With the season drawing to a close, Sunday’s Premier League schedule offers a compelling mix of emotion and ambition. Everton prepare for a historic farewell to Goodison Park, West Ham aim to sign off their home campaign on a high, while Arsenal’s clash with Newcastle could prove decisive in the race for Champions League football. Forest, meanwhile, are not completely out of the woods either in their push for a top-five finish. Below are my thoughts and betting insights for each of Sunday’s fixtures.
Before we dive into Sunday’s match previews, it’s worth noting that there are still several outright markets worth exploring. From the race for the Top 4 and European qualification to end-of-season awards like the Golden Glove, there’s still plenty on the line — and potentially some value to be found. Whether you’re interested in team finishes or individual honours, it could be a good time to take a closer look. Check out the full range of markets at the link below.
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EVERTON V SOUTHAMPTON – Click here to bet
While neither side has anything tangible to play for, there’s still emotional weight behind this fixture, as it marks the very last time Everton will play at their historic home of Goodison Park. Expect a highly charged atmosphere as David Moyes and his side aim to send off the stadium in style in front of the loyal Toffees faithful.
It’s been another rollercoaster season for Everton, one that appeared destined for disaster under Sean Dyche. However, the return of Moyes has brought renewed stability and competitive performances. Now sitting 13th in the table with 42 points, Everton come into this clash off the back of a confident 3-1 away win at Fulham last weekend. That result extended their unbeaten run to two, with four points collected from their last two outings.
At home, Everton have been tricky to beat but frustrating to watch – unbeaten in their last six, but without a win, drawing five of those matches. That said, they’ve faced tough opposition during that run, holding the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal to draws. Overall, they’ve taken 21 points at Goodison this season from 4 wins, 9 draws, and 5 defeats, scoring 24 and conceding 23.
Southampton, on the other hand, have long accepted their fate. With relegation confirmed some time ago, interim manager Simon Rusk at least managed to inspire a spirited performance last weekend, holding Manchester City to a 0-0 draw at St Mary’s. That result halted a run of two consecutive defeats, but the Saints remain winless in 12 league games, with 9 losses and just 3 draws to show for it.
Their away form remains dire – just one win all season on the road, and four losses from their last five trips, all by margins of two or more goals. With only 6 points collected from 18 away games, it’s hard to see how they mount a serious challenge on Sunday.
Head-to-Head
Southampton have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning the reverse fixture 1-0 earlier this season and also triumphing 2-1 at Goodison Park in the 2022/23 campaign. Everton, however, will be eager to flip the script in what is their final-ever match at the historic Goodison Park.
Betting
Everton 4/10
Draw 4/1
Southampton 7/1
Verdict
The Toffees should be fired up, and with Southampton conceding 2+ in each of their last 4 away defeats, expect a few goals in this farewell to Goodison Park.
Suggested Bet: Result and Totals – Everton and Over 2.5 at 11/10
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WEST HAM v NOTTINGHAM FOREST – Click here to bet
West Ham will look to cap off a disappointing domestic season on a positive note when they host Nottingham Forest in their final home fixture of the campaign. With just one league match remaining – an away trip to Ipswich next week – Graham Potter’s men will hope for a good send-off at the London Stadium.
Currently 15th on the table with 40 points from 36 games, the Hammers come into this one buoyed by a 2-0 victory away at Manchester United last weekend – their first league win since February. While United’s focus may have been divided by European commitments, the win should still offer a boost to a West Ham side that has underperformed this season.
At home, the Irons have struggled badly, with just five wins in 18 matches. Their home record ranks among the league’s worst, with only 20 points gathered at the London Stadium, and three consecutive home draws in recent weeks – all of which saw both teams score – summing up their inconsistent form.
Nottingham Forest, by contrast, have had an outstanding season overall, though their recent form threatens to sour the campaign’s conclusion. Currently 7th with 62 points, they remain in contention for a top-five finish and a Champions League place – just one point off 5th. However, they’ve failed to win any of their last three consecutive league encounters, drawing 2-2 with Leicester last weekend.
Still, it’s been a year to remember for the Tricky Trees. With European football already secured, Nuno Espírito Santo’s men can afford to relax slightly — but if their ambitions stretch to a Champions League berth, there’s still work to be done. Their away form has been particularly impressive, boasting the third-best record in the league with nine wins and just six losses on the road. They’ve also picked up seven points from their last four away outings (W2, D1), including a recent 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
Head-to-Head
Forest dominated the reverse fixture with a 3-0 win at the City Ground. However, West Ham edged a five-goal thriller 3-2 the last time these two met at the London Stadium.
Betting
West Ham 18/10
Draw 12/5
Nottingham Forest 31/20
Verdict
West Ham have found the back of the net in each of their last three home games, and Forest have been consistently strong in attack on the road. While this may not be as high-scoring as last season’s thrilling clash, I’m backing both teams to score at attractive odds.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes at 15/20
ARSENAL v NEWCASTLE UNITED – Click here to bet
We close out Sunday’s action with a mouth-watering clash between two sides jostling for a top-three finish, as Arsenal welcome Newcastle United to the Emirates Stadium.
For Arsenal, the season has followed an all-too-familiar pattern – early promise, followed by a late-season fade. Now winless in five matches in all competitions, the Gunners have drawn two and lost three, including a painful Champions League semi-final exit. Last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Anfield keeps them second in the table on 68 points, two ahead of Newcastle.
Mikel Arteta’s men have been solid at the Emirates this season, winning 10 of 18 home matches, drawing 6 and losing 2. They’ve scored 34 and conceded just 17 at home, showcasing their defensive strength – though recent form suggests confidence may be waning.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have been surging. Currently third with 66 points, Eddie Howe’s side are in excellent form, with just one defeat in their last ten matches in all competitions. Their 2-0 win over Chelsea last weekend was their seventh win in ten league outings – a run bettered only by Aston Villa in that stretch.
The Magpies know a win here would leapfrog them above Arsenal and edge them closer to sealing a Champions League spot. Even a draw could prove valuable given their strong goal difference this season. On the road, Newcastle have been consistent, earning 28 points from 18 games (8 wins, 4 draws, 6 losses), scoring 28 and conceding 26. However, they have conceded in each of their last two away outings.
Head-to-Head
Newcastle have dominated this season’s meetings, winning all three encounters — twice by a 2-0 scoreline in the EFL Cup and once 1-0 in the league at St James’ Park. However, Arsenal comfortably won this fixture 4-1 at the Emirates in the Premier League last season.
Betting
Arsenal 1/1
Draw 27/10
Newcastle United 27/10
Verdict
With both sides in strong attacking form, this has all the makings of an entertaining encounter. Arsenal have shown solid defensive numbers at home, but recent form suggests they could be vulnerable, while Newcastle have been clinical in attack. I like both teams to score and for the game to go over 2.5 goals.
Suggested Bet: Totals and Both Teams to Score – Over 2.5 and Yes at 1/1
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