Weekend football focus

Charlton v Crystal Palace
3pm Sunday, The Valley
Tickets: Home - £35 (£15-£25 concs). Few remaining. Tel: 020 8333 4010. Away - sold out
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)
Facts: Charlton have gone eight games without a win and have not scored in their past four matches. Palace have not won in 14 away fixtures and haven't found the net away from Selhurst Park since Aki Riihilahti's goal in the 4-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge. Charlton's season has disappeared down the swanny in a rather predictable fashion, with six defeats coming from their past eight games, but if anything can rouse them from their lethargy it is the prospect of sending Iain Dowie's Crystal Palace down. There is still bad blood between these south London cousins from the days when Charlton were tenants at Selhurst Park, and the home fans will be desperate to gain revenge for October's Carling Cup defeat at The Valley.
Verdict: POOR OLD PALACE

Birmingham v Arsenal
3pm Sunday, St Andrew's
Away ticket info: Sold out
Last season: 0-3 (Ljungberg, Bergkamp, Pires)
Referee: Dermot Gallagher (Banbury)
Facts: Arsenal haven't conceded a goal in an away game against Birmingham since April 1984, when Tony Woodcock scored for the Gunners in a 1-1 draw.
Highbury's marble halls - and the slightly more modern Emirates Stadium - may have been built on financial prudence but delaying contract talks with Dennis Bergkamp smacks of insanity. The not-so flying Dutchman was at his mesmeric best against Everton on Wednesday and surely deserves to be given one more year. Arsene Wenger's side appear to be back to their best and should warm up for the FA Cup Final with another win.
Verdict: DENNIS THE MENACE FOR A WHILE YET

Bolton v Everton
3pm Sunday, Reebok Stadium
Last season: 2 (Frandsen, Djorkaeff) 0
Referee: Neale Barry (Lincolnshire)
Facts: Richard Wright conceded as many goals at Highbury on Wednesday as Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia did there in the Premiership all season. Wright has gone 18 games since keeping a clean sheet in a league match for Everton.
Having been hammered at Arsenal on Wednesday, Everton are probably too ashamed to show their faces at Goodison Park, so it's for the best that their final game of the season takes place at Bolton. David Moyes deserves huge credit for steering his side into the Champions League but his chances of being named Manager of the Year probably disappeared at the Highbury Horror Show. Sam Allardyce has also had a superb campaign and should end on a high.
Verdict: BOLTON WIN BATTLE OF EURO STARS

Fulham v Norwich
3pm Sunday, Craven Cottage - live on Sky Sports 1
Tickets: Sold out
Referee: Steve Dunn (Bristol)
Facts: Norwich striker Dean Ashton has scored five goals in his last six matches. The Canaries haven't won at Craven Cottage since 1986.
If Norwich could choose any ground in the country to visit on the last day of the season needing a win to survive it would probably be Craven Cottage, which is less a burning cauldron and more a refreshing cup of iced tea. After a lovely stroll up the Thames, Canaries fans can expect their side to take command at the Cottage, getting the win that will keep them in the Premiership next season.
Verdict: CANARIES FLYING HIGH

Liverpool v Aston Villa
3pm Sunday, Anfield
Last season: 1 (Delaney og) 0
Referee: Barry Knight (Orpington)
Facts: Villa, who have lost two of their last six at Anfield, have conceded seven goals in two away matches. David O'Leary's side have not won in four games.
This is undoubtedly a game where the protagonists have their minds on other things. Liverpool will understandably already be thinking about devouring an Italian in Turkey, while the Villa players will be contemplating anything that doesn't require kicking a football about. As for their respective league seasons, these two clubs should both be less than satisfied.
Verdict: NEXT STOP ISTANBUL FOR VICTORS

Man City v Middlesbrough
3pm Sunday, City of Manchester Stadium
Last season: 0-1 (Jihai og)
Referee: Rob Styles (Waterlooville)
Facts: Manchester City, who could grab seventh place and a UEFA Cup berth, haven't qualified for the UEFA Cup through their league position since 1978-79. Last season's UEFA Cup campaign came as a result of them winning the Fair Play league.
Speculation and City go hand in hand but the confirmation of Stuart Pearce as manager leaves former Grand Prix tycoon Eddie Jordan's possible takeover as the only uncertainty at the City of Manchester Stadium. Pearce could secure a UEFA Cup slot for the blue half of Manchester with victory in his first game as permanent manager but will come up against a gritty Boro side who will book a European place of their own should City fail to win.
Verdict: PEARCE ON A HIGH

Newcastle v Chelsea
3pm Sunday, St James' Park
Away ticket info: Chelsea have some returns/cancellations. Tel: 0870 300 2322 for information
Last season: 2 (Ameobi, Shearer) 1 (J Cole)
Referee: Howard Webb (Rotherham) Facts: Chelsea have won their last nine away Premiership games. The last time they dropped points in an away league fixture came in the 2-2 draw at Highbury in December.
The way Chelsea played in the second half at Old Trafford on Monday night suggests that the realisation that they are champions of these shores has definitely sunk in. While United fret about their owner and Arsenal contemplate their squad for next season, the situation remains crystal clear for Jose Mourinho. Take the cheque from the boss, buy a few players with it and then depart for Portugal, posthaste, for some well-earned rest and recuperation.
Verdict: CHAMPION FOR CHELSEA