Tag: EPL

Betting tips for November 7

Everton v Man United
Neither side is in great form ahead of this contest with Everton losing their last two EPL games and Manchester United without a win in their last two league games. There is a lot pressure building up on United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer whose side are 15th in the table just four points clear of the relegation zone. Victory for Everton will get their season back on track and keep them in the mix while possibly forcing a change of manager at Old Trafford.
Recommended bet: Everton to win

Crystal Palace v Leeds
Both these sides have a total of 10 points from their first seven games, but they have found winning tough in recent weeks. Palace have one win in their last five while Leeds have one win in their last four. Leeds have failed to score a first half goal in their last five. Both teams to score has paid out in the last four meetings while Palace has scored in the last 10 contests with Leeds. Leeds have won all three games this season when they have scored the first goal.
Recommended bet: Under 2.5 goals

Chelsea v Sheffield Utd
Chelsea have one of the best defenses with five clean sheets in their last five league and cup games and they are facing a Sheffield United side who has found the opponents’ net just three times. United has not led at half-time in the league while Chelsea has only trailed once at the break. The second half might see most of the action given the fact 12 of Chelsea’s 16 goals have come after half-time while two of the three goals the Blades have scored have come in the second half.
Recommended bet: Chelsea to win to nil

West Ham v Fulham
West Ham won both meetings the last time Fulham were in the top flight two seasons ago by two-goal margins. On the scoresheet in both those contests was Michail Antonio who will be aiming to get on the scoresheet again in this contest. The Hammers have opened the scoring in four of their last five games and if they get the first goal in this clash, it will be hard to see Fulham recovering to win. Fulham has lost all five EPL games in which they gave up the first goal.
Recommended bet: West Ham to win to nil

West Brom v Tottenham
Under 2.5 total goals has paid out in the two meetings during the 2017/18 season and in five of the last six. It’s easy to see Tottenham score, but it’s at the back questions are asked if they can stop other teams from scoring. West Brom has only managed one goal in their last  four. Tottenham has been quick out of the blocks in recent matches with six goals scored in the opening 16 minutes of their last four games. Harry Kane and Son Heung-min should have a field day against this West Brom defense.
Recommended bet: Over 2.5 total goals

Leicester v Wolves
I hate to remind everyone that when these two sides met last season, they failed to score a single goal. Wolves has scored the first goal in their last four league games while Leicester has opened the scoring in their last two. Leicester has failed to score in their last two home games at the King Power Stadium while Wolves has only scored once in their last two away games. Jamie Vardy continues to score goals even at the age of 33 which is a testament to his fitness and work ethic.
Recommended bet: Draw

Man City v Liverpool
Both games last season saw exactly four total goals scored as both sides won their home clash against their rival. Liverpool’s last two EPL wins have been by a single goal and City’s last two wins in the league have also been by the smallest of margins. Liverpool has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches which have also seen over 2.5 total goals scored. We expect City’s games to produce plenty of goals, but their last last four domestic games have seen under 2.5 total goals scored. Both teams have scored in every league game they have played so far this campaign.
Recommended bet: Both teams to score

Arsenal v Aston Villa
The home team won each meeting when these two sides met last season which is a good omen for the Gunners. Arsenal’s last three league games have produced a total of one goal in each of them. Will there be more than that this time? Neither side has been prolific in the first half in recent games. Arsenal is without a first half goal in their last four while it’s three games and counting for Villa without a goal before the interval. Three of Villa’s last four goals scored have come in injury time at the end of their last three matches.
Recommended bet: Arsenal to win

Betting tips for October 31

Sheffield United v Manchester City:
Don’t be surprised if this game fails to produce many goals. All eight EPL meetings between these two sides have seen under 2.5 total goals pay out. And United has only managed to score three goals in their six games so far this season and two of them have been from the penalty spot. City has scored first in four of their five fixtures and will be expected to do so again in this contest.
Recommended bet: Under 2.5 total goals

Burnley v Chelsea:
In a contrast to the previous fixture, this fixture has a tendency to produce goals. The last six EPL clashes have seen over 2.5 total goals land and that includes Chelsea’s last visit to Turf Moor when the Blues won 4-2 thanks to Christian Pulisic’s hat-trick. Chelsea will be expected to win this one comfortably having scored three, four and three in their last three league games. Burnley, on the other hand, has scored just once in their last four.
Recommended bet: Chelsea win

