We take a look at all four Premier League fixtures taking place this Saturday where we suggest a bet in each one.
Before we proceed, let’s take a look at the outright markets for the English Premier League. With both the Reds and the Gunners imploding last week, Manchester City have firmed as 4/10 favourites to defend their title. Arsenal is currently offered at 4/1, followed by Liverpool at 6/1. The rest of the field is priced at 1000/1 or better.
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EVERTON v NOTTINGHAM FOREST– Click here to bet
Having narrowly avoided relegation last season, Everton finds themselves on a similar precarious path once again, with just two points separating them from the relegation zone. Fortunately, they have a game in hand, which could be crucial come the season’s end. Currently sitting 16th on the table, Everton faces Nottingham Forest at home after suffering a heavy 6-0 defeat to Chelsea. Manager Sean Dyche will need to quickly shift their focus to Saturday’s match, realizing its importance as they face fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest, who sit just below them in the standings. Everton has performed better away from home this season, with just four wins, four draws, and seven losses at Goodison Park, so they’ll need to elevate their performance to secure a positive result this weekend.
Everton have averaged 1.06 goals per game at home this season, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 66.6% of those encounters (10 out of 15)
Nottingham Forest can relate to Everton’s misery, having been penalized four points this season due to financial fair play. Currently positioned 17th on the table, with just one point separating the two teams, this fixture holds significant importance in the broader context of the league. Under the leadership of former Wolves head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, Nottingham Forest appears more settled despite a mid-season change in leadership. They head into this crucial match after a 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers over the weekend. However, Forest’s away form has been far from convincing, with just two wins, four draws, and ten defeats on the road. Addressing this will be crucial if they aim to secure anything from this fixture.
Nottingham Forest have averaged 1.06 goals per game this season away from home, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 60% of those encounters (9 out of 16)
Head to Head
Everton won the reverse fixture 1-0 earlier this season with both teams settling for a point in a 1-1 draw in this fixture last season.
Verdict
This match holds significant importance, and it’s difficult to predict the outcome. Everton secured a win in their last home game at Goodison Park, which could work in their favour, especially considering Nottingham Forest’s poor away form. Home ground advantage may indeed prove to be the deciding factor in the end.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Everton at 21/20
ASTON VILLA v BOURNEMOUTH– Click here to bet
Unai Emery’s achievements at Aston Villa have been nothing short of remarkable, especially considering the club’s budget and available talent compared to others. Their performance last week away to Arsenal, securing a 2-0 victory at the Emirates, was particularly impressive given the difficulty of earning points there. This result has propelled them to 4th place in what seems like a close battle for the final Champions League spot next season. However, Villa must remain grounded, as they have played one more game than Spurs, who are currently in 5th place. With just three points separating the two teams, the race is wide open. Villa will host Bournemouth at Villa Park this Sunday, full of confidence, having amassed 35 points out of a possible 48 at home—an impressive record that sets the tone for what Bournemouth will face on the day.
Aston Villa have averaged 2.5 goals per game at home this season, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 66.6% of those encounters (10 out of 16)
Under Andoni Iraola’s leadership, Bournemouth looks set to secure another season in top-flight football, currently placed 13th on the table. The Cherries travel to Villa Park following a 2-2 draw against Manchester United, where they held the lead twice but were unlucky not to secure the win. Despite dominating in shots, they had to settle for a draw. Bournemouth has been inconsistent away from home, as evidenced by their recent 2-1 defeat to Luton. Their away record stands at five wins, three draws, and seven defeats so far.
Bournemouth have averaged 1.6 goals per game this season away from home, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 60% of those encounters (9 out of 15)
Head to Head
The reverse fixture resulted in an entertaining 2-2 draw earlier this season with Aston Villa comfortably beating Bournemouth 3-0 in this fixture last season.
