Predictions for the 38th round of the Premier League, May 25
Ipswich Town vs West Ham
What are the teams aiming for in the final round? Neither West Ham nor Ipswich have any tournament objectives. The only thing to strive for is simply to end the season on a high note. Likely, the "Tractor Boys" have more motivation as they bid farewell to the Premier League in front of their home fans. However, Kieran McKenna's team has lost 4 out of their last 5 matches without scoring, so desire alone might not be enough. The "Hammers" aren't shining with results either, but they have consistently scored in their last 7 games. Summing up the above, we suggest betting on both teams to score. Interestingly, in their last head-to-head meeting, this bet was successful by the 6th minute.
Match Prediction for Ipswich Town vs West Ham: Both Teams to Score
Newcastle vs Everton
Everton is the team with absolutely no motivation for the final round. The "Toffees" bid a beautiful farewell to Goodison Park by defeating Southampton (2:0) and can now relax. However, Newcastle cannot afford to do the same. The "Magpies" lost to Arsenal (0:1), complicating their fight for a Champions League spot. They are still in the top 5, but the competition at the top of the table is extremely tight. Considering the level of play and tournament ambitions of the teams, we expect a convincing victory for Newcastle.
Match Prediction for Newcastle vs Everton: Home Win with Handicap (-1)
Southampton vs Arsenal
Is an upset possible? Not long ago, Southampton managed a goalless draw with Man City and will try to stop Arsenal in their next home match. The "Gunners" defeated Newcastle (1:0) in the last round, securing their second place. Likely, the "Saints" have more motivation, but the difference in class cannot be ignored. Therefore, we suggest the simplest bet – over total goals. It's unlikely Southampton can hold off a top team's attack for a second consecutive time, and the last few head-to-head meetings have been real goal fests.
Match Prediction for Southampton vs Arsenal: Total Over 2.5 Goals
Bournemouth vs Leicester
Leicester miraculously defeated Bournemouth in the first round match (1:0), despite losing in all statistical categories. Is a repeat of such a scenario possible? In football, anything is possible, but objectively, the "Foxes" have little chance of success. The "Cherries" have lost two matches in a row and will do everything possible to end the final round on a positive note. Home advantage should help, and the lack of tournament motivation for the opponent will also play into Andoni Iraola's team's hands.
Match Prediction for Bournemouth vs Leicester: Home Win with Handicap (-1)
Fulham vs Manchester City
In the final round Pep Guardiola's squad will head to Craven Cottage to face a feisty Fulham, who lack any tournament ambitions. The task for the "Citizens" is to win and maintain their third-place position. Considering the "Cottagers" have lost 4 out of 5 home matches in the spring stretch, the task seems quite achievable. Especially since City themselves have returned to winning ways, giving Kevin De Bruyne a beautiful send-off in the game against Bournemouth (3-1). The Belgian did not score despite a golden opportunity, but Omar Marmoush marked the occasion with a goal of phenomenal beauty, and Rodri also made his return to the field. Overall, the visitors are in high spirits, and we believe in their success, considering their dominance in head-to-head encounters with the Londoners.
Match Prediction for Fulham vs Manchester City: Away Win
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
Is Liverpool planning to win at least one match after securing the title? There is one last attempt left, and the opponent is very serious. Crystal Palace has not lost for over a month and during this series defeated Man City in the FA Cup final, winning the first trophy in their history. Considering Arne Slot's protégés have clearly lost motivation, we give Oliver Glasner's guys a decent chance. Moreover, the "Eagles" have taken points from Liverpool in 3 out of the last 5 head-to-head meetings (twice away).
Match Prediction for Liverpool vs Crystal Palace: Away Win with Handicap (+2)
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
One of the most significant matches of the final Premier League round is the battle for a Champions League spot. In case of a draw, both teams could find themselves outside the top 5. But a draw seems the most likely outcome, considering 3 out of the last 5 head-to-head meetings between the teams ended that way. In the first round of the current season, the "Foresters" and the "Blues" shared the points (1-1). The opponents' chances seem roughly equal, so it makes sense to bet on both teams to score.
Match Prediction for Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea: Both Teams to Score
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Brentford
What motivation will the teams find for themselves in the last round? The "Wolves" have it a bit easier – after all, they will be playing at home, and the May losing streak surely spurs them to achieve a result. As for Brentford, they are much higher in the table but are not contending for European competitions. We vividly remember the spectacle the opponents put on in the first round (a 5-3 victory for the "Bees"), and we hope for a repeat, or at least something similar. The match promises to be exciting.
Match Prediction for Wolverhampton vs Brentford: Total Over 3 Goals
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
United missed the chance to salvage the season. Ruben Amorim's team lost the Europa League final to Tottenham (0-1), showing absolutely uninspired football. In the final round of the Premier League, they are set to face an incredibly motivated Aston Villa, who are striving for a spot in the Champions League. Despite the fact that the "Red Devils" have performed decently in head-to-head encounters with the "Villans," it's hard to imagine that the tired and emotionally drained team will break their losing streak in the EPL. Unai Emery's protégés are in excellent form, and we see them as the favorites.
Match Prediction for Manchester United vs Aston Villa: Victory for the Visitors
Tottenham vs Brighton
The curse is broken – Tottenham has won a trophy for the first time in 17 years! Ange Postecoglou kept his promise. On one hand, the team is on an emotional high, but on the other, they will likely celebrate their historic success exuberantly, which could affect their game against Brighton. The "Seagulls" haven't lost for almost a month, and in the last round, they showed character by defeating champion Liverpool (3:2). Moreover, Fabian Hürzeler's men have scored more than 1.5 goals in 5 of their last 6 matches. We won't overlook such an appealing trend.