Liverpool v West Ham:
Liverpool is unbeaten in their last eight games with West Ham and the last five contests at Anfield has seen three or more total goals scored. Mo Salah and Sadio Mane have good scoring records against the Hammers with six in six and five and five respectively. However, the champions have only managed to keep one clean sheet in the league this campaign. West Ham are unbeaten in their last four games having scored five times in the final 10 minutes.
Recommended bet: Over 2.5 total goals

Aston Villa v Southampton:
Southampton has won the last three meetings by exactly two goals and their two wins this season – including last week’s against Chelsea – have been by exactly two goals. Six of the last seven meetings have goals for both the Villans and the Saints who have kept clean sheets in three of their last four league games. Southampton has also scored first in four of their last five. Villa began the season with 11 goals scored in their first three but have managed just one in their last two.
Recommended bet: BTTS

Newcastle v Everton:
Everton will be looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season at Southampton last weekend, but it won’t be an easy trip to Newcastle. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is second on the goalscoring list and he will be aiming to find the net again against a team he has scored four times in his last three meetings and that includes a goal on his last two visits to St James’ Park. Both teams to score has happened in the last four EPL meetings and it has also happened in Newcastle’s last four this season.
Recommended bet: BTTS

Manchester United v Arsenal:
These has been exactly two goals scored in the last three meetings. Arsenal has scored in the last 12 games against the Gunners but they go into this game having lost their last two EPL games this season 1-0. United has only scored the opening goal in one of their five league games this season so the first goal will be crucial in this contest. In the last 10 minutes of United’s league games this season, they have scored five times and given up two goals.
Recommended bet: BTTS

Tottenham v Brighton:
Tottenham have been on the scoreboard early in their recent league games with five goals in the opening 16 minutes of their last three, but it’s at the end of games that is a concern for Jose Mourinho’s side. In their last five, they have conceded five goals in the final 10 minutes which has cost them four points. There hasn’t been a 0-0 draw in the last 19 meetings and with over 2.5 total goals landing in the previous three meetings, that run should be extended to 20.
Recommended bet: Over 2.5 total goals

Fulham v West Brom:
This has all the potential to be a tie which would fit in well with recent meetings. The last four clashes between these two sides have ended all square and three of them were 1-1 ties. And for good measure, three of West Brom’s last four have been draws. Fulham, who has yet to lead at half-time this season, has only opened the scoring once this season.
Recommended bet: Tie

Leeds United v Leicester:
The last four meetings have produced two or fewer goals and that could be the outcome in this fixture. Only two of Leicester’s 13 goals have been scored before half-time while four of Leeds’ 12 goals have come before the interval. Leeds has not scored a first half goal in their last four while Leicester has gone three games without finding their opponents’ net before half-time. Both teams to score has not landed in either side’s last two games.
Recommended bet: Under 2.5 total goals. 

EPL betting tips for October 24

West Ham v Manchester City
West Ham could do with a win to erase some bitter memories given to them by Manchester City in recent seasons. Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to beat the Hammers for the tenth successive game in league and cup competitions. West Ham have failed to score in the last four meetings but the Hammers are a better side these days. I’d expect this game to be closer than the ones City have won comfortably in recent seasons with both teams scoring at least one goal.
Suggested bet: Both teams to score

Fulham v Crystal Palace
This is a game Palace should win, but it would be easy for them to take Fulham for granted. Sooner or later, the home side is going to win a game. If the Cottagers approach this game right, then they could register their first win of the season at the sixth time of asking. Palace has the better squad, but football doesn’t always follow logic like that. Last weekend was the first time Fulham scored first this season while Palace has opened the scoring three times. If Palace score first, then they should be able to see the job through and pick up the win.
Suggested bet: Crystal Palace to win  

Manchester Utd v Chelsea
Both Manchester United and Chelsea added to their squads before the transfer window closed. Forward Edinson Cavani could make his United debut after the free agent was signed following his release by Paris St-Germain at the end of last season. Scoring goals has not been the issue for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, it’s stopping teams from scoring that many felt should have been addressed. Will United be able to stop Chelsea from scoring? Will Chelsea be able to stop United from scoring? I think the answer to both questions is no which should make this an exciting contest.
Suggested bet: Both teams to score

