English Premier League Betting Preview, Saturday 3 May
As we head into another busy Saturday of Premier League action, a handful of matches stand out as particularly intriguing from a betting point of view. Below are a few of the fixtures I’ve highlighted, along with some thoughts and suggested markets worth considering.
While the title race may be settled, there’s still plenty of value to be found across the remaining fixtures—whether you’re eyeing form trends, goal stats, or team motivation. For more betting angles, including outrights and specialty markets, be sure to check out the link below.
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ASTON VILLA v FULHAM – Click here to bet
Saturday’s early Premier League clash sees Aston Villa host Fulham at Villa Park, with both sides still harbouring hopes of European football next season. While Villa will be looking to respond after a difficult couple of weeks, Fulham arrive buoyed by their recent return to winning ways.
Unai Emery’s side come into this one on the back of a disappointing 3-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace at Wembley, their second consecutive loss in all competitions. That dip in form has seen them slip to 7th in the table with 57 points—three off the top six—with just four league matches remaining.
Despite recent setbacks, Villa remain a force at home. They’ve picked up 34 points from 17 matches at Villa Park (W9, D7, L1) and are unbeaten in their last 19 home games across all competitions, including six straight wins. Offensively, they’ve been prolific in the EPL, scoring 54 goals this season, but their leaky defence (49 conceded) means goals are rarely in short supply. In fact, 24 of their 34 matches have featured three or more goals, including 11 of their 17 home games.
Fulham, meanwhile, reignited their campaign last weekend with a 2-1 win away at Southampton, bouncing back from back-to-back defeats. Marco Silva’s men now sit 8th on 51 points, six behind Villa, and while a top-six finish is a tall order, they’re still in with a shout—especially if English clubs succeed in Europe and open up additional qualification spots.
The Cottagers have had a steady season, winning 14, drawing 9 and losing 11. They’ve scored 50 goals and conceded 46, and have proven more than capable on the road—securing 25 points from a possible 51 (W7, D4, L6). Their away form includes notable wins over the likes of Newcastle and Chelsea, and they’ll look to test Villa’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Head-to-Head
Villa claimed a 3-1 win at Craven Cottage earlier this season and also won by the same scoreline at home last term. The hosts have won each of the last four league meetings between these two, but both teams have scored in the last three encounters—suggesting goals may be on the cards again.
Betting
Aston Villa 8/10
Draw 3/1
Fulham 7/2
Verdict
Aston Villa’s formidable home record and dominant head-to-head record against Fulham make them favourites, despite their recent dip in form. I’m expecting a strong response from Unai Emery’s side after their disappointing FA Cup exit to Crystal Palace — it’s a home win for me.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – Aston Villa at 8/10
EVERTON v IPSWICH – Click here to bet
Everton welcome Ipswich Town to Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon in what feels like a must-win clash for David Moyes’ side—not just to end a difficult run of form, but to mark one of their final appearances at the historic ground with a victory. With this being their penultimate fixture at Goodison before moving to a new stadium next season, the Toffees will be eager to sign off in style. Although their Premier League safety is already assured, they’ll be looking to give the fans something to cheer about against an Ipswich side already relegated.
The hosts come into this one off the back of consecutive defeats without scoring—falling 2-0 to Manchester City and 1-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Their lack of cutting edge has been a recurring theme, and they’ve now scored just twice in their last five league outings.
Currently 15th in the table on 38 points (W8, D14, L12), Everton’s campaign has been defined by tight, low-scoring matches. In fact, 22 of their 34 games this season have seen two goals or fewer. That trend continues at Goodison Park, where they’ve struggled for wins—securing just four victories in 17 attempts (D8, L5). They haven’t won at home since the 1st of February, going six without victory in all competitions (D4, L2) in front of their own fans.
For Ipswich Town, the writing had been on the wall for weeks, and their 3-0 defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park last weekend mathematically confirmed their relegation back to the Championship. It was their seventh defeat in nine matches, with just one win in that stretch—a run that saw them consistently outclassed and lacking bite in attack.
With the pressure now lifted, Kieran McKenna’s side may feel more freedom heading into the final four matches of their Premier League stay. Ipswich have often featured in high-scoring encounters, with 20 of their 34 league games producing three or more goals. That open approach, while entertaining, has ultimately cost them defensively.
Interestingly, Ipswich have been marginally more competitive on the road than at home, picking up 14 of their 21 total points away from Portman Road (W3, D5, L9). Their last three away games have each produced at least three goals, including a surprise 2-1 win at Bournemouth.
Head-to-Head
Everton ran out 2-0 winners when the sides met earlier this season at Portman Road, their first top-flight clash since 2002.
Betting
Everton 8/15
Draw 33/10
Ipswich 11/2
Verdict
Everton’s conservative style and Ipswich’s defensive frailties create an intriguing contrast. While the Toffees haven’t exactly lit up Goodison in recent months, this fixture could present the perfect chance to end their winless run and rediscover their scoring touch. With nothing to lose, Ipswich may take more risks—potentially leading to a more open game than expected.
Suggested Bet: Everton Totals – Over 1.5 at 4/6
ARSENAL v BOURNEMOUTH – Click here to bet
Saturday’s Premier League action wraps up at the Emirates Stadium where Arsenal welcome Bournemouth in what could prove a tricky fixture for the hosts, especially with one eye on their upcoming European assignment. Following their disappointing 1-0 home defeat to PSG in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, the Gunners must now refocus on domestic duties with the return leg in Paris just four days away.
Arsenal’s recent home form has been far from convincing, failing to win any of their last three outings at the Emirates in all competitions. In the league, however, they remain unbeaten in eight matches, though five of those have ended in draws—including a 2-2 result against Crystal Palace last time out.
Despite their recent lack of intent upfront, Arsenal still occupy second spot in the table with 67 points from 34 games (W18, D13, L3), boasting the league’s strongest defence with just 29 goals conceded. With 20 of their league fixtures producing two goals or fewer, low-scoring contests have been a common theme under Mikel Arteta this season.
The Gunners have lost just once at home in the league all season, collecting 36 points from 17 games (W10, D6), but will be keen to end their mini-drought at the Emirates before heading to France in midweek.
Bournemouth arrive in North London in decent form, having held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at home last weekend—their third draw in four games. They’ve gone unbeaten in that stretch, with a 3-1 win over Fulham sandwiched between the stalemates.
Andoni Iraola’s side currently occupy 10th place in the standings with 50 points (W13, D11, L10) and have been one of the more entertaining teams to watch in recent weeks, with both teams scoring in six of their last eight matches.
Their away record has been a highlight this season, placing them among the top five teams in the league for points earned on the road. The Cherries have collected 25 points from 17 away fixtures (W6, D7, L4) and will take confidence from their performances on the road heading into this one.
Head-to-Head
Earlier this season, Bournemouth claimed a surprise 2-0 victory over Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium—their first league win over the Gunners since 2018. However, the last meeting at the Emirates saw Arsenal run out comfortable 3-0 winners in this fixture last season.
Betting
Arsenal 11/10
Draw 26/10
Bournemouth 12/5
Verdict
With the second leg in Paris looming large, Arsenal may opt to manage minutes and rotate their squad accordingly. Bournemouth have shown enough this season—especially on the road—to suggest they can be competitive. The Cherries are well equipped to capitalize on Arsenal’s European distractions, potentially setting the stage for an entertaining clash in London this weekend.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes at 15/20
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
