To kick off this weekend’s Premier League action, I’ve handpicked three key Saturday fixtures, offering insights and betting options for your consideration.
Before we dive into the match previews, let’s take a quick look at the outright markets. Liverpool continue to dominate the title race, holding a commanding 11-point lead over second-place Arsenal. With odds of 1/80, betting on them to secure the trophy offers little value, but there are still other markets worth exploring, which you can find in the link below.
Click here for English Premier League Outright Betting
MANCHESTER CITY v CRYSTAL PALACE – Click here to bet
This Saturday, Manchester City welcomes Crystal Palace to the Etihad Stadium in a fixture that carries growing urgency for the reigning champions. After dropping crucial points in last weekend’s goalless Manchester Derby at Old Trafford, the Citizens find themselves under pressure to bounce back and reassert themselves in the race for European qualification.
City’s 0-0 draw against Manchester United not only cost them momentum but also saw Newcastle United leapfrog them in the standings. Now sitting in 6th place with 52 points from 31 matches (15 wins, 7 draws, and 9 defeats), Pep Guardiola’s men must respond swiftly to avoid further damage to their European hopes. For a club of City’s stature, failing to qualify for continental competition would be nothing short of catastrophic.
Their home form has been patchy by their usual lofty standards. While City have amassed 30 points at the Etihad this season (9 wins, 3 draws, 3 defeats), they’ve been far from invincible. However, recent home performances offer a glimmer of optimism — a 2-2 draw with Brighton followed by a composed 2-0 victory over Leicester City suggests the fortress may be regaining its walls.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have found their rhythm at just the right time — again. Unbeaten in their last five Premier League outings (4 wins and a draw), the Eagles appear to be replicating last season’s strong finish. Their most recent triumph — a hard-fought 2-1 victory over rivals Brighton — further underlined their momentum and confidence under Oliver Glasner. Currently 11th with 43 points from 30 matches (11 wins, 10 draws, 9 defeats), Palace are comfortably in mid-table, albeit ten points off European contention with a game in hand.
Palace’s away record is particularly impressive. They’re unbeaten in their last ten Premier League away matches (6 wins, 4 draws), a run that stretches back to October of last year. Even more notable is their recent history at the Etihad — Palace secured a point on their last visit to Manchester, and they’ll be quietly confident of doing so again, especially given City’s relative vulnerability this season.
Head-to-Head
Manchester City are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Crystal Palace, recording three wins and three draws during that run. Earlier this season, the sides shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park. Palace also managed to take a point from their trip to the Etihad last season, with that encounter ending in the same 2-2 scoreline.
Betting
Manchester City 11/20
Draw 15/4
Crystal Palace 9/2
Verdict
Manchester City will be desperate to make a statement and stay within touching distance of the top four, but they’re coming up against a Palace side that travels well and relishes the underdog role. Expect City to dominate possession and create chances, but don’t rule out a stubborn resistance from Glasner’s men, who have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes at 7/10
NOTTINGHAM FOREST v EVERTON – Click here to bet
Nottingham Forest’s remarkable campaign hit a slight speed bump last weekend as they fell 2-1 to Aston Villa at Villa Park. It was a rare off-day for Nuno Espírito Santo’s high-flying side, who had previously looked almost untouchable in recent weeks. Despite the loss, the Tricky Trees remain firmly in third place, four points ahead of Chelsea, with 57 points to their name.
With just seven games remaining, the dream of European football — and potentially Champions League qualification — is tantalisingly close. But Forest know they can’t afford to let complacency creep in. Hot on their heels are Newcastle United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa, all eyeing a coveted top-four spot. Every point matters now, and Forest must dig deep if they’re to hold their ground in what’s shaping up to be a thrilling run-in.
Thankfully for the hosts, they return to the comfort of the City Ground this weekend — a venue that has been a true stronghold. With 9 wins, 4 draws, and just 2 defeats at home this season, Forest have collected an impressive 31 points from a possible 45 on home soil. They are currently unbeaten in nine consecutive league matches at the City Ground, last suffering defeat there in November — a 3-1 reverse to Newcastle United.