Liverpool v Sheffield Utd
Will Virgil Van Dijk’s knee injury derail Liverpool’s hopes of defending their EPL title? Quite possibly. Van Dijk was a rock in the middle of Liverpool’s defense last season and despite a few uncharacteristic errors this season, he was still a formidable defender. Scoring has been a major problem for Sheffield United with just two goals to show for 450 minutes of action – and one of those was a penalty. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp took a risk withdrawing his front three with half an hour to go in their Champions League opener at Ajax, but it paid off in a 1-0 win. The trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino should be fresh enough to cause a few problems.
Suggested bet: Liverpool HT/FT double

Southampton v Everton
There could well be goals in this contest. Both teams have scored in the last seven meetings between the two sides who are coming off ties last weekend. Everton twice came from behind to rescue a point against Liverpool while Southampton came from 2-0 down and 3-2 down to take a point in a 3-3 draw. Everton has been fun to watch this season. Their last four EPL games have seen three or more goals scored and there has been goals for them and the team they have been playing. In Danny Ings and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, both teams have strikers who are in great goalscoring form.
Suggested bet: Both teams to score

Wolves v Newcastle
Wolves come into this game on the back of successive 1-0 wins over two of the three promoted sides – Fulham and Leeds. They may not have been spectacular wins, but they got the job done. Wolves will be expected to get the job done again this time against a Newcastle beaten 4-1 last weekend. The 1-1 score has been a popular result in recent times with the last three meetings ending that way. Wolves should be too strong for their hosts, but there could be a goal for the Magpies.
Suggested bet: Both teams to score

Arsenal v Leicester
Neither of these sides are in great form right now. Leicester has lost it’s last two while Arsenal have lost two of their last three. These two sides have already met this season in the League Cup with Arsenal winning 2-0. Both managers made changes to their teams for that game and with a gap opening up between them and the leaders, this is a game that needs to be won if they are to stay in touch. There isn’t too much between these two sides and this could well end in a tie.
Suggested bet: Tie

Brighton v West Brom
Brighton might not be top of the table but the one thing you can say about the Seagulls is that they just don’t give up. Brighton has scored in the last minute of their previous three games and while they haven’t won any of them, it shows they just keep playing until the final whistle. West Brom has failed to score in their last two games and if they don’t start winning, then it could be a long season for the Baggies who have been outscored 10-1 in the second half of matches this season.
Suggested bet: Brighton to win 

Burnley v Tottenham
After losing to Everton in their season opener, pundits wrote off Tottenham’s chances of winning the league. But they are unbeaten in their last four and have welcomed back Gareth Bale who was the world’s most expensive footballer when he left Spurs for Real Madrid in 2013. Three of Tottenham’s last four EPL games have seen six or more goals scored. Burnley’s season so far has been uneventful with their first point picked last week in a boring goalless draw at West Brom. If Tottenham gets ahead early, this could and should be a comfortable win for the visiting team.
Suggested bet: Tottenham HT/FT

EPL betting tips for October 17

The EPL is back following the first international break of the season and Liverpool’s trip to Everton takes center stage with a full slate of games taking place over the weekend and Monday night.

Everton v Liverpool:
I’m going for a draw in this contest. It will end Everton’s 100 start to the season but a point will keep them top of the standings. Liverpool have had two weeks to dwell on their humiliating 7-2 loss at Aston Villa. There have been eight ties in Liverpool’s last nine visits to Goodison Park with the last three ending goalless. Both teams may be happy to take a point and move on.
Recommended bet: Draw

Chelsea v Southampton:
For all the money Frank Lampard has been allowed to spend on strengthening his squad, the results on the pitch are not what is expected of the team. The return of Christian Pulisic, who is now wearing the number 10 shirt, should find a winning formula but it won’t be easy against a Saints side looking to win their third successive game.
Recommended bet: Chelsea win

Man City v Arsenal:
Contests between these two sides are usually entertaining encounters and this should be no different. This could be a good time for Arsenal to visit the Etihad with the home side still missing forwards Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus. Arsenal have improved a lot under Mikel Arteta who will be looking to get the better of Pep Guardiola who he spent three years as Guardiola’s assistant.
Recommended bet: Over 2.5 goals

