Writers Prediction League: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Sunderland

Destruction. Any far-flung hopes of Tottenham getting back in contention for a top-4 finish were stomped out by Liverpool's 4-0 evisceration of Spurs on Sunday. The game started poorly with an own-goal within two minutes and only got worse after that ending with a loss that surely puts an end to any hopes of Tim Sherwood retaining his job next season. However, can Spurs maintain a top-six finish and ensure eligibility for Europa League?

In the way today is a struggling Sunderland side that sits last in the table. On the bright side, The Black Cats have three games in hand with a seven point gap from 17th place, so a strong eight-game finish could save Gus Poyet's men. Adam Johnson has been Sunderland's most consistent attacking threat, tallying eight goals and four assists in league play. The most interesting factor may be Sunderland's 3-4-1-2 formation, as Wes Brown, John O'Shea, and Santiago Vergini look to keep things narrow in front of keeper Vito Mannone.

As for the Prediction League, Sleep grew his lead by one as we enter the home stretch. The rules remain the same in the Prediction League -- one point for a correct prediction and a bonus point for getting the score correct. Here are the current standings:

This week's predictions:

Ed: We're crap, they're crap, everyone's crap. 1-0 Spurs.

Uncle Menno: This is a potential banana peel game. 2-1 Spurs but it's close throughout.

Kevin: These teams are both garbage. 3-3 Draw.

Mechanick: Lloris is due to be immense--mostly because nobody on Sunderland can score. 2-0 Spurs

Ryan: Gretchen, I'm sorry I laughed at you that time you got diarrhea at Barnes & Nobles. And I'm sorry for telling everyone about it. And I'm sorry for repeating it now. 3-2 Spurs.

Bryan A.: Sunderland are bad. I'm sorry, Gus. 3-0 Spurs.

The Roosevelts: 2-1 Spurs. Somewhere in the world there is a factory making soda streams. It's probably employing little children in unsafe work conditions because that's what corporations do. I'm willing to bet that within the next 15 minutes of readying this one of those kids will lose a finger because there existence on earth is entirely so your girlfriend can make shitty diet coke in her kitchen. That's somebody's life AND childhood, so stop your bitching about the team not winning enough your life is amazing.

Lennon's Eyebrow: 2-1 Spurs because reasons.

Petrilli: 2-1 Spurs. If Liverpool wins the title I'll commit ritual seppuku live on webcam.

Michael Caley: There's still a big difference between a club that isn't good enough to compete for a top four place and a club that isn't good enough to remain in the Premier League. 2-0 Spurs.

The Sleeper's Sleep: I'm fresh out of clever. 2-1 Spurs.

Skipjack: Spurs 2-1 Sunderland. Something something go see the Winter Soldier.