The curtain on this season’s EPL will close this Sunday, and with the title still up for grabs, we take a look at all ten fixtures and suggest a bet for each game.
On the outright front, Manchester City remains firm favourites going into the last day, currently priced as low as 1/12, while Arsenal can be backed at 17/2.
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BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION v MANCHESTER UNITED – Click here to bet
Brighton may not have reached the heights of last season, but they are determined to end their campaign on a positive note and secure a top-half position. This Sunday, they welcome Manchester United to the Amex Stadium. Having gone unbeaten in 14 of their last 18 home league games, they hope to add to the visitors’ miserable campaign.
Manchester United have had a forgettable season by their own high standards, and with European football hanging by a thread, the Red Devils know that anything less than a result away to Brighton would seal their fate. Having lost 14 games in a single season for the first time in their history, this campaign has raised more questions than answers for United. Despite returning to winning ways with a 3-2 midweek victory at home against Newcastle United, they remain under pressure.
Wednesday’s result may give United some belief that European football is still achievable. However, the Amex Stadium has not been a particularly favourable hunting ground for the Red Devils, and with Brighton coming off a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday evening, I’m expecting a response from the hosts.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Brighton at 11/10
CHELSEA v AFC BOURNEMOUTH – Click here to bet
Chelsea will aim to secure their place in Europe next season after obtaining maximum points in a crucial 2-1 win away to Brighton midweek. The Blues have made steady progress from last season, demonstrating significant improvement in both league position and overall performance. This season has served its purpose for them. With Pochettino settling in well during his first season, they aim to build on this foundation and hope for better fortune in the new season.
Bournemouth have also made great strides from last season, improving their position this campaign. The Cherries will be content with their achievements this season, despite back-to-back defeats suggesting they are running on empty. It has been a solid campaign by their standards.
Chelsea should have the upper hand here. The hosts appear to be getting stronger as the season closes, while the Cherries look tired at present. I predict a comfortable home win for Chelsea.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Chelsea -1.5 at 21/20
BURNLEY v NOTTINGHAM FOREST – Click here to bet
The Clarets welcome Nottingham Forest after accepting their fate following last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Spurs. With Championship football looming, Burnley will aim to bounce back swiftly and target a return to the Premier League. Their struggle was evident throughout the season, with just 2 home wins registered. It was always going to be a challenging campaign for the Clarets to stay afloat.
Despite being docked four points due to financial fair play, Nottingham Forest appears safe from relegation, being 3 points clear of nearest rivals Luton Town and boasting a superior goal difference of 12. Although Forest has faced a tough period, losing 3 league matches in their last 4 outings, they can now look forward to another season in top-flight football.
With the hosts possibly aiming to make a statement as they bid farewell to the EPL and the visitors potentially given the freedom to express themselves, goals could feature prominently in what may turn out to be an entertaining game to watch.
Suggested Bet: Totals And Both Teams To Score, Over 2.5 And Yes at 8/11
ARSENAL v EVERTON – Click here to bet
Arsenal host Everton at the Emirates, knowing they can hold their heads high regardless of Sunday’s outcome. The Gunners trail City by 2 points going into the last day and understand that even a win may not secure the title if City perform as expected at home against West Ham. Under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, Arsenal have been a joy to watch and have the consolation of Champions League football to look forward to. Currently on a 5-game winning streak, Arsenal aim to extend it to 6 and hope that fellow Londoners, West Ham can produce something against City.
Everton have performed admirably despite being deducted 8 points due to financial fair play. The Toffees have had a strong run towards the end of the season, currently on an unbeaten run of 5 matches, with 4 wins and 1 draw. With nothing to play for effectively, Everton are likely to employ the style that has proved effective in the latter stages of their campaign.
Everton should keep the Gunners on their toes, but I expect Arsenal’s staunch defence to prevail and secure all 3 points
Suggested Bet: Arsenal To Win To Nil, Yes at 19/20
BRENTFORD FC v NEWCASTLE UNITED – Click here to bet
Having missed out on Europe by just 2 points last season, Brentford have fallen short in comparison this time around. Now positioned towards the bottom end of the table, the Bees will need to assess what went wrong, especially during their mid-season campaign. With safety from relegation assured, they can approach the final day without any last-minute nerves. Despite failing to secure maximum points in their last five head-to-head encounters against Newcastle United, their recent form suggests they have nothing to lose.
Newcastle United enter Brentford Community Stadium with one objective in mind and that is to secure a place in Europe next season. Currently 7th, The Magpies will be bullish over their chances knowing they have an impressive record over the Bee’s, having achieved four victories on the bounce against Sunday’s opponents, home and away.
