The highlight games for the next set of EPL matches are MANCHESTER UNITED versus ARSENAL and TOTTENHAM versus MAN CITY. Our feature columnist, John Newsome, previews these and all game week 37 matches with his unique and insightful commentary. You can view all previous analysis from John’s regular column here: English Premier League Predictions For Saturday.
Please note all prices quoted below were correct at the time of publication.
Game Week-37
These Game Week-37 fixtures are the reverse of Game Week-4 that took place at the beginning of September 2023.
Saturday 11th
FULHAM v MAN CITY
12.30 in England
TNT Sport
It definitely appeared that the Flip-Flops and Factor 50 Suncream were the main priorities of the Brentford and Fulham players on Saturday, with the fixture between the two at the GTech Stadium finishing in a rather forlorn draw by a 0-0 score.
It’s probably understandable really with both teams having nothing to play for, both safe from relegation and neither troubling the European places.
However, is it fair on the paying public?
More on that in the Bournemouth v Brentford preview below.
Fulham sit in 13th place with 44 points from 36 games played.
Remaining fixtures-
Fulham v Man City
Luton v Fulham
Man City go first this weekend, where a victory would see Pep’s Blues go to the summit of the Premier League and heap the pressure on Mikel’s Young Guns who have gone first over the last few weeks but now play later.
City smashed Wolves in the early Saturday Night Football at the Etihad.
That man Erling Haaland scored 4 goals, including converting 2 penalties to help Man City gain a victory by a 5-1 scoreline.
Wolves did get a consolation goal when the score was 3-0 in favour of the home team before Erling got his 4th and Julian Alveraz added a 5th late on.
That gave City 82 points, still in 2nd-place and still a point adrift of Arsenal, however, there is an extra game to play which comes up next Tuesday.
A victory over Fulham in this early kick-off will put Man City at the summit of the Premier League at least for the next 24 hours or so until Arsenal face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Then it’s Mikel Arteta’s turn to play catch-up with Pep Guardiola hoping that the Numpty Neighbours can help out the Noisy Neighbours and get at least a draw against the Gunners.
Remaining fixtures-
Fulham v Man City
Tottenham v Man City
Man City v West Ham
Man City gained the easy victory over Fulham at the Emirates with Pep’s High Flying Blues inflicting the defeat on Marco’s Cottagers by a 5-1 scoreline.
Following 1st-half goals from Julian Alvarez and Nathan Ake, Erling Haaland scored a 2nd-half hat-trick to give Man City the emphatic win.
Tim Ream did equalise for Fulham just after Julian’s opener.
Betfred offer Fulham at 10/1, the draw at 11/2 and Odds On 2/9 for Man City to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 11/4 that Erling Haaland Scores First and 5/4 that Man City Win To Nil.
(If your pre-match First Goalscorer bet scores First and then scores a Second, Betfred DOUBLE the odds.
If they score a Third, Betfred TREBLE the odds.)
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BOURNEMOUTH v BRENTFORD
15.00 in England
Bournemouth suffered the expected defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday.
After a barrage of pressure from the home team for most of the 1st-half, Arsenal eventually took the lead on the stroke of half-time when the Cherries Goalkeeper Mark Travers upended Kai Havertz to concede a penalty.
Once converted, Bournemouth trailed at the interval.
Andoni Iraola’s boys rallied a bit after the break but conceded 2 late goals to ultimately suffer the defeat by a 3-0 away day score.
That leaves Bournemouth in 10th place with 48 points from 36 games played.
Remaining fixtures-
Bournemouth v Brentford
Chelsea v Bournemouth
Brentford played out a goalless draw against Fulham at the GTech on Saturday, with both the West Londoners having one eye on the Harrods Sales to purchase holiday clobber for the upcoming Summer Jollies.
It’s fair to say that both sets of players had one foot on the beach with neither team fearing relegation or being able to gain a European spot, so one could say it’s understandable that no one wanted to exert too much pressure.
The only losers are the fans who pay hard-earned money for their season tickets which equal out over the 19 games to the same amount of money, whether it’s the first game of the campaign against Tottenham, or, like this one at the GTech, the penultimate home game, with nothing at stake.
The average price for an Adult Brentford Season Ticket for the 2023/24 season was £566.
The dearest being £740, then £509, then £449, giving an average of £566.
Which works out at around £30 a game over the 19 Home Game season.
That’s on top of taking the kids with them.
Obviously, a fan pays their money for the whole campaign and it could have meant that the penultimate home game was against Man City, Arsenal or Liverpool, however, today, the game against Fulham will be quickly forgotten.
At least there’s the final fixture against the Magpies which will hopefully offer up a better spectacle.
Brentford stay in 16th place with 36 points from 36 games completed.
Remaining fixtures-
Bournemouth v Brentford
Brentford v Newcastle
Both teams shared the points from a draw by a 2-2 score in the game at the GTech Stadium back in September.
Mathias Jensen scored the opener for the Bees before Dominic Solanke equalised for the Cherries to take both teams in level at the break.
David Brooks added a 2nd for Bournemouth in the 77th minute and with time running out, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo scored an equaliser in the 93rd minute to give both teams a point apiece.
Betfred offer Bournemouth at Evens 1/1, the draw at 11/4 and 12/5 for Brentford to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 9/2 that Dominic Solanke Scores First and 12/10 that Ivan Toney Scores Anytime.
(If your pre-match First Goalscorer bet scores First and then scores a Second, Betfred DOUBLE the odds.
If they score a Third, Betfred TREBLE the odds.)
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EVERTON v SHEFFIELD UNITED
15.00 in England
Everton gained a point from a draw by a 1-1 score against Luton at Kenilworth Rd on Friday.