Newcastle v Man United:
An out-of-sorts Manchester United travel to Newcastle with more questions hanging over the Red Devils and that is not what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs right now. Newcastle have been inconsistent this season so far, but they do raise their game in fixtures like this so this could turn out to be a close game. It wouldn’t surprise me if both teams found each other’s net at St James’ Park.
Recommended bet: Both teams to score

Sheffield Utd v Fulham:
Both these sides are in desperate need for a win, but after four straight losses, they might be happy to pick up a point each which would be their first of the campaign. Both clubs have conceded the first goal in all four of their contests and one goal could decide this fixture. On paper, the home side has the better players but with Aleksandar Mitrovic leading the line, Fulham has a player who could cause problems.
Recommended bet: BTTS not to happen

Crystal Palace v Brighton:
Goals have been a factor in the four matches both of these sides have played so far this season. Over 2.5 goals has landed in all four of Brighton’s games this season while Palace’s last three have seen a minimum of three total goals scored. Both managers have had a fortnight to work on shoring up their defenses which could make this a cagey affair with few goalscoring opportunities.
Recommended bet: Under 2.5 total goals

Tottenham v West Ham:
At the start of the season, I thought Tottenham really needed Gareth Bale back at the club. Having watched Spurs the last three league games, I’m now thinking they don’t really need him. What a luxury it will be for Jose Mourinho to have the Wales star on the sidelines waiting for his opportunity when his side needs him. That could be against this West Ham side who have looked great in their last two contests beating Wolves 4-0 and Leicester 3-0.
Recommended bet: Tottenham to win

Leicester v Aston Villa:
Aston Villa caused the shock not just of this season, but for many seasons when they destroyed the defending champions Liverpool 7-2 two weeks ago. That will have put Leicester on alert for what they can expect in this game and the Foxes will want to bounce back from their 3-0 loss to West Ham last time out. Villa has scored first in all three games they have played this season while Leicester has conceded the opening goal in their last three.
Recommended bet: Both teams to score

West Brom v Burnley:
These two sides are at the bottom end of the table for a reason. They have been poor in all their games so far and it wouldn’t surprise me if neither of them won this game. If I had to pick a winner, it would be Burnley simply for the fact they have better options in attack with Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes capable of scoring goals. It’s whether the pair can get some good service against a West Brom side who at least have a point on the board already.
Recommended bet: Under 2.5 total goals

Leeds Utd v Wolves:
The final game of the weekend sees Wolves travel to Leeds in what should be a tactical battle between two managers who like to outsmart their counterpart. Leeds have shown already that they deserve to be back in the EPL and with two weeks to prepare for this game, United’s manager Marcelo Bielsa will no doubt have come up with a trick or two to beat Wolves. Leeds will be buoyed by their 1-1 draw with Manchester City in their last home game.
Recommended bet: Both teams to score 

EPL betting tips October 3

Chelsea v Crystal Palace
Sooner or later, Chelsea will click and the sooner it happens, the more comfortable Frank Lamaprd will feel on the sidelines. A home win should be achieved this weekend against a Crystal Palace side that has is looking to bounce back from their loss to Everton last weekend. Lampard has included Christian Pulisic in his squad following a hamstring injury at the end of last season and he will bring  the best out of those around him.
Bet: Chelsea win

Everton v Brighton
Everton have won all six league and cup games they have played this season and they will be favorites to make it seven straight wins against Brighton who have lost to Manchester United twice in the last week. Brighton hit the woodwork five times in their EPL loss to the Red Devils last Saturday which cost them the game. Everton are getting the best out of forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin who has scored two hat-tricks already this season. The Toffees should be too strong this weekend.
Bet: Everton win

Leeds v Man City
This has all the potential to be the highest-scoring game of the weekend. It promises to be an intriguing battle between the two managers. Marcelo Bielsa loves to pit his wits against the best managers in the league and don’t be surprised if he has something up his sleeve to inflict a second successive loss on City. City are struggling in terms of fit forwards with Sergio Aguero still sidelined and he has been joined by Gabriel Jesus. Having said that, City have Kevin de Bruyne to pull their strings.
Bet: Man City win

