Week 36 of Premier League action is here, and it’s quite a tough round to call! The relegation battle is as intriguing as ever, the fight for European qualification is not quite as cut and dry as we would have thought, and the title race is apparently still a thing!
Saturday 13 May
Leeds United 37/10 | Draw 31/10 | Newcastle 7/10 (13:30)
Big Sam has been likened more and more to Pep Guardiola, Saturday wouldn’t have done any favours for this narrative, but this fixture might. Newcastle was a little disappointing for me on Saturday, they started really well but as soon as they were required to play under pressure they wilted. This will be a tricky game, but I think the home side get something out of it. Get on the Leeds Win/Draw Double Chance at even money.
Southampton 33/20 | Draw 47/20 | Fulham 17/10 (16:00)
Fulham haven’t always enjoyed the rub of the green, they’ve played really well in recent weeks but just failed to always get over the line. I know Southampton have started to show glimpses, but I think they go down this season. Back the visitors win here.
Chelsea 9/20 | Draw 36/10 | Nottingham Forest 58/10 (16:00)
Frank Lampard registered his first win at Bournemouth, and I suppose the pressure is off now, right? I mean they’re staying up! Forest continues to scrap and to be fair – they’re all the better for it. I think Chelsea will have too much for their visitors – but I wouldn’t add this to any multiple.
Aston Villa 5/4 | Draw 51/20 | Tottenham 21/10 (16:00)
It’s impossible to bet on Tottenham – you never know which side is going to show up. Villa seems to have dropped off a little in recent weeks, I was disappointed with their performance at Wolves and I’m sceptical about them here.
Unai Emery’s men just seem to lack a creative spark required to breakdown their opposition. I’m not convinced by this one, but I’ll go for the draw.
Manchester United 9/20 | Draw 38/10 | Wolves 6/1 (16:00)
United’s squad has been tormented by injury and a lack of rest – but that is the price for remaining competitive throughout the season. They still have some real quality though and you can never really count them out.
Wolves aren’t great on the road, but they know how to frustrate their opponents and make it tough. This is a tough one, but United back at home after a full week’s rest might justify their claiming all three points.
Crystal Palace 17/20 | Draw 26/10 | Bournemouth 31/10 (16:00)
There is no doubt that Palace have improved under Roy Hodgson, the only concern I have is their propensity to concede so early on. Don’t get me wrong, they will have a go at the Cherries I just don’t trust them defensively. Both teams scoring here is my play, get on at 15/20.
Sunday 14 May
Everton 17/2 | Draw 46/10 | Manchester City 3/10 (15:00)
It’s a bit of a free-hit for Everton – I mean the only way I see them asking any questions of this City side is through set-pieces. And yet in order to have a set-piece in any sort of attacking environment you’ve got to get up the field and ask questions of your opposition defensively. City continue to march on, and this won’t be any different. Back Pep’s men to score in both halves at 9/10.
Brentford 11/10 | Draw 5/2 | West Ham 24/10 (15:00)
This should be a cracker of a football match, I know Brentford lost to Liverpool last time out, but they look to be back at their level best. West Ham earned a massive three points at home to United – and know they have to continue earning points!
I think Brentford at home will be too direct and far too aggressive for the Hammers. Back the home win.
Arsenal 17/20 | Draw 29/10 | Brighton 29/10 (17:30)
This is a massive game! Brighton is still pushing hard for their European qualification, and Arsenal are of the opinion that the title race is still alive and well! Brighton will want to take the game to Arsenal, look to boss the ball and dictate the pace of the game…
Arsenal needs to keep winning and keep the pressure on City, this will be hard fought, and I can’t separate them. Under 2.5 goals is my pick from atop my lofty fence! Get on at 13/10.
Monday 15 May
Leicester 39/10 | Draw 34/10 | Liverpool 6/10 (21:00)
Leicester is beginning to look sharp again, Jamie Vardy is once again becoming the subject of affairs at the King Power – which is always good news for the Foxes! Liverpool’s attack is once again firing on all cylinders, and they look dangerous going forward all the time again.
They have to keep winning if they want to get into the Champions League again, but I find it unlikely. To be honest, this has banana skin written all over it for the Reds…the home win/draw Double Chance is my pick at 11/10.