Despite the Toffees being safe from relegation, there was no chance of taking the foot off the gas to allow the Hatters a victory.
That is one thing that the Premier League has over all of the other leagues around Europe, integrity.
After 24 minutes of play, Jarrad Branthwaite was hauled down by Teden Mengi and whilst initially not seen by the on-field referee Tim Robinson, the dreaded VAR advised a monitor view and once that occurs, a penalty is inevitable.
To be fair to the Stockley Park crew, the actions of Teden were akin to those in the WWE (that’s World Wrestling Entertainment, not the World Wildlife!) as Hulk Hogan would have been proud of Mr Mengi.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) used to be known as the World Wrestling Federation or WWF, however, the Panda got the monk on and wanted the acronym for themselves as the World Wildlife Fund.
Luton scored an equaliser soon after the penalty was converted and with no further goals in the remaining hour, both teams earned a point apiece.
It appears that Jordan Pickford will be sold at the end of the season to raise some money for the skint club.
It’s then a question as to where Jordan will end up.
Man City- No
Arsenal- No
Liverpool-(does one really need to answer)
Aston Villa- No
Tottenham- No
Manchester United- No
Newcastle- possible
Chelsea- No
West Ham- possible
Bournemouth- possible
If none of the above are bothered, it’s a lottery as to where Young Jordan will end up, added to that, there’s the option of going abroad.
Everton sit in 15th place with 37 points from 36 games played.
Remember, the Toffees have had 8 points deducted.
Remaining fixtures-
Everton v Sheffield United
Arsenal v Everton
Here one goes again, copy and paste the first 6 words of a Sheffield United preview from previous columns.
Sheffield United suffered another defeat on (insert day) Saturday, this time against (insert opponents) Nottingham Forest at (insert venue) Bramall Lane.
After the ex-Forest Striker Ben Brereton-Diaz, who was just Ben Brereton when wearing the Tricky Trees jersey, had converted a penalty to give Sheffield United the lead, Forest decided to play and scored 3 goals to ultimately gain a victory over the already relegated set of Blades by a 3-1 away day score.
As well as being another defeat for Sheffield United, the 3rd Forest goal was the 100th conceded by the Blades this season, which is a Premier League record over a 38-game season.
The irony in that is, a lot won’t know this but Bramall Lane used to host Cricket Matches with one being an Ashes Test between England and Australia back in 1902.
To get 100 is usually a great achievement for a player at Bramall Lane, unfortunately for the Blunts, 100 now equates to a visit back to the Championship.
One Hundred!
As mentioned last week and it’s worth repeating again (if only for comedy value).
Swindon Town (who?)
Yes, Swindon, who are now a League Two side (Division 4 in old money!) conceded 100 goals in the Premier League back in the 1993/94 campaign, however, that was in a 42-game season with 22 teams in the league at the time.
Added to that, Swindon scored 47 goals that year, Sheffield United have 35 in the back of the net with 2 fixtures remaining.
The Blades remain at the foot of the Premier League Table with 16 points from 36 fixtures completed.
In the 31 years since the Premier League has been in existence, there have only been 2 teams that have a tally of less than 16 points over the campaign.
2007/08 Derby-11 points.
2005/06 Sunderland-15 points.
Huddersfield achieved 16 points in the 2018/19 season.
Aston Villa achieved 17 points in the 2015/16 season.
Portsmouth achieved 19 points in the 2009/10 season.
Sunderland achieved 19 points in the 2002/03 season.
In the 2020/21 campaign, when Sheffield United were last relegated, the Blades had 23 points, scoring 20 and conceding 63.
Remaining fixtures-
Everton v Sheffield United
Sheffield United v Tottenham
James from Swinton, nowhere near Bramall Lane is just waiting for the season to come to an end so he can concentrate on gardening until the Blades are back in action in August.
One plus point coming from the relegation is the bitter Sheffield rivals from Hillsborough, Sheffield Wednesday, somehow avoided relegation from the Championship, so Little Jimbo will get the chance to see 2 Steel City Derby’s next season.
The fixture at Jimbo’s beloved Lane and then at the other side of the City in South Barnsley.
Mentioning Barnsley, it’s now unlikely that Jim will get the opportunity to watch his first footballing love from Oakwell as the Super Reds suffered a defeat against Bolton in the 1st-leg of the League One Play-off Semi-Final.
There is the 2nd-leg at the Tough-sheet Community Stadium (be careful how one says that!) over in Bolton on Tuesday but it’s unlikely that Barnsley will overturn that score and then it’s another season in Division 3 for the Oakwell Faithful.
The Little Blunt is gutted.
In the Game Week-4 affair at Bramall Lane, both teams shared the points from a draw by a 2-2 score.
Abdoulaye Doucoure scored the opener for the Toffees before Cameron Archer equalised for the Blades.
After Cameron had a superb shot that hit the post and bounced back hitting Jordan Pickford and going into the net, Sheffield United were in front at the break.
Arnaut Danjuma equalised for Everton just after the restart and with no further goals both teams gained a point apiece from the Archbishop’s favourite scoreline.
Betfred offer Everton at Odds On 2/5, the draw at 4/1 and 6/1 for Sheffield United to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 4/1 that Dominic Calvert-Lewin Scores First and slight Odds On 19/20 that Everton Score in Both Halves.
(If your pre-match First Goalscorer bet scores First and then scores a Second, Betfred DOUBLE the odds.
If they score a Third, Betfred TREBLE the odds.)
Home Win 3-1- Get 10/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
NEWCASTLE v BRIGHTON
15.00 in England
Newcastle gained an easy away day victory over Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday.
Goals from Callum Wilson, Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak gave Eddie’s Magpies the victory over Vincent’s Clarets by a 4-1 scoreline.