Newcastle v Burnley
Don’t expect too many goals in this encounter as the two sides look to put disappointing starts behind them. Burnley have lost both games they have played this season while Newcastle have taken one point from their last two games after starting their campaign with a 2-0 win at West Ham. Burnley have one of the smallest squads in the league and it is already showing. Any more losses and the heat on manager Sean Dyche will increase. One goal could be all it takes to win this game and it could come from a set piece.
Bet Under 2.5 total goals 

Leicester v West Ham
Two of last weekend’s biggest winners meet at the King Power Stadium to open Sunday’s slate of EPL games. Leicester came away from the Etihad Stadium with a 5-2 win after conceding the opening goal to Manchester City. West Ham’s 4-0 win at home to Wolves on Sunday was equally impressive even though manager David Moyes took control of the Hammers from his home as he self isolates after testing positive for Covid-19. Leicester will start as favorites and with Jamie Vardy leading the league with five goals in three games, it’s hard to see the points leaving Leicester.
Bet: Leicester win  

Southampton v West Brom
West Brom has already given up 11 goals in their three games so far which is the most in the EPL. Nine of those goals have come in the second half which needs to be addressed swiftly if the Baggies are to avoid an immediate return to the Championship. Southamptongot their first win of the season last weekend at Burnley and they will fancy their chances of getting a second win this weekend.
Bet: Southampton win

Arsenal v Sheffield United
Sheffield United will hope the arrival of Rhian Brewster from Liverpool will be the answer to their goal scoring problem. The Blades are the only EPL team yet to score a goal. And they will do well to penetrate an Arsenal defense that is generally well set-up. Over 2.5 goals has paid out in Arsenal’s three matches so far this season, and if they can find their groove early, they could score over 2.5 goals themselves. Alexandre Lacazette is looking to score in his fourth successive EPL game.
Bet: Arsenal win

Wolves v Fulham
Wolves have yet to settle into the new signing and it seems manager Nuno Espirito Santo is unsure of his best XI. Last season he had one of the most settled squads in the EPL which made his team selection easy, but fatigue caught up with his players in the latter stages of the season which cost them a place in European. Fulham need to go to Plan ‘B’ after  three successive losses. Conceding early goals has been an issue for manager Scott Parker and if Wolves add to their early woes, then it could be another defeat for the Cottagers.
Bet: Wolves win

Man United v Tottenham
This fixture has a history of producing plenty of goals and there could well be goals this time around. Harry Kane has only scored once this season but he leads the EPL with five assists. In fact, Kane has been directly involved in Spurs’ last six league goals and after scoring a hat-trick to book Tottenham’s place in the Europa League group stage, the England forward could be the key to a Spurs win. United have not looked good in the league this season, and they will have to be at their best if they are to beat the former manager.
Bet: Both teams to score

Aston Villa v Liverpool
The fourth weekend of EPL fixtures come to a close with a clash between two sides with 100 per cent records. Aston Villa has played one game fewer than the champions and they will make life difficult for Liverpool. The defending champions have picked up from where they left off last season and you would expect Jurgen Klopp’s men to collect another win. Villa’s two wins have been against two of the sides at the bottom of the table without a point so this is going to be their toughest test of the season so far. Liverpool’s class up front will be the difference.
Bet: Liverpool win

EPL Betting Tips for September 19/20/21

Last week I started the EPL with seven correct tips from eight. The only bet that let me down was Tottenham’s home game with Everton which I tipped BTTS to land. Everton did their part, but Spurs let me down by failing to score. Hopefully this week I can do better.

Everton v West Brom

I think it’s going to take West Brom another week or two to find their feet back in the Premier League and I wouldn’t back them to win at Goodison Park. Everton surprised me by winning 1-0 at Tottenham last weekend with their new signings settling in to live in the EPL well. I’m going for a home win in this game as West Brom’s woes continue.
Prediction: Everton to win

Leeds v Fulham

Both these newly-promoted side began their campaigns with losses although they were in very contrasting manners. Leeds earned rave reviews for their bravery in losing 4-3 at Liverpool while Fulham were hammered 3-0 at home by Arsenal. I fancy Leeds in this contest, especially if they can replicate the way they pressed Liverpool at every opportunity. Leeds are better equipped than Fulham to avoid relegation this season and they should be too strong for the Cottagers.

