Kicking off this weekend’s EPL action, we’ve handpicked three Saturday fixtures, providing insights and betting options for your consideration.
Before analysing the upcoming fixtures, let’s first take a look at the outright markets. Liverpool appears to have the title all but secured, boasting a 12-point lead over their closest challengers, Arsenal. With odds of 1/60, backing them to win the league offers little value, but there are still other markets worth exploring.
For those seeking value beyond the outright winner, the ‘Top 4’ market offers intriguing possibilities. Newcastle United is just one point off the top four with a game in hand on their nearest competitors. Considering their impressive season so far, odds of 2/1 for the Magpies to secure a Champions League spot could be worth a look.
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EVERTON v ARSENAL – Click here to bet
Despite showing resilience in the first half against Liverpool in their latest outing, Everton’s inability to convert chances after the break proved costly, as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at Anfield. That loss ended their six-match unbeaten run under David Moyes, leaving them 15th in the table with 34 points (W7, D13, L10), though they remain comfortably 14 points clear of the relegation zone.
This weekend, Everton return to Goodison Park for an early kick-off against Arsenal, aiming to end a run of three consecutive home draws. With little at stake in terms of league position, the Toffees will still see this as an opportunity to claim a big scalp, particularly given their strong recent record against Arsenal, having lost just once in their last six meetings.
Arsenal, meanwhile, travel to Merseyside on the back of a 2-1 victory over Fulham at the Emirates, their 17th league win of the campaign. That result took them to 61 points, cementing their position in 2nd place (W17, D10, L3).
Last season’s victory at Goodison Park was Arsenal’s first in six visits, highlighting the difficulties they have historically faced at this venue. However, they have been solid on the road of late, picking up five points from a possible nine in their last three away fixtures and extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to four matches.
Head-to-Head
Everton have troubled Arsenal in recent years, losing just once in their last six Premier League meetings at Goodison Park. However, the Gunners secured that victory last season with a 1-0 win in this fixture, while the reverse encounter this season ended in a 0-0 draw.
Betting
Everton 9/2
Draw 26/10
Arsenal 8/11
Verdict
With three consecutive draws at Goodison Park, Everton cannot be underestimated heading into Saturday’s game. While Arsenal’s steady away form suggests they could grind out a result, I’m not convinced it will be all three points. Expect a competitive encounter with limited goalmouth action.
Suggested Bet: Totals and Both Teams to Score – Under 2.5 and No at 19/20
CRYSTAL PALACE v BRIGHTON – Click here to bet
Crystal Palace salvaged a dramatic late point in midweek, with Matheus França’s 92nd-minute equalizer securing a 1-1 draw away to Southampton. However, given their strong form leading up to that fixture, the result was somewhat underwhelming. Prior to their trip to St. Mary’s, Palace had won five consecutive matches across all competitions, making the draw against a side with the league’s worst home record a slight disappointment. Nevertheless, the Eagles remain 12th in the table with 40 points (W10, D10, L9).
Returning to Selhurst Park this Saturday, Palace will be determined to get back to winning ways. Encouragingly, they have been solid at home in recent weeks, winning back-to-back league matches while scoring five goals and conceding just once. With the season nearing its conclusion, Oliver Glasner’s men will be eager to finish strongly like they did last campaign.
Brighton, on the other hand, suffered a setback in midweek, falling to a heavy 3-0 home defeat against Aston Villa. That loss ended a promising run of four league wins and a draw in their previous five outings, leaving them 8th in the standings with 47 points. The Seagulls had been pushing for European contention, but the defeat to Villa was a blow to their ambitions.
Despite Wednesday’s disappointment, Brighton can take confidence from their recent away performances. They remain unbeaten in their last two league matches on the road, having secured a resounding 4-0 victory over Southampton before earning a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad. Fabian Hurzeler’s side will look to bounce back and reaffirm their credentials in London this weekend.
Head-to-Head
Earlier this season, Crystal Palace secured a 3-1 victory away from home in the reverse fixture, while last season’s encounter ended in a 1-1 draw. However, Brighton have lost just once in their last seven meetings with Palace, recording two wins, four draws, and one defeat.
Betting
Crystal Palace 29/20
Draw 5/2
Brighton 37/20
Verdict
Palace’s strong home form and Brighton’s recent defensive lapses make this a compelling contest. While the Eagles have momentum at Selhurst Park, the Seagulls’ attacking quality ensures they remain a threat. I quite like the look of goals here, with both teams expected to get on the scoresheet.
Suggested Bet: Totals and Both Teams to Score – Over 2.5 and Yes at 19/20
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ASTON VILLA v NOTTINGHAM FOREST – Click here to bet
Aston Villa enter this weekend’s clash full of confidence after an emphatic 3-0 victory away to Brighton in midweek. That result not only secured back-to-back league wins but also extended their remarkable run of six consecutive victories across all competitions. With 48 points from 30 matches (W13, D9, L8), Unai Emery’s side remains firmly in the race for European qualification, currently sitting in 7th place.
Villa now face a challenging fixture against high-flying Nottingham Forest, followed just four days later by a crucial Champions League quarter-final first-leg trip to Paris Saint-Germain. Managing player fitness will be a key concern for Emery, but with Villa Park proving to be a fortress—boasting an unbeaten run of 16 league matches (W10, D6) on home soil—the hosts will be eager to maintain their impressive form.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, continued their excellent campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Tuesday, marking their third successive league win. It’s been a remarkable turnaround for the Tricky Trees, who narrowly avoided relegation last season but now find themselves in third place, accumulating 57 points from 30 matches (W17, D6, L7) and firmly in contention for a Champions League spot.
Heading to Villa Park, Forest will look to extend their six-game unbeaten run and capitalize on any potential distractions Villa may have due to their European commitments. However, they will be wary of last season’s heavy defeat at this venue and will need to improve their recent away form, having managed just three points from their last four league outings on the road—their sole victory in that period coming against struggling Ipswich.
Head-to-Head
With two wins each in their last four meetings, these sides have been evenly matched, with both winning their respective home fixtures. Earlier this season, Forest secured a 2-1 victory, while last season’s encounter at Villa Park ended in a 4-2 win for Aston Villa.
Betting
Aston Villa 11/10
Draw 26/10
Nottingham Forest 5/2
Verdict
Villa’s home record has been outstanding, and while Forest arrive in good form, their away struggles remain a concern. The hosts should have the edge to secure a result, though Forest’s attacking threat suggests they could still get on the scoresheet.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Both Teams to Score – Aston Villa/Draw and Yes at 11/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