Burnley scored a late consolation after Newcastle’s 4th.
Alexander Isak did miss a penalty just before his goal.
The brilliant victory leaves Newcastle in 6th place with 56 points, now above Manchester United, into the Europa League place.
There is a game against United after this visit from Brighton which could decide which of the minor European Competitions both teams play in next season.
Chelsea have slowly come into that mix, with 3 teams vying for 2 places.
Either way, it will be Thursday Night Football for any 2 of Newcastle, Chelsea or Manchester United.
Remaining fixtures-
Newcastle v Brighton
Manchester United v Newcastle
Brentford v Newcastle
Brighton gained a narrow victory over Aston Villa at the Amex on Sunday.
With both teams cancelling out each other, a late penalty awarded to the home team allowed Joao Pedro to eventually score to give Brighton the points from a 1-0 scoreline.
‘Eventually’ because Joao had the spot-kick saved but the ball came back to the Midfielder who was able to head home the winner.
In truth, it was a tight affair against a very good Villa team so it was more than likely that a single goal was going to be the decider, unlike the reverse fixture at Villa Park in September 2023.
Brighton jumped up to 11th in the table with 47 points from 35 games played.
There’s no chance of a European place so it’s just a matter of how Brighton can perform in the remaining 3 games which, coincidentally, are against the 3 teams challenging for 2 of the spots left in the minor European competitions.
Remaining fixtures-
Newcastle v Brighton
Brighton v Chelsea
Brighton v Manchester United
Brighton gained the victory over Newcastle at the Amex in the Game Week-4 encounter.
Evan Ferguson scored a brilliant hat-trick to give the Seagulls the flying win over the Magpies by a 3-1 score.
Callum Wilson scored a late consolation for Newcastle in the 92nd minute.
Betfred offer Newcastle at Odds On 1/2, the draw at 4/1 and 9/2 for Brighton to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 7/2 that Alexander Isak Scores First and 23/10 that Newcastle Win To Nil.
(If your pre-match First Goalscorer bet scores First and then scores a Second, Betfred DOUBLE the odds.
If they score a Third, Betfred TREBLE the odds.)
Home Win 3-0- Get 12/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
TOTTENHAM v BURNLEY
15.00 in England
Tottenham come into this home fixture off the back of 2 away defeats, against Chelsea and Liverpool respectively.
Ange Postecoglou made a few changes in the fixture against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, significantly dropping James Maddison to the bench and starting Dejan Kulusevski in James’ position.
Richarlison was played as the main Striker, with Son Heung-Min and Brennan Johnson playing out wide.
In truth, the changes didn’t work with the ex-Spurs Boss Mauricio Pochettino gaining the victory over his old club.
At one point in the 1st-half, Big Ange was seen and heard screaming at his players,
‘Stop passing the ball backwards, you, you, you, pass it forward!’
So obviously the Boss wasn’t happy and the Boys probably felt the wrath from the Greek Australian in the Dressing Room at half-time.
Unfortunately, for everyone connected with Tottenham, Big Ange’s tinkering and discipline didn’t work with Chelsea inflicting the defeat by a 2-0 scoreline.
That left Tottenham still in 5th place with 60 points from 34 games completed.
It was then a trip to Anfield on Sunday, where Ange’s blood pressure didn’t drop following his team conceding 4 goals in the opening hour of the game.
After making a couple of changes, Tottenham came back into the match, with goals from Richarlison and Son Heung-Min giving the travelling LilyWhites hopes of a comeback.
Unfortunately, time ran out and it was another defeat, the 4th in succession for Tottenham that leaves them in 5th place with 60 points from 35 games played.
That’s 7 points adrift of Aston Villa, who occupy the final Champions League place, so anything other than a victory today will mean that 4th is now taken off the table.
It’s probably more of a situation that Tottenham look over their shoulders at the chasing pack of Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester United who are all within touching distance of Ange’s Spurs and all still having 3 games remaining.
Remaining fixtures-
Tottenham v Burnley
Tottenham v Man City
Sheffield United v Tottenham
Whilst the Professors out there who are good at Math (as the Americans say) will think that Burnley still have a chance of survival, John Newsome, who surprisingly isn’t a Professor, says,
‘No, they don’t!’
Goodbye Vincent and the Clarets, which does sound like a 1980s Rock Band who will be performing their Greatest Hits in the Championship next season.
It’s probably a certainty that the Rock Band won’t open with,
‘We are Rubbish!’
Which includes the lyrics,
‘There’s only Sheffield United that are worse than us!’
Plus Vincent Kompany’s contribution,
‘We were unlucky today but the boys will go again next week!’
Which is on a loop between the verse and the chorus.
Burnley suffered another defeat on Saturday, this time against Newcastle at Turf Moor.
Dara O’Shea did score a goal in the 86th minute, to give the Claret faithful something to cling to, however, Dara’s strike was after Newcastle had scored 4.
The defeat by a 4-1 scoreline, leaves Burnley in 19th place with 24 points from 36 games played.
Nottingham Forest have 29 points and a far superior goal difference, so if Forest gain at least a point today against Chelsea, which granted is a big ask, Burnley would not only have to win against Tottenham but also score a boatload of goals ‘To Nil’ (currently 17) to take it to the final fixture of the season, which as one can see, is against Forest.
Added to that, hope Luton suffer defeats in both of their remaining games.
Nottingham Forest- points 29, scored 45 and conceded 63 (minus-18)
Luton- points 26, scored 49 and conceded 78 (minus-29)
Burnley- points 24, scored 39 and conceded 74 (minus-34)
Remaining fixtures-
Tottenham v Burnley
Burnley v Nottingham Forest
There isn’t any need for a Professor to do the Math, Burnley, along with Sheffield United, are heading back to the Championship.
