Manchester City’s grip on the Premier League title continues to strengthen and their impressive win at Leicester last weekend kept them 14 points clear of the chasing pack. Manchester United left it late to beat Brighton and they look well placed to finish in the top 4 this term, whilst Liverpool got back to winning ways against Arsenal. Chelsea slipped to an embarrassing home defeat to West Bromwich Albion, who are starting to scheme an unlikely survival bid, whilst Sheffield United look cut adrift at thr bottom of the pile.
Here are our picks for the next round of fixtures in the Premier League:
Premier League Week 31 Picks
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Fulham vs Wolves – Craven Cottage
Fulham ($2.58)
Wolves ($3.28)
Draw ($3.2)
Fulham host Wolves in what could be a huge game in the Cottagers season. The hosts were looking good against Aston Villa last week before a late meltdown saw them squander their lead. They are three points from safety and need to start picking up points soon if they are to stay up. Wolves meanwhile are in danger of letting their season end with a whimper. They were outgunned by West Ham last time out and without Raul Jimenez, they don’t appear to have too much in the way of attacking threats. Fulham have plenty to play for in this one and could pick up three precious points here.
Betting tip: Fulham to win the match ($2.58)
Fulham to win 2-1
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Manchester City vs Leeds United – Etihad Stadium
Manchester City ($1.3)
Leeds United ($11.5)
Draw ($6.5)
With a 14-point gap to the chasing pack behind them, Manchester City will be looking to make a decisive step in the title race as they host Leeds. The blues demonstrated real resolve to overcome Borussia Dortmund in midweek in the Champions League and now look to be playing stronger squads in other competitions, with the Premier League seemingly in the bag. Leeds meanwhile have been in superb form this season and their league standing of 10th, is testament to their incredible progress in the top-flight this term. They took a point of City earlier in the season and they always play without fear, but City are always a tough nut to crack, and the blues should prevail comfortably enough here.
Betting tip: Manchester City to win the match ($1.3)
Manchester City to win 4-2
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Liverpool vs Aston Villa – Anfield
Liverpool ($1.58)
Aston Villa ($6.6)
Draw ($4.5)
The return leg of one of the most memorable results of the season takes place at Anfield, as Liverpool welcome Aston Villa. The reds were thumped 7-2 earlier in the season by the Villains and have never really recovered since. As defending champions, Jurgen Klopp’s side have struggled all year and with their latest defeat to Real Madrid in midweek still reverberating, they will need a response here. Villa meanwhile have been in superb nick all year and have defied their pre-season relegation battle expectations. They will arrive at Anfield full of confidence following their win over Fulham last time out, but Liverpool will want revenge and should get it here.
Betting tip: Liverpool to win the match ($1.58)
Liverpool to win 3-1
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Crystal Palace vs Chelsea – Selhurst Park
Crystal Palace ($7.8)
Chelsea ($1.59)
Draw ($4)
Chelsea will be looking bounce back from their humbling defeat to West Bromwich Albion as they travel across London to Crystal Palace. The Eagles picked up a solid point at Everton on Monday evening and they will be looking to improve on their league position of 12th. Roy Hodgson will be keen to see his side finish the season strongly and will see this as a free hit. Chelsea meanwhile, have slipped out of the top 4 picture and will need to respond quickly here. Their superb result in the Champions League at Porto is sure to give them confidence and the blues should pick up all three points here.
Betting tip: Chelsea to win the match ($1.59)
Chelsea to win 2-0
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Burnley vs Newcastle United – Turf Moor
Burnley ($2.44)
Newcastle United ($3.55)
Draw ($3.2)
Two sides nervously looking over their shoulder at the relegation picture face off as Burnley host Newcastle United. The Clarets squandered a 2-goal lead on the road at Southampton last time out and whilst they have a 7-point cushion in the relegation scrap, they are far from safe just yet. They host a Newcastle side that are only three points above the drop zone but picked up a potentially precious point last time out against Tottenham. This could be a very cagey affair and with so much at stake, a draw looks on the cards.
