Soccer betting: The EPL returns after the last international break of the season
The English Premier League’s stretch run is set to begin.
The final International break of the season is now over and most teams have just nine games left in the season. Manchester City holds a one-point lead over Liverpool in the standings as both teams sit on 29 matches played. Each team will be heavily favored on Saturday ahead of Champions League games on Tuesday. Then they meet in a potential title-decider on Sunday, April 10. That is, without a doubt, shaping up to be the biggest game of the season.
While the title fight is between two teams, the relegation battle encompasses at least four teams and maybe more depending on if you want to include Brentford and Norwich City in that group. Brentford is currently 15th and on 30 points through 30 games. Norwich City is last in the table on 17 points in 29 games.
The bottom three teams will be relegated and Watford currently sits in 18th with 22 points, though Burnley has 21 points and two games in hand.
15. Brentford, 30 points (30 games played)
16. Leeds, 29 points (30 games played)
17. Everton, 25 points (27 games played)
18. Watford, 22 points (29 games played)
19. Burnley, 21 points (27 games played)
20. Norwich City, 17 points (29 games played)
A win by any of those six teams over the weekend will go a long way for survival. Below are the odds for this weekend’s set of EPL fixtures. All odds are via BetMGM and all games are on Saturday unless noted.
Liverpool vs. Watford (over/under 3.5 goals)
Liverpool (-800)
Watford (+2200)
Tie (+850)
Sadio Mane is heading to the World Cup and Mohamed Salah isn’t after Senegal eliminated Egypt in the African qualifiers on Tuesday. What if they combine for a goal or two on Saturday? Liverpool wins easily.
Leeds vs. Southampton (2.5)
Leeds (+140)
Southampton (+170)
Tie (+260)
Leeds has been much better under Jesse Marsch and looks a decent bet to avoid relegation. We’re going with a tie here with Leeds at home.
Chelsea vs. Brentford (2.5)
Chelsea (-300)
Brentford (+875)
Tie (+400)
Chelsea’s just five points ahead of Arsenal for third and has won its last five EPL games dating back to the middle of January. Chelsea is the pick here too.
Wolves vs. Aston Villa (2.5)
Wolves (+185)
Aston Villa (+155)
Tie (+210)
This line is a bit of a head scratcher. Wolves are at home and 10 points ahead of Villa in the standings yet are underdogs. We’ll go with the underdog and the under.
Burnley vs. Manchester City (3.5)
Burnley (+1200)
Man City (-450)
Tie (+525)
A Burnley smash and grab would be one of the biggest wins of the year given the circumstances for both teams. It’s also likely not happening.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Norwich City (2.5)
Brighton (-200)
Norwich (+625)
Tie (+300)
Brighton has slipped down to 13th in the standings but should have enough for Norwich here.
Manchester United vs. Leicester City (3.5)
United (-200)
Leicester (+475)
Tie (+360)
Leicester’s inability to defend set pieces is well-known at this point, but can United take advantage? We like the under.
West Ham vs. Everton (2.5) [Sunday]
West Ham (-130)
Everton (+340)
Tie (+270)
West Ham is in seventh and six points behind fourth, though Arsenal has two games in hand. Everton badly needs a win and won’t get it here. Go with the Hammers.
Tottenham vs. Newcastle (2.5) [Sunday]
Tottenham (-200)
Newcastle (+525)
Tie (+333)
Newcastle has played much better soccer as of late and has virtually ditched the relegation zone with its recent run of form. A win and a Brighton loss can put Newcastle into 13th. Tottenham should win but we’re not too confident.
Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal (2.5) [Monday]
Palace (+310)
Arsenal (-110)
Tie (+230)
Monday afternoon soccer is back and it’s ahead of Champions League games on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon as well. Arsenal has been on a roll and are deserved favorites, but we’re picking the Palace upset.