It’s now just a matter of who will join them, with Luton being in the driving seat to make it all 3 that were promoted last season, all going down.
The Rotund Lady from the Rock Band is starting to warble,
‘It’s over now!’
Tottenham gained the victory by a 5-2 away day score over Burnley in a 7-goal thriller back in September.
The goals going in as follows-
4′ Lyle Foster- Burnley (1-0)
16′ Son Heung-Min- Tottenham (1-1)
45+2′ Cristian Romero- Tottenham (1-2)
Half-time Vegan Sausage Roll.
54′ James Maddison- Tottenham (1-3)
63′ Son Heung-Min- Tottenham (1-4)
66′ Son Heung-Min- Tottenham (1-5)
90+4′ Josh Brownhill- Burnley (2-5)
Full-time Vodka and Cherryade.
Betfred offer Tottenham at Odds On 3/10, the draw at 5/1 and 7/1 for Burnley to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 7/2 that Son Heung-Min Scores First and 2/1 that Tottenham Win To Nil.
(If your pre-match First Goalscorer bet scores First and then scores a Second, Betfred DOUBLE the odds.
If they score a Third, Betfred TREBLE the odds.)
Home Win 3-0- Get 11/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
***Premier League Team of the Week***
GOALKEEPER- Alisson- Liverpool
RIGHT-BACK- Tyrick Mitchell- Crystal Palace
CENTRE-BACK- Lewis Dunk- Brighton
CENTRE-BACK- Murillo- Nottingham Forest
LEFT-BACK- Andy Robertson- Liverpool
MIDFIELDER- Martin Odegaard- Arsenal
MIDFIELDER- Declan Rice- Arsenal
MIDFIELDER- Michael Olise- Crystal Palace
FORWARD- Nicolas Jackson- Chelsea
FORWARD- Callum Hudson-Odoi- Nottingham Forest
FORWARD- Erling Haaland- Man City
STAR MAN- Erling Haaland- Man City
WEST HAM v LUTON
15.00 in England
West Ham were hammered by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with the home team gaining the London honours by a 5-0 score.
The devastating defeat leaves David Moyes Boys in 9th place with 49 points from the full complement of 36 games on offer so far.
That’s 7 points adrift of Newcastle in 6th, with West Ham only able to get a maximum of 6 points more.
Not much more can be said, other than after 2 seasons on a European Adventure, the Bubbles Passports won’t be needed for the next 12 months.
**************Breaking News**************
The ex-Wolves Boss Julen Lopetegui has agreed to be the New Manager of West Ham for the start of the 2024/25 Premier League Campaign.
So David Moyes has 2 more games in charge and it’s now whether the Hammers want to put in a shift for the current Boss or down tools and think,
‘David’s away!’
Remaining fixtures-
West Ham v Luton
Man City v West Ham
Luton remain in the relegation zone following the fixture against Everton on Friday where an Elijah Adebayo goal 10 minutes after a Teden Mengi foul had resulted in a converted penalty, made the scores level at half-time.
With no further goals, Luton gained a point from a draw by a 1-1 score.
The point gained by Rob’s Hatters, as it’s always a point gained, leaves Luton in 18th place with 26 points, now 3 adrift of the safe team Nottingham Forest, both having completed 36 games.
Rob and the Hatters will be hoping that the Hammers have downed tools now they know Mr Moyes is going.
Ross Barkley had a particularly good game against his old club on Friday and if relegation does happen, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Ross headed back to Goodison Park for another season in the Premier League with the Toffees.
Remaining fixtures-
West Ham v Luton
Luton v Fulham
West Ham gained the victory over Luton at Kenilworth Rd.
Jarrod Bowen scored the opener to give the away team a lead at the break.
Kurt Zouma added a 2nd for the Hammers and with time up on the board Mads Andersen pulled a goal back for the home team which was ultimately a consolation with the game finishing in a 2-1 scoreline in favour of West Ham.
Betfred offer West Ham at slight Odds On 4/5, the draw at 16/5 and 3/1 for Luton to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 11/2 that Jarrod Bowen Scores First and 11/10 that there are Over 3.5 Goals.
(If your pre-match First Goalscorer bet scores First and then scores a Second, Betfred DOUBLE the odds.
If they score a Third, Betfred TREBLE the odds.)
Home Win 3-1- Get 11/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
WOLVES v CRYSTAL PALACE
15.00 in England
Remaining fixtures-
Wolves were smashed by Man City on Saturday with Gary O’Neils Gold and Blacks suffering a defeat against Pep’s High Flying Blues by a 5-1 scoreline.
Hwang-Hee Chan did score a consolation goal when Man City, or should one say, Erling Haaland, had 3 on the board.
Gary O’Neil was in the stands to watch this game due to a touchline suspension, seeing the devastation from the same perspective as the fans.
Wolves sit in 12th place with 46 points from 36 games completed.
Wolves v Crystal Palace
Liverpool v Wolves
Crystal Palace tore Manchester United apart at Selhurst Park on Monday Night Football gaining a home victory by a sensational 4-0 scoreline.
Michael Olise scored twice, with Jean-Philippe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell getting the other 2, sandwiched in between Michael’s goals.
The brilliant performance didn’t improve the league position but does give the Eagle Ultras something to look forward to for next season.
Oliver’s Army stay in 14th place with 43 points from 36 games played.
Remaining fixtures-
Wolves v Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace v Aston Villa
Crystal Palace got the victory over Wolves at Selhurst Park with the Eagles inflicting a defeat on the Gold and Blacks by a 3-2 scoreline.
The surprise in that was all 5 goals were scored in the 2nd-half.