Newcastle United have been less convincing this season, managing only two clean sheets away from home. I expect the hosts to score at least once. However, I don’t foresee them securing all three points. To maximize value, I favour Newcastle to earn something from the game with both teams finding the net.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance And Both Teams To Score, Draw/Newcastle United And Yes at 9/10
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LIVERPOOL v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS – Click here to bet
The Kop awaits an emotional day as this will mark Jurgen Klopp’s last game at the helm. Despite a season that promised much, Liverpool will only have the Carabao Cup to show for their efforts. Having secured their place in the Champions League, they can only settle for 3rd place as they cannot progress further this Sunday. With a favourable record against their opponents, Anfield should provide an opportunity to celebrate and entertain, as they aim to send off the charismatic manager on a winning note.
Wolves visit Anfield in a season that mirrors their progress from the previous year. Under Gary O’Neil’s guidance, they have performed admirably throughout their campaign. Consistently positioned just below mid-table for the second season running, they undoubtedly aim for higher aspirations next season. However, with back-to-back defeats and a poor away record against Liverpool, it’s unlikely the visitors will pose a significant threat, especially amidst what will be a sombre atmosphere for the hosts.
With nothing at stake and on a two-game losing streak, the hosts are expected to provide an entertaining display for their home crowd, aiming to uplift the mood in the stadium.
Suggested Bet: Liverpool To Win To Nil, Yes at 1/1
CRYSTAL PALACE v ASTON VILLA – Click here to bet
Crystal Palace welcomes Aston Villa to Selhurst Park as the team in top form. The Eagles have soared to an impressive unbeaten run of six matches, securing five wins and one draw along the way, a commendable achievement considering the quality of opposition faced. Under the guidance of Oliver Glasner, next season could see Palace aiming for European qualification if their current form continues.
Aston Villa, having secured their place in next season’s Champions League, visit Selhurst Park with little at stake. Regardless of the day’s outcome, they will remain in fourth place. It wouldn’t surprise me if Unai Emery opts to rotate the squad, providing fringe players with game time.
Considering Palace’s recent improvement, I favour the hosts in this matchup. With Aston Villa comfortably in fourth place, the visitors have nothing to gain from this game.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Crystal Palace at 17/20
LUTON TOWN v FULHAM – Click here to bet
It’s hard not to sympathize with Luton Town, who have given their all but could potentially face relegation based on goal difference, highlighting the harsh reality of top-flight football. With Championship football looming, the Hatters aim to deliver one final spectacle at Kenilworth Road, where goals have always been warmly embraced.
Fulham visit Kenilworth Road already assured of their place in the EPL next season. It’s been a relatively safe campaign for the Cottagers, as they did what was necessary to secure their status. Despite languishing in the bottom half, there are concerns that next season could pose challenges, requiring more effort to improve the club’s ambitions.
Luton Town face an improbable task, needing a significant number of goals and hoping for a heavy defeat for Nottingham Forest. The Hatters are likely to adopt an aggressive approach from the outset as they attempt to achieve the impossible.
Suggested Bet: 1st Half Totals, Over 1.5 at 23/20
SHEFFIELD UNITED v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR – Click here to bet
As the first team confirmed to be returning to Championship football, it has been a tough return to the top flight for the Blades. The gulf in class between Sheffield United and their opponents became evident early in the season, perhaps easing the acceptance of their demotion from the EPL. Having conceded a staggering 54 goals at home this season, it’s unlikely they will find much to gain in their final match on Sunday.
Tottenham Hotspur visit Bramall Lane knowing they have secured European football for next season. Spurs have made significant progress throughout their campaign, a feat many doubted achievable without their former talismanic captain, Harry Kane. Proving the sceptics wrong, they now have the potential to target bigger ambitions next season, having come so close to qualifying for the Champions League.
The Blades have conceded an average of 4 goals per game in their last 7 home league encounters and are likely to struggle defensively against Spurs. Tottenham will be eager to capitalize on this opportunity to boost their goal tally on Sunday. Expect plenty of goals, especially from the visiting team.
Suggested Bet: Tottenham Hotspur Totals, Over 2.5 at 8/11
MANCHESTER CITY v WEST HAM – Click here to bet
Defending champions Manchester City welcome West Ham to the Etihad Stadium, aiming to secure their eighth Premier League title this Sunday. Currently in pole position, the Citizens know that a win will clinch the league. They will certainly fancy their chances, given that West Ham have failed to obtain a single point in their last seven visits to the Etihad. On an eight-game winning streak, Pep Guardiola has his team primed at the right time, with the double still a possibility as the FA Cup final awaits.
David Moyes received a fitting farewell from the Hammers in his final home game in charge with a 3-1 win over the Blades. While West Ham have the potential to cause a major upset this weekend, their current away form and need for a great deal of luck make this a highly unlikely scenario. Having lost five of their last seven away games and with their place in the top half already confirmed, most of the team will likely be in holiday mode even before the match kicks off.
City have won their last seven league encounters against West Ham at the Etihad, and with the incentive of this crucial clash, the Citizens are likely to make it eight in a row. West Ham have enough talent to trouble City’s net at least once, but City’s class should ultimately prevail.
Suggested Bet: Result And Both Teams To Score, Manchester City and Yes at 5/4
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
