out on high. Arsenal will want to rectify their defeat by Brighton.

Whenever I feel even slightly magnanimous towards the shite I picture that Steua Bucharesti flag at the front and centre of the Kop and any possibility of good will towards them disappears.
That flag sums them up.

The cunts.

I think if some weeks back before we played Leicester, Brighton and Man City if we had been told we would be outside of the Bottom 3 with a point advantage over Leeds and 2 points ahead of Leicester we would have definitely taken that.

So I think it's difficult to see Leicester avoiding the drop, that leaves us Leeds and Forest fighting to avoid the drop.
Even though we lost to City, we still created some half-chances and the players never let their heads drop and gave 100%.

They will also have been given a lift by the reaction of us fans when we clapped them at the end, the message was clear we are with you right to the end, and if you put in 100% then the fans will always back you.

Say no more, Brian. Your last paragraph sums it up perfectly.

If Calvert-Lewin is absent, does anyone think Iwobi could fill the front-runner role on Saturday? He's got pace and decent ball control.

Just a random thought I had at 3:00 am this morning.

Got to hope West Ham don't make that European final. If they do, their players won't risk injury and won't put much effort into their last 2 games.

Peter, no. He’s got 6 PL goals in 4 seasons for us. He’s just not a goal scorer. He’s not anything really.

Paul, if they don’t make it, do you think they’ll be in any mood to match Leeds’s effort. I doubt it.

Bookies have us and Wolves the same price to win on Saturday.

Peter, are you sure that wasn't a nightmare?

The only team relegated at the moment is Southampton.

We need two wins to definitely stay up. We can't rely on anybody else.

It’s simple. Win our games and we needn’t worry about others… but just in case a hat-trick for Richarlison on the last day of the season would be a thing of beauty wouldn’t it?!

I can't see Forest getting more than 1 point. So one win I reckon will see us home.

If Dom only has one more game in him before he breaks down, are we more likely to get that at Wolves or at Bournemouth? God knows…

Unless he says he's absolutely flying, I'd be tempted to leave him out at Wolves, just so that he's got the best chance of playing against Bournemouth. It's a really tricky one, cos if he pulls up, our chances of beating the drop get cut in half.

I didn't watch Monday Night Football with Howard Webb, the new head of PGMOL, but have read what he said last night.

I was surprised to hear him say that FIFA won't allow us to hear live what the VAR officials are discussing with the referee. I just can't understand why FIFA are so reluctant to let the paying customers hear what's being said.

Watching cricket and rugby, they have absolutely no problem letting the fans in the stadium see and hear what the officials are saying. I think it just highlights what opinion FIFA have of match-going fans, when it was brought in we were told it was to stop clear and Obvious mistakes, but now nearly every goal is checked.

The technology for whether a ball has crossed the line is practically foolproof, so just go back to the original reason for the VAR and, if it's not absolutely clear and obvious' then it shouldn't be used.

All we have to do is match Leeds & Leicester over the last 2 games - if DCL plays I see us winning at least one of our games, which leaves Leeds & Leicester needing a win & a draw at least to overtake us - I can't see that happening.

Remember, we can lose our last 2 games and still stay up so there's a fair amount of wriggle room left, albeit with squeaky bums, as I believe is now normal parlance.

3 points takes us to 35 points and we could be there before Leeds & Leicester play this weekend so all the pressure is on them, especially if we get a result at 3pm Saturday. We'd be 5 points ahead of Leicester and 4 ahead of Leeds by the time they play their games so that would mean serious pressure.

If we beat Wolves, the other 2 are relegated if they fail to beat West Ham & Newcastle respectively. It's simple, and in our hands.

Brian, primarily, VAR is not about correctness or fairness, it's about the option to influence outcomes.

Secondly, it's for the drama. Thirdly, it's to foster familiarity with and acceptance of digitization in wider areas of life.

James,

all roads keep leading to Rome; beat Wolves on Saturday!

Exactly Will!

Just to add to that, if we beat Wolves we'll go ahead of Forest too, and if they lose to Arsenal in the late game we stay above them.

One win will do it. A draw could do it. 2 losses could do it!

For me, Leicester are gone. The one that concerns me is Leeds. They gave City a real fright, and drew with the team that stuck four past us. Allardyce has them fighting, no question; as such, I think the 3 points for Spurs may as well be banked right now.

And West Ham? They play Leeds early Sunday having been away in Europe Thursday night in the game that makes or breaks their season. the timing could not be worse. And it's not like they are any great shakes either.

I've already come to terms with the fact Leeds are getting 6 points, it's Forest I think we need to concentrate on. But to catch Forest, we will probably have to win one game (I think they get a draw at Palace).

Kevin (502),

Leeds have won 7 games out of 36 this season (same as us). There aren't any stats that would suggest they (or we) are likely to win either of our remaining games, let alone both!