Goals from Eberechi Eze and a couple from Odsonne Edouard gave Roy Hodgson’s Eagles the win.
Hwang-Hee Chan and Matheus Cunha replied for Gary O’Neil’s boys.
Betfred offer Wolves at 13/8, the draw at 12/5 and 13/8 for Crystal Palace to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 11/2 that Jean Philippe-Mateta Scores First and 12/5 that Crystal Palace Score in Both Halves.
(If your pre-match First Goalscorer bet scores First and then scores a Second, Betfred DOUBLE the odds.
If they score a Third, Betfred TREBLE the odds.)
Away Win 1-3- Get 16/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
NOTTINGHAM FOREST v CHELSEA
17.30 in England
Sky Sports
Nottingham Forest gained a victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday that could go a long way in keeping the Tricky Trees in the Premier League for another season.
After the ex-Forest Striker Ben Brereton-Diaz (who was only Ben Brereton when playing at the City Ground) converted an early penalty, Callum Hudson-Odoi scored a brilliant equaliser to take both teams in level at the break.
Ryan Yates added a 2nd just after the restart before Callum scored again to give Forest the victory by a 3-1 away day score.
That leaves Nottingham Forest still in 17th place with 29 points from 36 games completed now 3 points ahead of Luton who sit in the final relegation spot.
All of the bottom 4 teams, who are the only ones that are in the relegation battle, have played 36 times.
Obviously, Sheffield United have already gone.
As it stands-
Nottingham Forest- played 36, points 29,
goals scored 45 and conceded 63 (minus-22)
Luton- played 36, points 26, goals scored 49 and conceded 78 (minus-29)
Burnley- played 36, points 24, scored 39 and conceded 74 (minus-35)
The final game of the campaign could be the decider, however, this weekend’s results could deem the final fixture irrelevant.
Remaining fixtures-
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea
Burnley v Nottingham Forest
Chelsea head to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest having gained 6 points from victories over Tottenham and West Ham respectively.
Against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge last Thursday in a rearranged affair, Mauricio Pochettino got the better of his old club, with goals from Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson giving Chelsea the victory by a 2-0 scoreline.
It was then another London Derby, again at Stamford Bridge, against West Ham on Sunday, where Mauricio’s Blues stunned the Hammers, gaining a victory by a 5-0 scoreline.
Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher and Noni Madueke with the 1st-half goals, followed by a couple of Nicolas Jackson strikes after the break to give Chelsea the London bragging rights.
Chelsea now sit 7th in the table with the same 54 points as Manchester United but a place higher due to a better goal difference.
Newcastle- played 35, points 56, scored 78 and conceded 56 (plus+ 22)
Chelsea- played 35, points 54, scored 70 and conceded 59 (plus+ 11)
Manchester United- played 35, points 54, scored 52 and conceded 55 (minus-3)
All 3 play in midweek so the European landscape could be a lot different come the final game of the campaign.
Remaining fixtures-
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea
Brighton v Chelsea
Chelsea v Bournemouth
A single Anthony Elanga goal scored early in the 2nd-half, gave Steve Cooper’s Tricky Trees the victory over Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues by a 1-0 scoreline at Stamford Bridge back in September.
Betfred offer Nottingham Forest at 12/5, the draw at 11/4 and Evens 1/1 for Chelsea to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 11/2 that Cole Palmer Scores First and 9/4 that Chris Wood Scores Anytime.
(If your pre-match First Goalscorer bet scores First and then scores a Second, Betfred DOUBLE the odds.
If they score a Third, Betfred TREBLE the odds.)
Away Win 1-3- Get 12/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Sunday 12th
MANCHESTER UNITED v ARSENAL
16.30 in England
Sky Sports
What has happened to Manchester United?
Remember, this team are in the Final of the FA Cup against Man City.
The reality could be that Pep’s High Flying Blues can win the Trophy scoring the highest number of goals ever in a Final.
United suffered a devastating defeat against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday Night Football, with the home team getting the victory by a 4-0 scoreline.
A Palace win was predicted in this EveryTip column last week, however, not by such a big margin.
The defeat leaves Manchester United in 8th place with the same 54 points as Chelsea but below the Blues on goal difference.
Eighth is not a European place so the Red Devil faithful might not need their Passports next season.
If one looks at the remaining games, can one say that United will get many more points from those 3?
Remaining fixtures-
Manchester United v Arsenal
Manchester United v Newcastle
Brighton v Manchester United
Arsenal have played first between the Top Three teams over the past few weeks but this time go second with Man City playing on Saturday and Liverpool going out on Monday.
In truth, Liverpool’s Title hopes have all but gone, so it looks like it will be a straight shootout between the appropriately named Gunners and the Manchester Blues.
Arsenal gained a professional victory over Bournemouth in the midday clash on Saturday.
After numerous chances that were blocked by the Cherries Defenders, Kai Havertz was brought down by the Goalkeeper to gain a penalty.
The on-field referee David Coote pointed to the spot straight away and despite the dreaded VAR doing their utmost to change the decision, it was a penalty which Bukayo Saka coolly converted to give Arsenal a lead at the break.
There were a few scary moments for the Gooners in attendance to endure but 2 late goals from Leandro Trossard and the impressive Declan Rice secured Arsenal the victory over Bournemouth by a 3-0 score.
That meant that Mikel’s Young Guns would be at the summit of the Premier League coming into this weekend, regardless of the rest of the results over Game Week-36, however, if Man City get the victory over Fulham on Saturday, then Pep’s High Flying Blues will be Top of the Table when Arsenal kick-off this game against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Arsenal’s goal difference is superior to Man City’s so if someone can take points off Pep’s Blues then that goal difference could come into play.
