Our predictions for the biggest football fights in May

This season has provided us with excellent entertainment in all parts of the country, from the Premier League to non-league football.

With most clubs’ season ending on a dramatic final day, the Premier League moves on as we wait to find out who will win the trophy and who will be relegated to the league.

In the meantime, there are a number of play-off clashes on the horizon while Liverpool have to fight for two more titles in the English and French capitals.

May promises to be the most exciting month of the season with many more exciting games to come.

Ahead of some of football’s biggest events this year, we’ve made our predictions…

Thomas Tuchel’s side are in dire need of some silverware after their Premier League campaign took a sour turn in recent weeks while the Reds are still in the hunt for the quadruple.

Liverpool’s performances have slipped in recent games and Fabinho’s absence will certainly benefit Chelsea, but Jurgen Klopp’s side always seem to impress in the most important games and I can’t imagine the Blues repeating their poor form of the last few time will be overcome.

Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool

The Liverpool-Real Madrid draw is arguably what many Reds supporters wanted over another clash with Manchester City, but that doesn’t make the Spanish giants any easier to face against.

Mohamed Salah already has a desire to get revenge on Real Madrid and the players will be desperate to end the season on a high note, although Karim Benzema will certainly have something to say about it.

I expect Liverpool to put in a lot more performance than they did in the 2018 edition but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Frenchman caused late drama like he did throughout much of his European season.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-3 Real Madrid

For me, Liverpool’s draw against Tottenham all but confirmed a fourth Premier League for Pep Guardiola.

I’ve been saying for a couple of weeks that if City drop points it could well be West Ham but I can’t see much more than them scraping a draw.

The Reds definitely don’t want it to come down to goal difference as they need to close the seven-goal gap between them – an extremely unlikely scenario.

Luton Town’s play-off semi-final game against Huddersfield Town is huge considering the size of the club and the fact that they were only promoted to League Two eight years ago.

Both teams go into the two legs in very good form, although just a month ago the Hatters were beaten 2-0 by the Terriers.

Given that Huddersfield are using home field advantage. in the second leg it’s hard to see Luton reaching Wembley this season.

Prediction: Luton 1-1 Huddersfield, Huddersfield 2-0 Luton

The other semi-final between Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United could prove to be a much closer affair as both sides have been in impressive form in the second half of the season.

I think it would be a lot more exciting to see Forest reach the Premier League after such a long absence, although I’m not sure they have the bottle to deal with the pressure of pulling themselves over the line.

However, Steve Cooper’s side will be playing at the City Ground in the second leg and I expect the fans to witness a penalty shoot-out on Tuesday night.

Prediction: Sheff Utd 1-0 Nottingham Forest, Nottingham Forest 2-1 Sheff Utd (Sheff Utd go through in penalty shootout)

Huddersfield Town and Sheffield United did not face each other nine years before the Blades were relegated and that draw in 2012 was certainly unforgettable for both sides.

The two clubs faced each other in the 2011/12 League One play-off final in an intense game that ended 0-0 before Huddersfield goalkeeper Alex Smithies sent them on penalties.

Carlos Corberan’s side could bring the mental edge into this year’s final but United will surely seek revenge as they seek a quick return to the top flight.

Prediction: Huddersfield 1-0 Sheffield Utd

If the recent meetings between Sunderland and Wycombe Wanderers are anything then a thriller awaits us next weekend.

Ross Stewart’s late goal clinched a point last time out, while the Black Cats have suffered just one defeat in the clubs’ six meetings.

Both sides go into the final in fine form but it’s very hard to see Sunderland fail to finally get the promotion they have been waiting for so long.

Alex Neil has improved the site dramatically and with over 40,000 Mackems moving south will certainly have the traffic on their site which could be more than double the support Wycombe can bring.

If the atmosphere at the end of Sunderland can’t drive the players to victory, then nothing.

Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Wycombe

Northampton had to settle for a place in the play-offs as Bristol Rovers clinched an impressive 7-0 win to automatically secure a promotion spot on the final day of the game.

The Cobblers have been in decent form for the past few weeks, losing just one of their last eight games – but the loss went to their play-off opponents Mansfield Town.

It’s going to be a close game but, as always, home advantage will be a big factor.

Prediction: Mansfield 2-1 Northampton, Northampton 2-0 Mansfield

Swindon Town are looking to return to League One after just a year in League Four and impressed with four straight wins at the end of the season to secure their place in the play-offs.

Although Port Vale finished better, they have suffered three defeats in their last four games and could go into the two legs nervously.

A difficult game to predict but I think the Robins’ form could give them a boost ahead of a trip to Wembley.

Prediction: Swindon 2-1 Port Vale, Port Vale 1-1 Swindon

Northampton will be heartbroken if they fail to make it to League One after their disastrous final day of play, while Swindon will ooze confidence if they beat Port Vale in the semi-finals.

The clash at Wembley could be nerve-wracking and fans could feel the pain as they see their team commit penalties at the end.

Prediction: Northampton 1-1 Swindon (Swindon wins on penalties)