Predicting what happens is impossible… we just have to cross everything and hope for the best.

Kevin,

I don't think that Leeds gave City a ‘real fright' at all. They got lucky when it was 2-0 and City were coasting. City got a penalty to make it 3-but instead of Haaaland stepping up as he should have done, he let Gundogan take it and it hit the post rebounded out and Leeds went up the other end and scored with their only real chance of the game.

City had 81% possession and 18 shots to Leeds having 3 shots.

As for the Newcastle result, well, we put 5 past Brighton who then smashed title chasing Arsenal in their next match.

Leeds haven't been magically transformed by Fat Sam into some sort of winning machine.

If we win against Wolves then West Ham know that they will need to not lose to Leeds to ensure their own safety.

Anyway, it's time to stop worrying about what everyone else does and concentrate on ourselves.

Brian I just watched the VAR review they broadcast and it's very professionally done. Very impressive in fact.

Now show us the Rodri one from last year to prove you didn't just pick one that was beneficial to the officials.

I agree with Kevin at 496.

My predictions a few weeks back had them to get one point (Palace) out of the last two games. Having said that, they queered my predictions by surprisingly beating Brighton, as indeed did we, so both teams are 3 points to the good against my forecast. My predictor had Nottingham Forest, Leicester City and Southampton relegated and us finishing 17th with 33 points which I now think will be 36 –- a draw and win in the last two games.

So long as we remain safe, I don't really care who goes down but I'd rather see Forest or Leicester survive at the expense of Leeds and the gum chewer, to be honest.

We can try and apply logic to the last two games each club at the foot of the table has but there are too many variables involved.

The largest unknown is how up for these games some of the opposing teams will be. That alone throws form judgements out of the window.

Raymond,

You are spot on, too many variables to predict what will happen over the next 2 weekends.

I would love it if the results this weekend made us safe so we could relax and enjoy the Bournemouth game. But I think it could well come down to the results of the final game that will decide our fate.

I know a few posters are suggesting that Leeds will benefit from playing West Ham after them playing a European tie away on Thursday, but I think that West Ham will get through and they will want to win their last home game before the final.

Nice that Newcastle will be fully incentivized at home v Leicester possibly in position to secure Champions League qualification with a win.

Deserves lead Newcastle 1-0. Caicedo OG from a corner. Skunks have been all over them forcing many turnovets.

Joelinton is working someone over in the midfield, funny.

How the flip did Wilson not get booked for diving? Blatant Cheating.

Not only that but I think Newcastle get more kicks on opposing players per yellow card than any other team.

All quiet on the red side of town?

So Schar puts a hand into the face of Gilmour, who goes down Harry Kane style, but Schar only receives a yellow card. Pathetic.

A Barcodes win over Leicester will guarantee Champions League qualification if it stays like this. Good motivation.

Newcastle miss a sitter for 3-0. Brighton go up the other end 2-1.

Ferguson, Enciso and Mac Allister ready to come on for Brighton. That's some powerful set of subs.

Making a difference. Enciso should have tested the keeper at least.

Well, they kept us waiting for that

the one thing we don't want tonight is extra time

Moyes has got to a European final, so well done to him and West Ham!

Tony,

He could settle some scores if Fiorentina come out on top in the other semi-final.

Hopefully they are buzzing now, all fighting for their place in the team and put in a good performance against Leeds.

Sheff Wed score in 97th minute to win 4-0, after losing first leg 4-0 in the League One play offs.

Quite remarkble stuff.

10/10 to Ian Darke for his commentary in the closing minutes of the West Ham semi, before they scored the clincher:

"The Hammers haven't reached a European Final since 1976. The year of the heatwave. The year of the Sex Pistols. The year of Abba and Dancing Queen. Yes it's been THAT long"

Great stuff.

How come Klopp gets a two-game ban but one this weekend and the next one in August?

Do Liverpool adhere to a different set of rules than the rest of us?

Colin mate, do you really have to ask? It's ChinaTown, oops sorry, the Red Shite.

Colin, Klopp's second game ban looks as if it's suspended until the end of next season. Good boy and he's let off then.

West Ham players now playing for a place in a European final, so there should be no let-up by any of them. They also have near enough 3 weeks before their final, so can find the energy into finishing their season off with a flourish, and beat Leeds and probably draw with Leicester.

Michael @ 124,

watched the whole thing, fantastic.

I think its nailed on that Leeds will get something from West Ham after tonight's result.

Oliver,

if it was possible that Davey could influence his team for whatever result without consequence... I wonder what he'd do?

His team is in the final, Will, and given the fact he has never won a trophy of note despite having very good opportunities to do so, surely his thinking will be looking after his best players – I don't think he will give a fuck about pissing off Evertonians.

By the way, I think West Ham won't win this final because of Moyes!

I wonder who the European officials will blame for the scenes at the end of the game by the West Ham families?