Arsenal- played 36, points 83, scored 88 and conceded 28 (plus+ 60)
Man City- played 35, points 82, scored 87 and conceded 33 (plus+ 54)
Liverpool have secured 3rd place and currently have 78 points from 36 games, meaning Jurgen’s Reds can only achieve a maximum of 84 points.
It’s more than likely that both Arsenal and Man City will finish with more than 84 so it’s now a 2-horse race for the Premier League Title.
Will Manchester United roll over to allow Arsenal the win putting a dent in the Noisy Neighbours title chances?
Remaining fixtures-
Manchester United v Arsenal
Arsenal v Everton
Arsenal gained the victory over Manchester United in the Game Week-4 encounter at the Emirates.
Marcus Rashford scored the opener which was quickly equalised by Martin Odegaard to take both teams in level at the break.
With 95 minutes up on the clock it appeared that both teams would share the points, however, not so, as Declan Rice scored in the 96th minute.
That wasn’t the end of the goals with Gabriel Jesus adding a 3rd for Arsenal in the 101st minute to give Mikel’s Young Guns the win over Erik’s Ten Bobs by a 3-1 scoreline.
Betfred offer Manchester United at 11/2, the draw at 4/1 and Odds On 4/9 for Arsenal to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 11/2 that Kai Havertz Scores First and slight Odds On 5/6 that Arsenal Score in Both Halves.
(If your pre-match First Goalscorer bet scores First and then scores a Second, Betfred DOUBLE the odds.
If they score a Third, Betfred TREBLE the odds.)
Away Win 1-2- Get 15/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Mondays 13th
ASTON VILLA v LIVERPOOL
20.00 in England
Sky Sports
Aston Villa suffered a defeat last Sunday, against Brighton at the Amex.
In a tight affair that didn’t see the predicted goals, following the 6-1 scoreline in the reverse fixture at Villa Park, it was the Seagulls who gained the victory by a narrow 1-0 score.
Aston Villa remain in 4th place with 67 points from 36 games, however, because Tottenham also suffered a defeat on Sunday, Unai’s Claret and Blues just need 3 points from the remaining 2 games to guarantee 4th and a Champions League spot.
Tottenham have 60 points with 3 games remaining, so they can only achieve a maximum of 69.
Aston Villa will know their Europa Conference League fate before this Monday Night Football takes place.
Olympiacos have a 4-2 advantage over Villa from the 1st-leg at Villa Park as the two head to Greece to finish off the contest on Thursday.
Douglas Luiz did miss a penalty that if converted, would have made it 4-3, which would have increased the chances of Villa progressing.
That said, even though winning the Trophy would get the players a medal and see Aston Villa in next season’s Europa League, Villa should now finish 4th and be in the Champions League, so no real harm done if Unai’s Men don’t make it through on Thursday.
Remaining fixtures-
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Crystal Palace v Aston Villa
Liverpool got back to winning ways on Sunday, following a draw and a defeat in the previous 2 games.
After leaving Mo Salah on the bench for the game against West Ham which produced a heated exchange between the two, Jurgen Klopp started Mo in the game against Tottenham at Anfield.
The Egyptian King didn’t disappoint and feeling like the lad had a point to prove, had a brilliant game scoring the opener and contributing positively throughout the 90 minutes.
Andy Robertson scored the 2nd goal to give Liverpool a lead at the break.
Coady Gakpo added a 3rd just after the restart before a superb strike from Harvey Elliott gave the home team a comfortable lead.
Tottenham did score 2 themselves late on but Liverpool were in control and ran out winners by a 4-2 scoreline.
That confirmed Jurgen’s Reds as at least finishing 3rd, currently sitting behind Man City (82 points) and Arsenal (83 points) with 78 points from 36 games played.
Even with 2 victories from the remaining 2 games, Liverpool can only achieve 84 points, so it’s more than likely that Klipperty Klopp will round off his tenure at Anfield by finishing 3rd in the Premier League Table.
Remaining fixtures-
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Liverpool v Wolves
Liverpool gained the easy victory over Aston Villa at Anfield back in September.
Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, a Matty Cash OG and a Mo Salah strike gave Jurgen’s Reds the points from Unai’s Claret and Blues by a 3-0 score.
Betfred offer Aston Villa at 16/5, the draw at 100/30 and Odds On 7/10 for Liverpool to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 4/1 that Mo Salah Scores First and slight Odds On 4/5 that there are Over 3.5 Goals.
(If your pre-match First Goalscorer bet scores First and then scores a Second, Betfred DOUBLE the odds.
If they score a Third, Betfred TREBLE the odds.)
Away Win 1-3- Get 10/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Game Week-34
These midweek rearranged fixtures are the reverse of the Game Week-14 matches from mid-December 2023.
Tuesday 14th
TOTTENHAM v MAN CITY
20.00 in England
Sky Sports
Tottenham will have played against Burnley in the Game Week-37 encounter on Saturday before hosting Man City on Tuesday.
Regardless of the result against the Clarets, Ange’s Spurs team will remain in 5th place with 60, 61 or 63 points going into the game against Pep’s High Flying Blues.
Aston Villa are in 4th place with 67 points before their Monday Night Football against Liverpool.
Tottenham can only achieve a maximum of 69 points if victories are gained against Burnley, Man City and Sheffield United.
Tottenham always perform against Man City but at the moment are going through a sticky patch so it’s more than likely a defeat will occur tonight, which would dash all hopes of a Champions League place.
That said, if a victory isn’t achieved against Burnley on Saturday, then that dream will already be over.
Will Tottenham hang on to 5th place, with Newcastle having 56 points, Chelsea and Manchester United having 54 points all with 3 games remaining, 1 of those is Manchester United v Newcastle tomorrow.
