Today's EPL action: Brentford vs West Ham, Newcastle vs Brighton, Wolves vs Sunderland, Arsenal vs Fulham
In a word, how does one sum up today’s English Premier League action? Pressure.
The season enters its final, decisive few weeks, with plenty on the line for several teams, factoring in title ambitions, European hopes and relegation fears.
The big matchup today, on everyone’s calendars, is Arsenal hosting Fulham at the Emirates Stadium. The championship race is in its final stretch; every fixture has become a must win for Arsenal in its push for the title.
Brighton’s visit to Newcastle is a big match as Brighton is chasing the prestige of a European spot. Newcastle are still seeking the consistency needed to avoid being dragged deeper into the bottom-half battle.
Further down the table, Brentford hosts West Ham in a fixture with big implications for West Ham, trying to distance themselves from the relegation conversation.
Wolves and Sunderland also meet in a contest that could prove pivotal for two clubs looking to create breathing room in the lower half of the standings.
So, there’s a lot of pressure, even urgency at play today, which adds a nice dose to drama and emotional atmospheres to each match as we hit the point in the calendar where there’s little room for error, or recovery. Makes EPL betting even more interesting.
BEST BETS
Premier League
Today
Brentford (13-9-12) vs. West Ham United (9-9-16), 10 a.m. EST, Gtech Community Stadium, London, England
Brentford To Win
At Betway soccer betting odds, Brentford is -110, West Ham is +260, and a Draw is +280.
Brentford sits 9th with 48 points in 34 games and are still alive for Europe despite being on a six-game winless run. West Ham’s leaky defence (58 goals conceded), the fact they’ve never won a Premier League match at Brentford’s ground, plus Igor Thiago’s production – 21 league goals – makes this is a best bet. Brentford needs the three points.
Newcastle United (12-6-16) vs Brighton & Hove Albion (13-11-10), 10 a.m. EST, St. James’ Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
Draw
At Betway, Newcastle is +150, Brighton is +160, and a Draw is +260.
This one is a coin flip. Newcastle has struggled at home lately and sits eight points above relegation. So back to the pressure. Brighton has won six of eight and has looked sharper of late.
Danny Welbeck anytime goalscorer (+125) is a good prop. He is at 13 on the season and scored in their 3-0 win over Chelsea on April 21.
Wolverhampton Wanderers (3-8-23) vs. Sunderland (12-10-12), 10 a.m. EST, Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, England
Sunderland To Win
At Betway, Wolverhampton is +275, Sunderland is +100, and a Draw is +240.
The Wolves are already relegated, dead last in the EPL table. Sunderland has already beaten the Wolves once this year.
The Wolves are bad defensively, with a minus-38 goal difference, and their top scorers have just two goals each, so no creativity.
Sunderland sits in 12th and has plenty to draw on to win this one. Brian Brobbey anytime goalscorer (+150) is a good value prop against a leaky back line like this one.
Arsenal (22-7-5) vs. Fulham (14-6-14), 12:30 p.m. EST, Emirates Stadium, London, England
Arsenal To Win
At Betway, Arsenal is -211, Fulham is +550, and a Draw is +333.
Arsenal, topping the table with 73 points, has looked fatigued, but will handle Fulham today. Arsenal has an insane home record against Fulham – they’ve never lost in over 32 league games there (25 wins, 7 draws).
With the fatigue factor after midweek European action, this one won’t be a goal fest and should come under 3.5 goals (-286).
Sunday
AFC Bournemouth (11-16-7) vs. Crystal Palace (11-10-12), 9 a.m. EST, Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, England
Bournemouth To Win
At Betway, Bournemouth is -163, Crystal Palace is +425, and a Draw is +300.
Bournemouth are strong favourites at home, sitting eighth, with 49 points, after a club-record 14-game unbeaten streak (5 wins, 9 draws). Bournemouth is pushing for a European spot – go with their momentum and strength at home.
Manchester United (17-10-7) vs. Liverpool (17-7-10), 10:30 a.m., Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Over 2.5 Goals
Manchester United is +125, Liverpool is +187, and a Draw is +275.
Manchester United to win is a good call as well, with a strong record at home, while Liverpool has struggled more on the road. These derbies frequently deliver goals.
Aston Villa (17-7-10) vs. Tottenham Hotspur (8-10-16), 2 p.m., Villa Park, Birmingham, England
Aston Villa To Win
Aston Villa is +110, Tottenham is +225, and a Draw is +260.
Villa, sitting in fifth, at 58 points, are strong favourites at home in this one. Tottenham has struggled, sitting in 18th, fighting relegation.