Prediction: Leeds to win

Manchester Utd v Crystal Palace

The question that needs answering in this contest is which Palace side will turn up? Will it be the won that somehow 1-0 at Southampton despite being outplayed in all key areas or will it be the side that ended last season with one point from their last eight games? As for United, will they be able to start the season with a win like they did last season when they opened their season with a 4-0 win over Chelsea. I expect United will prove too strong for Palace with a home win most likely.

Prediction: Manchester United to win

Arsenal v West Ham

It may be early in the season, but Arsenal host West Ham as the league leaders after making light work of Fulham a week ago. The Hammers slipped up to Newcastle at home in their opener and will be looking to register their first win of the season at the Emirates. The smart money would be on Arsenal to make it back-to-back wins and continue to set the early season pace.

Prediction: Arsenal to win 

Southampton v Tottenham

Both these sides lost their openers 1-0 last weekend, and neither side will want to be stuck on zero points after two games. Tottenham looked lethargic losing to Everton but the imminent return of Gareth Bale on a loan from Real Madrid should be the boost Spurs need to kickstart their season. Saints shouldn’t be dismissed, and they will make it a difficult game and the bet that could land in this game is under 2.5 goals.

Prediction: Under 2.5 total goals

Newcastle v Brighton

Newcastle welcome Brighton for the Magpies’ first home game of the season and after beating West Ham last weekend, optimism will be high of making it two wins from two. Brighton are looking to bounce back from their opening day loss to Chelsea in a game that produced four goals. Don’t expect that many in this game as this could be a low-scoring game. For that reason, I am going for under 2.5 total goals.

Prediction: Under 2.5 total goals

Chelsea v Liverpool

We haven’t have to wait long for the first blockbuster of the season with Chelsea taking on the champions at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have invested heavily in their squad with the addition of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell. Chelsea looked better in their opening day win at Brighton while Liverpool looked shaky in defense by newly-promoted Leeds. It’s difficult to see who comes out on top, but their is enough quality on both sides for over 2.5 total goals to land.

Prediction: Over 2.5 total goals

Leicester v Burnley

This is Burnley’s opening game of the season and it’s a tough one as they travel to Leicester who opened their campaign with a 3-0 win last weekend at West Brom. Four of the last five meetings between these two sides have ended 2-1 with both sides winning twice. Chris Wood has scored in three of the last five meetings including both meetings last season. But I’d be inclined to go for under 2.5 total goals in this contest.

Prediction: Under 2.5 total goals

Aston Villa v Sheffield Utd

Both these sides survived the drop in their first season back in the Premier League last season, with United setting the standard with a top 10 finish. Villa left it late to secure their place in the top flight and neither of these sides could be described as prolific goalscoring sides which is why I believe there will be under 2.5 total goals scored at Villa Park on Monday night.

Prediction: Under 2.5 total goals

Wolves v Man City

Manchester City have had to wait until the second round of games to lift the curtain on their season. And they will have to wait a little longer to get under way as their trip to Wolves is the final fixture of the weekend. Wolves managed to win both meetings against City last season which derailed Pep Guardiola’s hopes of winning the title. If Wolves win, it will send a message to the rest of the league that they can mount a title charge. The outcome is up for grabs but this has the potential to be a high-scoring game with over 2.5 total goals.

Prediction: Over 2.5 total goals

Spreadknowledge tips for EPL’s midweek matches

Watford v Man City
This is a fixture that haunts Watford simply because they have lost the last two meetings with Manchester City by a combined score of 14-0. A 6-0 victory in last season’s FA Cup final was embarrassing enough before City went two better to win 8-0 in the first meeting this season at the Etihad. Watford has just sacked their manager Nigel Pearson despite the Hornets winning two of their last three to sit three points clear of the relegation zone. City were 5-0 within 18 minutes of the reverse fixture and after losing their FA Cup semi-final to Arsenal on Saturday, Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to take their frustrations out on somebody. Watford has been warned. Watford has failed to score the first goal in any of their previous eight EPL games while City has opened the scoring in their last three league matches. Since the lockdown, City has scored 12 first half goals to Watford’s one and it’s going to take an incredible effort for the home side to win this game. In the last seven meetings, over 2.5 total goals has paid out and that looks a solid bet in this game with City winning.
Bet: Man City win and over 2.5 total goals