Verdict
Aston Villa has transformed Villa Park into a formidable fortress this season, with momentum in their favour and Champions League qualification still up for grabs. Given their strong home form and the uncertainty surrounding Champions League spots, a home win seems probable in this scenario.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Aston Villa at 8/10
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CRYSTAL PALACE v WEST HAM– Click here to bet
What a weekend it was for Crystal Palace last week; they certainly shook things up in the title race by travelling to Anfield and securing maximum points with a 1-0 victory over Liverpool. Few would have given the Eagles a chance given the stakes for the Reds, but they defied the odds. This result places Crystal Palace in 14th spot on the table, eight points ahead of the relegation zone with a game in hand. They will be quietly optimistic about securing another season in the EPL. This Sunday, they face London rivals West Ham at Selhurst Park, hoping to replicate last week’s heroics. However, their home form has shown some concerns, with seven points in their last five home games, bringing their total tally to four wins, four draws, and seven losses to date.
Crystal Palace have averaged 1.4 goals per game at home this season, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 66.6% of those encounters (10 out of 15)
West Ham heads to Selhurst Park aiming to revive their season. The absence of their influential leader, Jarrod Bowen, due to injury has been felt, but there’s hope as he was seen training with the team during the week, hinting at a possible return this weekend. However, last week’s 2-0 loss to Fulham dropped West Ham to 8th place on the table, making their European aspirations seem distant with just five games remaining. Traveling shouldn’t pose much of an issue as they face London rivals Palace on Sunday. With an impressive away record of seven wins, two draws, and seven losses, this match promises to be an intriguing one to watch.
West Ham have averaged 1.62 goals per game this season away from home, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 60% of those encounters (9 out of 16)
Head to Head
The reverse fixture resulted in a 1-1 draw earlier in the season with Crystal Palace winning 4-3 in this fixture last season.
Verdict
Palace will undoubtedly be full of confidence after securing a major victory last week, and it will be intriguing to see if they can replicate that success this weekend. This fixture has a history of producing plenty of goals, suggesting another exciting encounter could be on the cards. Instead of picking a winner, focusing on the goals market seems prudent, as both teams are expected to contribute to the scoring.
Suggested Bet: Totals and Both Teams to Score, Over 2.5 and yes at 1/1
FULHAM v LIVERPOOL– Click here to bet
Fulham has provided plenty of entertainment this season, even if they don’t always achieve the desired results. Sitting comfortably in 12th place on the table, the Cottagers can now focus on another season in the EPL. Following a well-deserved 2-0 victory over West Ham last weekend, Fulham welcomes Liverpool to Craven Cottage this Sunday, hoping to take advantage of the Reds’ recent dip in form. At home, Fulham has been highly effective, securing nine wins, one draw, and six losses so far.
Fulham have averaged 1.81 goals per game at home this season, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 66.6% of those encounters (10 out of 16)
Last week’s 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace at home was a devastating blow for Liverpool’s title ambitions. Having secured the Carabao Cup earlier in their campaign, Jurgen Klopp’s final season looked destined to go according to plan. However, uncharacteristically struggling for goals, Liverpool have found themselves out of contention at the moment. On the domestic front, Liverpool boast the third-best away record in the league, having registered eight wins, five draws, and just two losses. Currently 3rd on the table and trailing log leaders Man City by two points, the Reds will be fully aware that they can ill afford to drop any further if they are to end their campaign on a high note.
Liverpool have averaged 1.93 goals per game this season away from home, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 60% of those encounters (9 out of 15)
Head to Head
Liverpool won the reverse fixture 4-3 earlier on in the season with both teams sharing the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 draw in this fixture last season.
Verdict
The Reds haven’t been as strong defensively lately, conceding in their last five league games, which Fulham could take advantage of. Fulham scored three goals against Liverpool earlier in the season, so there’s a chance they could score at least twice in an attempt to trouble the visitors once more.
Suggested Bet: Fulham Totals, over 1.5 at 18/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
