As we prepare for another thrilling weekend of EPL action, we’ve highlighted three key Sunday fixtures, providing insights and betting options to consider.
Before diving into the match previews, let’s take a look at the outright markets. Liverpool remains in firm control of the title race, holding a commanding 12-point lead over second-placed Arsenal. With odds of 1/60, backing them to lift the trophy offers little value, but there are still other markets worth exploring in the link below.
Click here for English Premier League Outright Betting
BRENTFORD v CHELSEA – Click here to bet
Brentford return to familiar territory this Sunday as they host Chelsea at the Brentford Community Stadium, looking to bounce back from their disappointing 2-1 defeat away to Newcastle United this past week.
Thomas Frank’s side put in a spirited performance but was ultimately outclassed by a Newcastle side still brimming with confidence after their League Cup victory over Liverpool. Sitting 11th overall with 41 points from 30 matches, the Bees will be relatively satisfied with their current standing.
However, their form at home has left much to be desired. Winless in their last eight home appearances in all competitions—including seven league matches—Brentford have taken just two points from a possible 21 during that stretch. With safety from relegation all but assured and European qualification looking out of reach, motivation could become a factor in their remaining fixtures.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are riding high after a crucial 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night, a result that saw them reclaim the all-important fourth spot, overtaking Manchester City with 52 points. With eight games remaining, the Blues are edging closer to securing Champions League football next season, silencing critics who doubted Enzo Maresca’s vision at the club.
However, with just seven points separating them from ninth-placed Fulham, Chelsea cannot afford any slip-ups. While they have won three of their last four league matches, their away form remains a concern. Maresca’s side has lost five of their last six away games in all competitions, with their only victory coming against FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Conference League.
Head-to-Head
Brentford have struggled against Chelsea at home, failing to win any of their five meetings. Earlier this season, Chelsea edged past them with a 2-1 victory in the reverse encounter at Stamford Bridge.
Betting
Brentford 21/10
Draw 11/4
Chelsea 12/10
Verdict
Given Brentford’s poor run of form at home, it comes as no surprise that they enter Sunday’s clash as underdogs. With nothing major left to play for, motivation could be a concern. Chelsea, on the other hand, have everything to fight for, knowing that European football is far from guaranteed this season. Considering the current standings and Chelsea’s historical edge in this fixture, the visitors are backed to secure a crucial win as they look to maintain their grip on the all-important fourth-place spot.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – Chelsea at 12/10
Get your money back if your team loses to an injury time penalty.
Introducing Tough Luck Insurance from World Sports Betting. Bet on football matches with confidence, and if your team loses to an injury time penalty, we’ll return your stake as free bets.
*Valid for Pre-Match and Live in Play events up to 90 Mins.
T’s & C’s apply. Refund/Payout limited to R5000. Single/Straight bets only.
Free Bets do not qualify for this offer. Limited to 1 refund per customer per event.
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘ Tough Luck Insurance ’
FULHAM v LIVERPOOL – Click here to bet
Following their disappointing 3-0 FA Cup exit against Crystal Palace last weekend, Marco Silva’s Fulham endured another setback in midweek, falling 2-1 to Arsenal on match day 30. Despite their recent struggles, the Cottagers remain in the hunt for European football next season, currently sitting 9th in the table with 45 points from 12 wins, 9 draws, and 9 defeats.
However, inconsistency has plagued Fulham throughout the campaign, particularly in the league, where their form fluctuates from match to match. They have won twice and lost twice in their last four Premier League outings, underlining their unpredictable nature. Their home form mirrors this inconsistency, as they have yet to secure back-to-back league wins at Craven Cottage all season, picking up six points from a possible 12 in their last four home matches.
Nevertheless, Fulham can take encouragement from their recent record against Liverpool at Craven Cottage, having lost just once in their last four home meetings with the Reds. Apart from last season’s result in this fixture, encounters between these two sides in London have often been tightly contested affairs.
