With two EPL fixtures taking place this week, let’s analyze both games and suggest a bet for each one.
Manchester City’s continued dominance is reflected in their shortened odds, now standing at 37/10, with Arsenal following closely at 22/10, and Liverpool trailing at 200/1.
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THURSDAY 2 MAY
CHELSEA v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR– Click here to bet
Chelsea face old foes Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge this Thursday, hoping to end this season’s miserable campaign with their heads held high. Despite drawing 2-2 away to Aston Villa over the weekend, it has been a forgettable season for the Blues, knowing that they are effectively out of contention for European competition. With five games remaining and a maximum of 15 points available, they would need a miracle, considering that Spurs have the same number of games left to play and maintain a 12-point buffer over their London rivals. Spurs are just one team among many that Chelsea must surpass to qualify for Europe. Currently 9th on the table, Chelsea can move ahead of West Ham and claim 8th place if they secure maximum points against Tottenham this week. At home, the Blues have had a decent campaign, securing 8 wins, 4 draws, and suffering 4 losses at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have averaged 2.18 goals per game at home this season, with over 2.5 goals arriving in 62.5% of those encounters (10 out of 16)
Over the past weekend, football fans were treated to a thrilling North London derby, which proved to be a spectacle for many neutrals. Tottenham Hotspur unfortunately suffered a 3-2 loss at home, allowing Arsenal to maintain their momentum in the race for this season’s title showdown against Manchester City. Under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have already achieved the same number of points they obtained last season, hoping to end the season by securing their place in Europe. Currently occupying 5th position on the table, Tottenham trails 7 points behind Aston Villa. They are aware that capitalizing on their two games in hand could be crucial in challenging Villa for the final Champions League spot next season. Despite their challenges, Tottenham has shown consistency away from home, with 6 wins, 6 draws, and 4 losses on the road.
Tottenham Hotspur have averaged 1.93 goals per game this season away from home, with over 2.5 goals arriving in 75% of those encounters (12 out of 16)
Head to Head
Chelsea won the reverse fixture 4-1 earlier this season with both teams having to settle for a 2-2 in this fixture last season.
Verdict
With consecutive victories at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea appear to be gaining momentum. Meanwhile, Spurs have struggled in their recent matches, suffering back-to-back losses and last securing maximum points on the road on the 10th of March. Although Spurs have more to gain from this encounter, being a London derby, they can expect no favours from the hosts. Home win for me
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Chelsea to win at 12/10
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FRIDAY 3 MAY
LUTON TOWN v EVERTON– Click here to bet
Luton Town will host Everton at Kenilworth Road this Friday, hoping to climb out of the bottom three for the first time since November. The Hatters have faced challenges, with missed opportunities contributing to their current predicament. A recent 2-1 loss away to Wolves at Molineux Stadium has further complicated matters, leaving them with a significant task ahead. Currently trailing Nottingham Forest by a point, Luton will have a crucial opportunity on Friday to exit the relegation zone, knowing that anything less than a win will not suffice. However, their home form has been less than inspiring, with just 4 points from a possible 15 in their last five league matches at Kenilworth Road. Overall, they have managed only 4 wins, 3 draws, and suffered 10 losses at home.
Luton Town have averaged 1.47 goals per game at home this season, with over 2.5 goals arriving in 70.58% of those encounters (12 out of 17)
Everton have once again pulled off a great escape, despite being docked points on two separate occasions this season. The Toffees have been in inspiring form recently, securing 12 points from a possible 15 in their last 5 league matches. Their hard-fought 1-0 win over Brentford at Goodison Park over the weekend ensured their place next season. However, manager Sean Dyche has emphasized the need for major changes, stating that survival in top flight football was just the first step in rebuilding the club to greater heights. Despite their recent heroics, Everton have relied heavily on home performances, as they last achieved maximum points away from home on the 16th of December last year having registered 5 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses to date.
Everton have averaged 0.94 goals per game this season away from home, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 52.94% of those encounters (9 out of 17)
Head-to-Head
Luton Town won the reverse fixture earlier this season 2-1, as well as their encounter in the FA Cup this season, with the same score line away from home
Verdict
While Everton may have gained momentum leading into this encounter, one has to question how much of that has been diminished among the players, considering they have already secured their place for next season. Despite their recent home form, which may appear promising, Everton’s struggles away from home this season cannot be overlooked. Luton Town managed to defeat Everton 2-1 on two separate occasions away from home. Given Luton’s desperate need for maximum points, the hosts could capitalize, making it 3 wins out of 3 against Everton this season.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Luton Town at 16/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change