Predictions for the 37th Round of the Premier League, May 16-20
Aston Villa vs Tottenham
Last season, the teams finished next to each other in the standings, but now there's a real chasm between them. Tottenham, to their shame, is just above the relegation zone, while Aston Villa is maintaining their form and could once again qualify for the Champions League. In February, Unai Emery's team knocked the "Spurs" out of the FA Cup. In our opinion, they will once again prove stronger than their unmotivated opponent. The "Villans" cannot afford to drop points, as they are currently outside the top 5.
Match Prediction Aston Villa vs Tottenham: Home Win
Chelsea vs Manchester United
Manchester United continues to break negative records in the EPL, but the management trusts Ruben Amorim and will allow him to start the next season. This is logical, considering that the "Red Devils" can qualify for the Champions League if they win the Europa League final. Enzo Maresca is also expected to continue his work at "Stamford Bridge." His team is in the final of a European competition and is vying for a top-5 finish in the Premier League. The "Blues" have more motivation, so they look like favorites, but the problem is that United is a very tricky opponent for them. The "Pensioners" have won only 1 of the last 14 head-to-head EPL meetings. Manchester, we believe, might spring a surprise.
Match Prediction Chelsea vs Manchester United: Away Win with Handicap (+1.5)
Everton vs Southampton
Southampton's stint in the EPL turned out to be short-lived once again – after a season, the team will head back to the Championship. Everton, on the other hand, comfortably retained their spot in the top flight and even moved up to mid-table, but here's the paradox – both head-to-head matches with the "Saints" were lost. However, that was last year, before David Moyes' return. Since then, the "Toffees" have improved significantly and even managed to beat a strong Fulham away (3:1) in the last round. Therefore, our sympathies lie with the home side here.
Match Prediction Everton vs Southampton: Home Team Total Over 1.5 Goals
West Ham vs Nottingham Forest
Could it be that Nottingham's fairy tale won't have a happy ending? The "Foresters" are losing precious points week after week, which are crucial for their historic return to the Champions League. The nerves of the eccentric president Evangelos Marinakis are fraying, to the extent that he lashed out at Nuno Espírito Santo right after the match. As for West Ham, they are hovering near the bottom of the table, but have been picking up points more frequently lately, and in the last round, they secured their first win of the spring stretch – against Manchester United (2:0). It's strange to see the "Hammers" as underdogs.
Match Prediction West Ham vs Nottingham Forest: Home Team will not lose
Brentford vs Fulham
With two rounds left in the season, Fulham still has a chance to overtake Brentford, but neither team is really competing for anything significant. These are solid mid-table teams. The "Bees" haven't lost in over a month and will play at home, which justifies their status as favorites. However, the "Cottagers" could surprise, so betting on the total rather than the outcome seems optimal. The teams have hit the "over" in 6 of their last 7 head-to-head matches.
Match Prediction for Brentford vs Fulham: Total Over 2.5 Goals
Leicester vs Ipswich Town
Some of the season's main underachievers have a chance to earn points that mean nothing in the standings. We assume both teams will manage to do so, as they have drawn three times in a row with the same score of 1:1. A bet on both teams to score looks like a very interesting option, as this has happened in the vast majority of recent encounters between Leicester and Ipswich.
Match Prediction for Leicester vs Ipswich Town: Both Teams to Score
Arsenal vs Newcastle
This match is quite important. Not only have Arsenal and Newcastle not yet secured a Champions League spot, but they are also battling for the silver medals. The "Gunners" have grown accustomed to second place and do not intend to give it up, but the problem is they have lost all head-to-head matches against the "Magpies" this season, failing to score a single goal. We don't foresee an easy walk for the hosts here.
Match Prediction for Arsenal vs Newcastle: Away Team Total Over 1 Goal
Brighton vs Liverpool
Will Liverpool continue to drop points after securing the championship? It's not hard to imagine, as the "Reds" have won only one of their last four matches at the "Falmer." However, betting on the outcome is not the best decision in our opinion when there is a strong trend: the teams have played seven consecutive high-scoring matches. It's unlikely we will see a goal drought from them, considering the match's low tournament significance.
Match Prediction for Brighton vs Liverpool: Total Over 2.5 Goals
Crystal Palace vs Wolverhampton
The "Wolves" recently had an incredible run but then slowed down and lost two matches in a row without scoring. This is crucial, as Vitor Pereira's team is on the verge of setting a club record for goals scored in a season. Crystal Palace is in good shape but will enter this match after the FA Cup final. Regardless of the outcome of the "Eagles'" game against Man City, this factor plays into the hands of a motivated Wolverhampton.
Prediction for the match Crystal Palace vs Wolverhampton: the visitors will not lose
Manchester City vs Bournemouth
Will Man City maintain their spot in the Champions League zone? Despite the slip-up by the "Citizens" in the last round, few doubt it now. Bournemouth is a solid team, but towards the end of the season, they have noticeably declined, and they are also a favorable opponent for Pep Guardiola's men, as the head-to-head statistics suggest. We believe that the favorite will justify its status.