Liverpool, meanwhile, come into this match fresh from securing their 100th Merseyside derby victory, edging past Everton 1-0 on Wednesday night. While it wasn’t a vintage performance, the result ensured they maintained their 12-point lead at the top of the table over nearest challengers Arsenal, taking another significant step toward clinching their 20th league title.
The Reds now head to Craven Cottage, a venue where they have struggled at times in the past. However, they claimed victory on their last visit, securing their first win there in four attempts across all competitions. Arne Slot’s side remains unbeaten on the road in the league this season, winning 10 and drawing 5 of their 15 away fixtures. Remarkably, they have been even more prolific away from home than at Anfield, scoring 38 goals at an average of 2.53 per game. With such an attacking threat, Sunday’s clash promises to be an entertaining one.
Head-to-Head
Fulham have often frustrated Liverpool at Craven Cottage in recent years, losing just one of their last four home meetings with the Reds. Earlier this season, the two sides played out a 2-2 draw at Anfield, while Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory in last season’s encounter.
Betting
Fulham 16/5
Draw 11/4
Liverpool 17/20
Verdict
Fulham’s inconsistency this season makes them unpredictable, but they have shown resilience at home against top sides. Liverpool’s attacking strength, especially on the road, makes them deserving favourites, though they’ll be mindful of their past struggles at Craven Cottage. With both teams capable of finding the net, I like the chances of both teams scoring in this one.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes at 15/20
MANCHESTER UNITED v MANCHESTER CITY – Click here to bet
Manchester United host local rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford this Sunday, and while their season has largely been disappointing, the Manchester derby always promises plenty of excitement. Earlier in the campaign, the Red Devils came out on top, giving them a chance to complete a league double over City. They also remain unbeaten in their last three meetings with the Citizens, which will add to their confidence.
However, United head into this clash on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, bringing an end to their four-game unbeaten run. Their home form has also been inconsistent, with seven defeats in 15 matches so far. Despite sitting 13th in the table with 37 points, their recent record in this fixture should give them reason for optimism.
With bragging rights at stake against City, United are expected to field a highly competitive lineup. It will also be interesting to see how they approach Sunday’s encounter, given that just four days later, they travel to France to face Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final. Balancing both competitions could prove a challenge, making Sunday’s clash all the more intriguing.
Manchester City, meanwhile, secured a 2-0 win over Leicester City on Tuesday night, moving into the top five with 51 points. However, with Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Brighton all in close pursuit, the race for European football remains wide open, setting up what could be a tense finish to the season.
By their high standards, City’s campaign has been underwhelming, with the league title out of reach and their Champions League hopes also dashed for another season. However, they still have silverware to play for, with an FA Cup semi-final clash against Nottingham Forest at Wembley later this month offering a chance to salvage their season.
Unbeaten in their last two league outings with a win and a draw, Pep Guardiola will be eager to claim all three points at Old Trafford, especially given recent results in this fixture. However, City’s away form has been uncharacteristically poor this season, suffering six defeats on the road while conceding 21 goals in 15 away matches. Adding to their concerns, Manchester City will be without their talismanic striker Erling Haaland, who is potentially sidelined for up to seven weeks with an ankle injury. Given how this season has played out for both teams, coupled with the unpredictability of a derby, this showdown promises to be a fiercely contested battle.
Head-to-Head
Manchester United remain unbeaten in their last three meetings with Manchester City, including a league victory earlier this campaign. However, in the reverse fixture last term, City produced a dominant 3-0 performance to take all three points and will be eager to reclaim bragging rights this weekend.
Betting
Manchester United 23/10
Draw 27/10
Manchester City 23/20
Verdict
Manchester derbies are always intense battles, and based on recent meetings and value, United look like the better option here. They have consistently raised their game against stronger opponents this season, yet struggled against weaker sides. While City remain favourites, United’s resilience in this fixture suggests they could make life difficult for their rivals. I’m backing the Red Devils to come away with a positive result.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance – Manchester United/Draw at 7/10
Click here for all the weekend’s English Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