Aston Villa v Arsenal
This game in hand for Aston Villa is the ideal opportunity for them to move level on points with Watford on 34 points and make Sunday’s final day of the season very interesting indeed. Villa has shown signs of improvement in recent games. They have scored first in their last two matches which helped them beat Crystal Palace 2-0, but they could not hold on against Everton in a 1-1 draw when Everton equalised in the 87th minute which has been a trend for Villa since the league restarted. Seven of the 10 goals Villa has conceded have come in the final 30 minutes of matches. One of Arsenal’s two goals to beat Manchester City came in the final third so Villa will need to be on their guard for a late surge from the Gunners whose best hope of qualifying for European football next season will be to win the FA Cup. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 17 league and cup away games against Villa and they have won the last seven meetings. Five of those seven were won to nil.
Bet: Both teams to score

Manchester United v West Ham
This is Manchester United’s biggest game of the season by a long way. Victory and they will climb above Leicester with a three points gap. Defeat and United and Leicester meet at the King Power Stadium level on 62 points in their battle to secure fourth spot and the final Champions League berth. United could climb to third if they beat West Ham and Chelsea loses at Liverpool. As for West Ham, the 37 points they currently have could be enough to ensure they are playing in next season’s EPL. If Aston Villa drop any points from their last two games, then the Hammers will be safe. West Ham’s recent revival in which they have taken 10 points from their last five matches, has seen them get to half-time in their last six games either winning or drawing. The last time West Ham won at Old Trafford came in May 2007 and since then, they have not one of any of their last 14 visits to the Theatre of Dreams. United, still smarting from their FA Cup semi-final defeat, has scored in both halves and won both halves in five of their last six league games. West Ham could look to do what Bournemouth and Southampton and take the game to their hosts and open the scoring. United will look to attack at every opportunity and after resting Paul Pogba against Chelsea, he should return to join Bruno Fernandes in United’s midfield.
Bet: Both teams to score

Liverpool v Chelsea
Tonight, after a 28-year wait, Liverpool get their hands on the Premier League trophy. They clinched their 19th domestic titles a couple of weeks ago, but only now will their coronation be confirmed when they are presented the trophy after this fixture with Chelsea. Chelsea may be invited to the party, but they will be keen to play the role of party poopers at Anfield. A win and Frank Lampard’s side will be guaranteed a place in next season’s Champions League. Defeat and it comes down to the final game of the season at home to Wolves on Sunday. While Liverpool are the champions, they haven’t exactly been playing like champions with just one point taken from their last two EPL games. When the two sides meet, a total of 344 days will have passed since the season’s first meeting in the European Super Cup on August 14. Liverpool will hope to maintain a remarkable record of not conceding a goal in the final 10 minutes which they have managed to do in their previous 23 league matches. This could and should be an open game if Liverpool want to mark their trophy presentation with a win. Chelsea has the players to hurt Liverpool which means there could be goals for both sides.
Bet: Both teams to score