Betting tip: The match to finish as a draw ($3.2)
1-1 Draw
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West Ham United vs Leicester City – London Olympic Stadium
West Ham United ($3.2)
Leicester City ($2.5)
Draw ($3.45)
Two sides very much in the mix for a top 4 finish face off in the capital as West Ham welcome Leicester. The Hammers have been the surprise package in the league this term and find themselves flying high in 4th, with less than 10 games to play in the campaign. They welcome a Leicester side that come into this one fresh off the back of an uninspiring loss to Manchester City but that are capable of anything on their day. The Foxes sit 3rd, and they will be keen to avoid a late season slide like last season, which should render this one a tight encounter – most likely to finish as a draw.
Betting tip: The match to finish as a draw ($3.45)
2-2 Draw
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Tottenham vs Manchester United – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Tottenham ($3)
Manchester United ($2.54)
Draw ($3.55)
Tottenham host Manchester United, in what could be a huge game for both sides in relation to their aspirations this term. Spurs are languishing down in 7th but are within striking distance of the top 4. They also have a Carabao Cup final on the horizon and could salvage something from what has been a frustrating campaign at times. Manchester United meanwhile sit 2nd and with their Europa League win over Granada in midweek, could find themselves with yet more European silverware in the cabinet come the end of the campaign. Catching Manchester City perhaps looks a bridge too far for the Reds, but they have the momentum currently and should edge out Tottenham here.
Betting tip: Manchester United to win the match ($2.54)
Manchester United to win 2-1
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Sheffield United vs Arsenal – Bramall Lane
Sheffield United ($6.6)
Arsenal ($1.63)
Draw ($4.1)
Sheffield United’s stay in the Premier League looks to be coming to an end but they will be keen to go down with a fight as they take on Arsenal. The Blades are cut well adrift at the bottom of the table and with managerial uncertainty at the club, the writing looks on the wall for the South Yorkshiremen. Arsenal meanwhile were pegged back by Slavia Prague in the Europa League in midweek and the frustration continues to build for Mikel Arteta. They are firmly locked in mid-table and only look to be playing for pride this term. This however should be a relatively comfortable afternoon for the Gunners, who should win well here.
Betting tip: Arsenal to win the match ($1.63)
Arsenal to win 3-1
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West Bromwich Albion vs Southampton – The Hawthorns
West Bromwich Albion ($3.75)
Southampton ($2.25)
Draw ($3.4)
West Bromwich Albion will be looking to continue their ‘great escape’ as they welcome Southampton to the Hawthorns. The Baggies picked up a remarkable 5-2 win over Chelsea last time out and whilst it looks to be too little too late, it will give Sam Allardyce’s men hope of survival at this late stage in the campaign. They take on a Southampton side that came from 2-0 down to beat Burnley last time out and ease their own relegation fears. Saints have Danny Ings back in their ranks and the England striker appears to be integral to their aspirations this term. This should be a tight game and with plenty on the line, a draw looks to be on the cards.
Betting tip: The match to finish as a draw ($3.4)
1-1 Draw
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Brighton vs Everton – AMEX Stadium
Brighton ($2.34)
Everton ($3.5)
Draw ($3.35)
Everton will be looking to keep their top 4 hopes alive as they travel to Brighton. The Seagulls are a very tough nut to crack, and they will be looking to take the game to Everton from the outset. With their own Premier League status still to be assured, Graham Potter’s side have plenty to play for in this one. Everton meanwhile have been floundering in recent weeks and have fallen off the pace slightly in the top 4 race. They have a side packed with goals and quality but defensively, they have struggled to keep clean sheets. This could be costly and with Brighton so potent in forward areas, a score draw looks inevitable on the south coast.
Betting tip: The match to finish as a draw ($3.35)
2-2 Draw
EPL Week 31 multi bet:
We’re backing four results this week in our multi bet with a stake of $50:
Manchester City vs Leeds United – Manchester City to win
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea – Chelsea to win
Liverpool vs Aston Villa – Liverpool to win
Sheffield United vs Arsenal – Arsenal to win
A $50 wager would pay out $260.50 if successful at the current odds.
