Newcastle survive as Manchester United send Hull City down – The National’s EPL predictions

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The National's Deputy Sports Editor Thomas Woods offers his predictions for the final gameweek in the Premier League, with Newcastle United surviving their relegation scare as Hull City fall to Manchester United.

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Newcastle United v West Ham United: Newcastle need to win to ensure that Hull have no chance of catching them at the bottom of the table and West Ham's form is rather encouraging. The London side's only win in their last seven games was 1-0, thanks to a penalty, at home to relegated Burnley. Newcastle should score and that could be enough for three points. PREDICTION: Newcastle, 1-0.

Hull City v Manchester United: Hull need to beat United to have a chance of staying up, but the statistics are not kind. Hull haven't taken a point off United since 1952 and Steve Bruce hasn't beaten United in 17 years as a manager. Hull can trouble United's defence, but the visitors have too much quality on the break. PREDICTION: Man United, 2-1.

Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion: Arsenal have stumbled across the line into third place. Their end-of-season form hasn't been great and they failed to score in their last three games. They look like a tired team in need of a rest, especially the likes of Alexis Sanchez. Arsene Wenger must see that and he will likely rest a few players here, giving West Brom a chance to get a point. PREDICTION: Draw, 1-1.

Aston Villa v Burnley: Villa took a thumping by Southampton last time out, but they are safe, played some decent football in the final months of the season and a decent win against Burnley will give them a boost going into the summer. Christian Benteke should continue his hot streak. PREDICTION: Villa, 2-0.

Chelsea v Sunderland: Chelsea, understandably, have switched off after clinching the title with three games to spare. They also have tired looking players, such as Eden Hazard. They'll get their hands on the trophy after the Sunderland game, but don't expect a champion performance. PREDICTION: Chelsea, 1-0.

Crystal Palace v Swansea City: Two teams who can take a lot of confidence into next season after promising 2014/15 campaigns. The likes of Yannick Bolasie and Jason Puncheon for Palace, and Bafetimbi Gomis and Ashley Wlliams for Swansea have particularly impressed and this could be a cracker as two decent passing sides let loose. PREDICTION: Palace, 3-2.

Everton v Tottenham Hotspur: Everton will look enviously at Tottenham's finishing position this season, having started the campaign with top-six aspirations. However, Roberto Martinez's side are finishing the season in better form – with six wins from nine games compared to Tottenham's three – and will expect to closer to Spurs next season. PREDICTION: Everton, 1-0.

Leicester City v Queens Park Rangers: Leicester can finish the season with a bang and should get a hatful against the league's worst defence. PREDICTION: Leicester, 3-0.

Manchester City v Southampton: City took QPR to the sword two weeks ago and played some pretty impressive football in the 4-2 win at Swansea last week. They are ending the season with a bit of swagger while Southampton, last week's 6-1 thumping of Villa aside, have started shipping goals. They have conceded two in four of their last five games. PREDICTION: Man City, 2-0.

Stoke City v Liverpool: Liverpool have offered little in attack in the last few weeks and Stoke is one of the toughest grounds to get an away win at. Out-of-form strikers and nothing to play for. PREDICTION: Draw, 0-0.