Clinton Morrison's Predictions: Mourinho to Real Madrid, The Title Race & Conference League Dreams
It was one of those weeks where football barely stopped for breath, PSG and Bayern Munich put on a Champions League classic for the ages, Ipswich are one win from promotion, the title race tightens by the day, and Crystal Palace are dreaming of European glory.
Clinton Morrison joined us for his weekly verdicts on all of it, plus predictions for a packed bank holiday weekend that includes the Championship final day and some huge clashes across the Premier League.
Here's what Clinton had to say, and don't forget to check out the best World Cup Free Bets & Betting Offers, courtesy of Free Bets.
IN FULL: Clinton Morrison's Predictions
PSG VS BAYERN MUNICH, CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLASSIC
That's probably one of the best games I've witnessed in a long time. No one wanted to defend, it was like a basketball match. You attack, we attack. Some of the best players in the world were on that pitch last night and it was just pure beauty and quality. That's why we love the beautiful game. I can't wait for the second leg.
Will the winner come from those two teams?
Yeah, I think so. It should have been the final really. Both teams going forward are just so electric. And looking at Arsenal, I know they're good defensively, and Atlético too, sometimes you just can't stop teams like that when they have those attacking qualities.
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL DAY, IPSWICH IN THE DRIVING SEAT
That late goal last night against Southampton was massive for Ipswich. They've got QPR and I expect them to win it, but last-day nerves could get to any team. Millwall can still overtake them and Middlesbrough are still in it too. Ipswich won't like going to the final game without it being done, but I still think they'll do it. They'll be too strong for QPR. But you just never know.
JOHN STONES LEAVING CITY, A GENUINE BARGAIN
He's been outstanding. The amount of trophies he's won at City over ten years, he's won everything. The last few years injuries have caught up with him, which is disappointing, and they've got Khusanov and Guéhi now, so he's not going to be a regular starter. But he's been a brilliant servant and what they paid for him has been a bargain. A Rolls Royce of a centre-back, so comfortable in possession. I'd still go Stones and Guéhi as my England partnership for the World Cup if he's fit.
Could he still do a job in the Premier League?
Absolutely. If I were Chelsea I'd go and get John Stones. They need that kind of experience at the back. If you get him fit and firing, he's an asset to any football club.
MOURINHO LINKED WITH REAL MADRID RETURN
He'd have to evolve the way he works, but listen, José's been a fantastic manager, that's why he's called the Special One. Real Madrid have top players who want the freedom to play, but you don't really have to coach those sort of players anyway. He knows the club inside out. Is it a good appointment? More than likely yes. He's won everything, he's respected by players. If José Mourinho is available, why would you not take him?
MICHAEL CARRICK, HE DESERVES THE JOB
He just gave the players confidence and played a formation that suits the group, it's not rocket science. Rúben Amorim was stubborn. He was playing Ugarte ahead of Kobbie Mainoo, which I think is ludicrous. He was playing Bruno Fernandes as a holding midfielder when Bruno is one of the best number tens in Europe. It was all a bit bonkers.
Carrick comes in and they're producing. He went to Chelsea and won without any recognised centre-halves. He's getting results when it matters. He should get the job. If I'd done what Michael Carrick has done, I'd be very disappointed if I didn't get it. He's a young English manager who's earned that opportunity, and he deserves it.
THE TITLE RACE, COULD GO TO GOAL DIFFERENCE
Arsenal are favourites right now because if they beat Fulham they're six points clear and you'd rather have the points on the board. But I think there could be a scenario where both teams win all their remaining games and it goes to goal difference. And if I'm being honest, in my heart of hearts, I think Man City could do it. I think they've got more goals in their team than Arsenal right now.
TOTTENHAM, SEVEN POINTS FROM FOUR GAMES
It's a slim chance. The West Ham win against Everton on the weekend was a kick in the teeth, and losing Xavi Simons for the season, plus Solanke, is a huge blow. They need about seven points from their last four games to stay up, two wins and a draw, and they need other results to go their way. Looking at their remaining fixtures though, I think it's going to be very tough. Villa away, Leeds at home, Chelsea, Everton, none of those are easy. If I were a betting man, I'd say Tottenham are the ones you expect to go down. But they need to keep grinding, that win against Wolves should give them confidence.
OLIVER GLASNER, CRYSTAL PALACE'S GREATEST MANAGER?
The FA Cup was an amazing day and now with a potential European trophy on the horizon, if Palace win the Conference League, for me Glasner goes down as the best manager Crystal Palace have ever had. No question. Loads of clubs dream of winning a European trophy. Everyone can say, oh it's just the Conference League, but it's not just the Conference League, it's a European trophy. If Palace get that, he's a legend at that football club.
Clinton Morrison's Predictions
| Match | Clinton's Prediction |
|---|---|
| EUROPEAN SEMI-FINALS (Thursday, first legs) | |
| Forest vs Aston Villa (EL) | 1-1 |
| Shakhtar Donetsk vs Crystal Palace (UECL) | 1-1 |
| PREMIER LEAGUE | |
| Leeds vs Burnley (Fri) | Leeds 3-1 |
| Brentford vs West Ham (Sat, 3pm) | 1-1 |
| Newcastle vs Brighton (Sat, 3pm) | Brighton 2-1 |
| Wolves vs Sunderland (Sat, 3pm) | Sunderland 2-1 |
| Arsenal vs Fulham (Sat, 5:30pm) | Arsenal 2-1 |
| Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace (Sun, 2pm) | Bournemouth 2-0 |
| Man United vs Liverpool (Sun) | 2-2 |
| Aston Villa vs Tottenham (Sun) | 1-1 |
| Chelsea vs Forest (Mon, 3pm) | Chelsea 3-1 |
| Everton vs Man City (Mon) | Man City 2-1 |
| CHAMPIONSHIP — FINAL DAY (Saturday) | |
| Ipswich vs QPR | Ipswich 3-0 |
| Derby vs Sheffield United | Derby 2-1 |
| Hull vs Norwich | Norwich 2-1 |
| Wrexham vs Middlesbrough | 1-1 |
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