The question to be asked regarding this fixture at the Chas and Dave Memorial Stadium is, will Tottenham want to gain the victory over Man City, which would allow their North London rivals Arsenal, to go a long way in winning the Premier League Title?
Whilst most will say,
‘Of course, Tottenham will want to win!’
Consciously that may be the case, however, subconsciously, Tottenham may just take their foot off the gas slightly and let’s just say, not play to their full potential.
Considering Ange’s Spurs team have wobbled a bit over the past few weeks, a defeat wouldn’t be surprising.
As mentioned, the question as to whether Tottenham will want to go all out to prevent a Man City victory which would help this Bitter Rivals from up the road, has to be asked.
Back in September 2001, when Arsenal were big rivals with the other Manchester club, United, Glen Hoddle’s Tottenham took on Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United at White Hart Lane.
United had just won their 3rd Premier League Title in a row and were going for a 4th consecutive.
After Dean Richards, Les Ferdinand and Christian Ziege had scored to give Tottenham a commanding lead at the break, subconsciously the boys must have been thinking,
‘If we defeat United, it might mean Arsenal will go on to win the league!’
Second-half goals from Andrew Cole, Laurent Blanc, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Juan Sebastian Veron and David Beckham, gave Manchester United the win over Tottenham by an incredible 5-3 score.
Tottenham’s opening goalscorer against United, Dean Richards, was an outstanding player for not only Spurs but his first club Bradford City, then Southampton and Wolves.
Tottenham signed the influential Defender from Southampton in 2001.
After leaving Bradford in 1995, Deano spent 4-years at Wolves, before the Big Centre-Half, who had an England Under-21 cap, gained whilst at Molineux, joined Tottenham.
Deano scored the opener against Manchester United back in 2001 on his Spurs debut.
At half-time, Dean must have thought he’d joined the best team in the world.
However, when the game finished, he was asking Glenn Hoddle,
‘What time is the last bus to Southampton Glenn?’
Dean Richards is a legend but unfortunately, the Yorkshireman died in February 2011, aged just 36 years old.
Respect to Big Dean.
Although the Tottenham capitulation against Manchester United gave Fergie’s Men 3 points on the day, it was Arsenal who went on to win the 2001/02 Premier League Title and prevent United from gaining 4 in a row, which up to now, as still never been done.
Man City have the chance this season but a victory is needed against Tottenham tonight to keep that dream alive going into the final fixture on Sunday.
Remaining fixtures-
Tottenham v Man City
Sheffield United v Tottenham
Man City could come into this midweek rearranged fixture sitting at the Top of the Premier League table, depending on the results of the Game Week-37 encounters over the weekend.
At worst, Pep’s High Flying Blues will be in 2nd place and then have this game in hand to jump to the summit of the Premier League.
That said, whilst it’s unlikely, as the Fulham players have one foot on the beach, if City fail to get a victory against the Cottagers on Saturday, added to a win for Arsenal against Manchester United, Man City could come into this game sitting 2nd with as many as 4 points adrift of Arsenal at the summit.
That’s just one of many scenarios that can occur over this coming weekend but it’s more than likely that Man City will gain a victory over Fulham and regardless of the result of the Manchester United v Arsenal game, will have this extra fixture against, what as to be said, a struggling set of Spurs, to jump to the Top of the Premier League table going into the final weekend.
Remaining fixtures-
Tottenham v Man City
Man City v West Ham
If one remembers the game at the Etihad back in December, both teams shared the points from a very entertaining draw by a 3-3 score, the goals going in as follows-
6′ Son Heung-Min- Tottenham (0-1)
9′ *Son Heung-Min*-Man City (1-1) *OG*
31′ Phil Foden- Man City (2-1)
Half-time Hot Dog and Fries.
69′ Giovani Lo Celso- Tottenham (2-2)
81′ Jack Grealish- Man City (3-2)
90’ Dejan Kulusevski- Tottenham (3-3)
Full-time Pint of Boddingtons.
Betfred offer Tottenham at 11/2, the draw at 4/1 and Odds On 4/9 for Man City to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 4/1 that Phil Foden Scores First and 2/1 that Man City Win Both Halves.
(If your pre-match First Goalscorer bet scores First and then scores a Second, Betfred DOUBLE the odds.
If they score a Third, Betfred TREBLE the odds.)
Away Win 2-4- Get 22/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Wednesday 15th
BRIGHTON v CHELSEA
19.45 in England
Brighton will have faced Newcastle at St James Park before this first of 2 back-to-back home games at the Amex in front of the Seagull faithful, this time against Chelsea.
Roberto De Zerbi’s men are just playing out the campaign as can’t be relegated but can’t gain a European place either, so it’s just a matter of whether the players have one foot in a football boot and the other in a flip-flop.
Remaining fixtures-
Brighton v Chelsea
Brighton v Manchester United
Chelsea come into this fixture against Brighton at the Amex after playing against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, so back-to-back away games before the finale at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Depending on the results for several teams over the weekend, Chelsea could still be competing for one of the minor European places.
Remaining fixtures-
Brighton v Chelsea
Chelsea v Bournemouth
Chelsea gained the victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge back in December.
Enzo Fernandes and Levi Colwill scored for Chelsea before Facundo Buonanotte pulled a goal back for Brighton to halve the deficit going into the break.
Conor Gallagher was shown 2 Yellow Cards and the subsequent Red on the stroke of half-time to leave Chelsea a man-lite for the whole of the 2nd-half.
Enzo then converted a penalty to score his 2nd and Chelsea’s 3rd before Joao Pedro added a Brighton 2nd late on, to give hopes of a comeback, however, time ran out, giving Chelsea the home win by a narrow 3-2 scoreline.