Spreadknowledge betting tips for the EPL

Watford v Leicester 
Watford are fighting to stay out of the bottom three while Leicester have their sights on ending the campaign in second spot. The Foxes go into this game with an impressive half-time record this campaign. In their last 10 EPL matches, Leicester have not trailed at the interval – leading four times and being tied in the other six. Watford have not led at the break in their last three league games. Brendan Rodgers’ side have not conceded a first half goal in their last seven league encounters while the home side have gone three league games without finding the net in the first half.
Prediction: Leicester to lead at half-time
Brighton v Arsenal 
Arsenal’s return to action on Wednesday was going to plan for 44 minutes at Manchester City. The game was goalless but two errors from David Luiz either side of half-time took the game away from them. It ended their eight-game unbeaten run and they will hope to bounce back at Brighton who are without a win in their last nine league games. Neither side is used to going into the half-time interval ahead on the scoreboard. Wednesday’s defeat was Arsenal’s sixth game in which they have not been leading at the break (four ties and losing twice) while Brighton have not led in their last six EPL matches (losing three times, level three times). Arsenal cannot afford to lose this game and I expect changes to be made to the starting line-up that should win by two or more goals.
Prediction: Tie at half-time 
West Ham v Wolves
If West Ham manager David Moyes has done his homework during the lockdown, then he will know how slow Wolves have been to start matches this season. Of their last 13 league games, Wolves have scored the first goal just once. The last time they opened the scoring in an away fixture was on December 8 at Brighton. Since then, their last six journeys to opposition grounds have seen them fail to score first. West Ham, who have taken four points from their last two home games, have been first to register on the scoreboard in each of them. Incidentally, three of the last five league games Wolves have played were goalless draws. West Ham haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last 10 matches since beating Bournemouth 4-0 on January 1.
Prediction: West Ham to score the first goal
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
Don’t be surprised if Crystal Palace win this game 1-0. Palace’s last three EPL games before the break were 1-0 victories against Newcastle, Brighton and Watford – all sides 13th in the standings or lower. This is a match-up between Roy Hodgson’s well-organised Palace side and Eddie Howe’s squad of players who are in the middle of the relegation battle. Another bet that might land is Palace to win the second half. Of their last 15 goals scored, 11 have come after the interval, while the home side have been outscored 6-17 in the second half. Bournemouth have scored nine goals in their last 10 EPL contests and if that scoring does not improve, they could be playing in the second tier of English football next season.
Prediction: Palace to win to nil
Newcastle v Sheffield United 
Sheffield United were denied a comeback win at Aston Villa on Wednesday night when they were denied a legitimate goal just before half-time due to a technical fault with the goalline technology which failed to see Villa keeper Orjan Nyland carry the ball over the line. The two points they missed out on at the end of their 0-0 draw could be the difference between qualifying for next season’s Champions League and settling for a spot in the Europa League. Newcastle has drawn their last two home games 0-0 and another goalless draw should not be a surprise too many people. Steve Bruce’s side has managed to score just once in their last four at St James’ Park while the Blades have not given up the first goal in their last three matches and they have kept their opponents to nil in their last two.
Prediction: Under 2.5 total goals 
Aston Villa v Chelsea 
Dean Smith’s side will hope Lady Luck stays with them for the remainder of the season after getting a fortuitous break against Sheffield United on Wednesday. That was the eighth successive EPL game in which Villa had not led at half-time. Technology helped them break a run of seven games in which they had trailed at the interval. Chelsea went into lockdown buoyed by their 4-0 win over Everton at Stamford Bridge. It was the third consecutive match in which Chelsea scored the first goal. Can Villa finally open the scoring for the first time in eight home games? Aston Villa’s second half performances could decide the outcome of this encounter. The Villans have been outscored 6-19 after half-time which could be a weakness Chelsea will exploit.
Prediction: Chelsea to win the second half 
Everton v Liverpool 
The good news for Everton is that Liverpool cannot win their 18th domestic league title at Goodison Park. The bad news for Everton is that they haven’t beaten their Merseyside neighbours in 21 attempts. However, the Toffees have Carlo Ancelotti in charge of them now who has already inflicted defeat on the league leaders this season when he guided Napoli to victory in the Champions League. The stat that jumps out from this game is the impressive half-time records of both sides. Everton have not trailed at the interval in their last 11 home EPL matches while Jurgen Klopp’s side has not been behind at the break in their last eight league games away from Anfield. Nine of the last 17 meetings have finished in a tie (+320) which would not be the worst result for either of these two sides.
Prediction: Draw at half-time
Manchester City v Burnley 
Matchday 30 concludes with Burnley’s trip to Manchester City on Monday. The Etihad Stadium holds plenty of bad recent memories for the Clarets who have been beaten 5-0 on their last two visits. In fact, City have scored five goals in four of their last nine home games with Burnley in a fixture that generally produces a lot of goals. Since the last goalless draw in October 1975, a total of 46 goals have been scored in the 10 meetings at Maine Road and the Etihad with City scoring 36 of them. While City have dominated this fixture in recent years, Burnley won’t make life easy for their hosts. In their last six EPL games, Burnley has failed to give up the first goal. However, with just three first half goals scored in their last 17 league matches, the visitors cannot afford to fall behind to a City side that has taken maximum points in the seven games in which they have scored the first goal.
Prediction: Manchester City HT/FT double