Their visitors this Saturday are a resurgent Everton side who are starting to show signs of late-season grit. The Toffees earned a valuable 1-1 draw against Arsenal last time out and have now lost just once in their last eight Premier League matches. That stretch, however, includes six draws and only one win, highlighting Everton’s recent struggles to convert performances into victories.
Sitting 15th on the table with 35 points, David Moyes’ side appear to be safely clear of danger, holding a substantial 15-point cushion over 18th-placed Ipswich Town. With just seven matches remaining, it’s unlikely the Toffees will be overly concerned about relegation. Instead, their focus may now shift toward finishing the season strongly and perhaps laying down a foundation for next year under Moyes’ guidance.
On the road, Everton have been competitive if not spectacular. They’ve averaged a point per game away from Goodison Park this season (W3, D6, L6) and had put together a four-match unbeaten run on their travels (2 wins, 2 draws) before losing 1-0 to Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby.
Head-to-Head
Nottingham Forest secured all three points in this season’s reverse fixture at Goodison Park, winning 2-0. However, it was Everton who came out on top in last season’s meeting at the City Ground with a narrow 1-0 victory. Forest have failed to beat Everton in each of their last four home league encounters.
Betting
Nottingham Forest 23/20
Draw 23/10
Everton 28/10
Verdict
Everton’s resilience deserves credit, but Nottingham Forest’s home form has been outstanding, and with the top four race tightening, this feels like a must-win fixture for Nuno’s men. Expect a cagey battle early on, but Forest’s energy, home support, and urgency in front of goal should ultimately tip the balance.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – Nottingham Forest at 23/20
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ARSENAL v BRENTFORD – Click here to bet
Our final selection for Saturday takes us to the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal host Brentford in an early evening London derby. The Gunners come into this one riding the wave of a sensational midweek performance, having dismantled defending champions Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. It was arguably one of Arsenal’s most complete European displays in recent memory — a result that has sent shockwaves across the continent and boosted belief in their credentials both at home and abroad.
However, while celebrations were justified, there’s little time for reflection. Mikel Arteta’s side were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Everton last weekend in the Premier League, and with the return leg at the Bernabéu looming on Wednesday, all eyes will be on how Arsenal manage their squad in the interim. Fortunately, the healthy three-goal cushion may allow Arteta to field a strong side on Saturday without risking fatigue for his key players.
Domestically, Arsenal have been formidable at the Emirates this season, suffering just one league defeat on home turf. With two recent London derby wins already under their belt — a 2-1 win over Fulham and a 1-0 triumph over Chelsea — the Gunners will be confident of dispatching Brentford as they continue their pursuit of a top-two finish.
Brentford, meanwhile, arrive in North London with pride and resilience. Thomas Frank’s men have exceeded expectations this campaign, sitting 12th in the table with 42 points to their name. A goalless draw against Chelsea last time out ensured their steady form continued, even if it lacked much in the goal scoring department.
While European qualification is mathematically still possible, the Bees find themselves 11 points adrift with only 21 left to play for — making it an unlikely target. Motivation may be harder to muster at this stage, but bragging rights in a derby clash will certainly be enough to get the juices flowing.
Notably, Brentford’s away form has been impressive of late. They’ve suffered just one defeat in their last seven on the road, collecting five wins and a draw. Victories over Crystal Palace, West Ham, and Bournemouth highlight their ability to grind out results — though it’s worth noting that their last trip to a top-five side ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Match day 30.
Head-to-Head
Arsenal have recorded four consecutive victories over Brentford in all competitions, including a commanding 3-1 win in this season’s reverse fixture at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Betting
Arsenal 6/10
Draw 33/10
Brentford 9/2
Verdict
Arsenal are flying high right now and should carry the confidence from their midweek master class into this London derby. Brentford won’t be pushovers and their away record is solid, but this is a different level of test. Expect Arteta’s men to keep one eye on Madrid but still do enough to get the job done in front of their fans.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – Arsenal at 6/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