Betfred offer Brighton at 21/10, the draw at 11/4 and 23/20 for Chelsea to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 5/1 that Cole Palmer Scores First and 9/5 that Simon Adingra Scores Anytime.
(If your pre-match First Goalscorer bet scores First and then scores a Second, Betfred DOUBLE the odds.
If they score a Third, Betfred TREBLE the odds.)
Draw 1-1- Get 15/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
MANCHESTER UNITED v NEWCASTLE
20.00 in England
Sky Sports
Manchester United will have faced Arsenal on Sunday, so depending on that result and the results of others, could be sitting anywhere between 6th and 9th in the Premier League table.
Erik Ten Hag has dismissed the rumours (rumours that everyone has mentioned!) that ‘all of the Manchester United players are up for sale!’
There may be several reasons for the fact that Erik isn’t aligned with that speculation, one being, that the Dutchman won’t be at Old Trafford much longer and will be down the concrete come the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
The forgotten man Jadon Sancho had a brilliant game for Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League Semi-Final 1st-leg against Paris Saint-Germain last week and plays in the 2nd-leg in Paris on Tuesday.
Remember, Jadon is only on loan at Dortmund from United and could be back at Old Trafford if Erik Ten Hag is replaced.
In truth, whether Ineos, who are now part owners at United, overseeing the majority of footballing issues, are going to put up all the players for sale, or it’s just speculation, it really needs to happen.
Starting with the Captain, Bruno Fernandes, surely his time in Manchester is up.
The Portuguese Midfielder is a good player, no question, it’s his attitude that is the issue and this EveryTip contributor feels Bruno is not the ideal role model for the young players in the squad.
Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Amrabat Sofyan, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay, Mason Mount, Antony, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, along with ETH, all need putting on football’s equivalent of Vinted and sold to the highest bidder.
The younger players such as Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Omari Forson, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Willy Kambwala, along with Andre Onana, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw, plus a few newcomers and a new Manager (possibly Gareth Southgate) will train on better than having the shadow of the aforementioned players cast over them.
One would keep the Goalkeeper as the problems are not of his making, it’s the 10 in front of Andre that are the concern.
A lot will argue against that, stating things like,
‘Bruno has created the most goals in all of the Top 5 leagues!’
That may be the case but Bruno has thrown his arms up in the air more than anyone in the Top 5 leagues.
The future at Old Trafford will sort itself out and Sir Jim Radcliffe, along with his Ineos team should improve Manchester United but it will take time so don’t expect instant results that will see United as Premier League Champions any time soon.
Remaining fixtures-
Manchester United v Newcastle
Brighton v Manchester United
Remaining fixtures-
Newcastle were sitting above Manchester United before the Game Week-37 set of fixtures, so depending on the results of those games then Newcastle could be as many as 5 points clear of tonight’s opponents before kick-off.
As mentioned earlier, depending on the results of the Game Week-37 encounters, the minor European places could see a straight shootout between Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester United as to who plays in the Europa League, who plays in the Europa Conference League and who stays at home watching Eastenders on a Thursday Night.
Added to those, Tottenham could be dragged into the mix, as their guaranteed European place, is no longer guaranteed after 4 straight defeats before the Burnley fixture.
Remaining fixtures-
Manchester United v Newcastle
Brentford v Newcastle
After a goalless 1st-half at St James Park back in mid-December, a single Anthony Gordon strike just after the restart gave Newcastle the victory over Manchester United by a 1-0 scoreline.
Betfred offer Manchester United at 13/10, the draw at 3/1 and 7/4 for Newcastle to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 6/1 that Bruno Fernandes Scores First and 9/5 that Alexander Isak Scores Anytime.
(If your pre-match First Goalscorer bet scores First and then scores a Second, Betfred DOUBLE the odds.
If they score a Third, Betfred TREBLE the odds.)
Draw 1-1- Get 8/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
The Scottish Premier League remains the same following the weekend’s fixtures where Celtic gained a victory over Hearts (who?) on Saturday and Rangers inflicted a defeat on Kilmarnock (who?) on Sunday.
Celtic- played 35, points 84, scored 85 and conceded 27 (plus+ 58)
Rangers- played 35, points 81, scored 78 and conceded 25 (plus+ 53)
Both now have 3 games remaining-
Celtic v Rangers
Kilmarnock (who?) v Celtic
Celtic v St Mirren (who?)
Celtic v Rangers
Rangers v Dundee (who?)
Hearts (who?) v Rangers
As one can see, it’s the Big One on Saturday, the crunch Old Firm Derby that sees Celtic take on Rangers at Celtic Park.
The scenarios are as follows-
If Celtic win, they would be 6 points ahead of Rangers with 2 games remaining, also having a superior goal difference, which is currently a 5-goal swing (a victory would increase that).
If Rangers get the victory, the points will be level but the Teddy Bears will remain in 2nd place unless they score 6 goals more than Celtic.
Although the goal difference is only 5, it then goes on who has scored the most, which is currently Celtic.
Obviously, a draw at Celtic Park would keep the 3-point gap between the two Glasgow clubs going into the final 2 games.
The loveable OzScot over in Melbourne is currently undertaking the Manager duties of a local Australian football team.
The team are affectionately known as Lost Again FC as that’s what the messages start with after a weekend game.
‘How did you get on at the weekend?’
‘Lost again!’
John Newsome’s tactical skills from a wealth of football knowledge have been offered to Braveheart/Kylie, it’s just whether the Spin King wants to take on that advice or continue to be the Boss of Lost Again FC, which if the results don’t improve, Braveheart will soon be down the concrete.
For now, the Lad and Dad will be up late on Saturday Night in Ozland to watch the important Pub League fixture at Celtic Park.
He’s still spinning around.
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