The exciting Round 34 of the English Premier League kicks off on Tuesday evening and wraps up on Monday. Football betting analyst Frank Monkhouse has compiled six predictions based on data that you might want to take into account.
This piece contains affiliate links to advertisers. The insights presented here are our own. Gamble Aware 18+
There’s hardly a moment to pause as the Premier League action heats up for gameweek 34. We kick things off in East Sussex on Wednesday morning with Brighton taking on Chelsea. The fixtures continue with two matches on Thursday morning, followed by one on Saturday morning, five more on Saturday night, and the final showdown on Tuesday morning at Old Trafford.
Who will emerge as the week’s significant winners and loser? The Premier League’s top tier is set for a thrilling climax. As we head into this round, Arsenal and Man City are vying for supremacy at the top of the table. Meanwhile, six teams are still aiming for a top-five finish, while five clubs are entrenched in a fight to avoid relegation and retain their status in the EPL.
Brighton v Chelsea, Wednesday, 5:00am AEST
A season that started with great promise is now teetering on the brink of collapse. FIFA Club World Cup winners Chelsea have lost their last four matches and have suffered defeat in five out of six. Recent home games against Manchester City and Manchester United ended in losses, where Chelsea conceded a staggering four goals while failing to find the net. Things could take a turn for the worse this midweek.
On paper, Chelsea may boast the more talented squad, but I will be backing the home side until the visitors demonstrate an improvement. During their four-match losing streak in the league, Chelsea conceded eight goals without scoring any. Their last away goal in the Premier League came at Villa Park in early March. Let’s keep it straightforward and support the home team, which has shown encouraging form lately.
Tip: Brighton or draw @ 1.44 (bet365)
Bet explanation: By opting for the double chance market, you secure a profit if the home side avoids defeat this Wednesday morning.
Burnley v Man City, Thursday, 5:00am AEST
Just a day later, we anticipate a critical clash at Turf Moor with potential title implications this spring. Burnley welcomes Manchester City, with the hosts eager for a victory to enhance their hopes of evading the bottom position. The Clarets have only won four matches this season, appearing likely to return to the second tier shortly.
Manchester City, previously seemingly out of the title hunt, have made a notable resurgence. Buoyed by an impressive unbeaten streak, a victory in Lancashire would see City level on points with long-time leaders Arsenal at 70. Meanwhile, the Gunners have stumbled, losing their last two outings. Man City knows the importance of capitalising on this moment.
Tip: Man City -1 handicap @ 1.44 (bet365)
Bet explanation: For this bet to win, Manchester City need to win by at least two goals.
Sunderland v Nottingham Forest, Saturday, 5:00am AEST
Sunderland faces Nottingham Forest in a clash at the Stadium of Light. A weekend victory could greatly enhance the Black Cats’ chances of finishing in the top 10, though their recent form has been shaky, resulting in two losses in their last four matches.
Nottingham Forest joins from the City Ground under pressure to create some distance from the relegation zone. Currently positioned 16th, they are five points ahead of Tottenham and the bottom three. Credit should be given to Forest, who show determination, rolling into this match unbeaten in five.
Nottingham desperately needs a win to safeguard their Premier League spot. It’s notable that they’ve drawn three of their last five games, and I’m predicting yet another stalemate. Sunderland managed a 1-0 victory at the City Ground in September, but in their last five encounters, there has been no more than a single goal separating the two sides. I’ll be betting on the draw.
Bet explanation: Scoring and the number of goals don’t matter here—simply need Nottingham Forest to achieve their fourth draw in six league matches.
Fulham v Aston Villa, Saturday, 9:30pm AEST
With no matches scheduled on Sunday, Premier League fans are treated to an exciting five-match Saturday lineup. Kicking off the evening at Craven Cottage sees Fulham face off against Aston Villa in the early afternoon. The Cottagers have struggled for consistency lately, posting two wins, two draws, and two losses in their last six matches, which explains their midtable position.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, find themselves in an enviable position, likely securing a Champions League spot. Under manager Unai Emery, the Birmingham club has enjoyed an impressive season. Villa won seven out of nine points available recently, finding the back of the net five times in their last two EPL encounters this month.
Aston Villa clearly have objectives to strive for, and I believe that will reflect in their performance and the overall match outcome. In the reverse fixture, Villa triumphed over Fulham 3-1, and they won 3-1 the last time they visited West London. Interestingly, the same scoreline appeared in two out of the previous three meetings, as well as in three of five recent matches.
Tip: Aston Villa and BTTS @ 4.75 (bet365)
Bet explanation: Aston Villa need to claim victory at Craven Cottage while allowing Fulham to score at least once in their defeat.
Wolves v Tottenham, Saturday, midnight AEST
As three matches line up for the prime Saturday 3pm local time kickoff, it’s fantastic news for Australian football punters who don’t have to lose any sleep. The focus turns to Molineux, where the match between Wolves and Tottenham is surprisingly pivotal in the relegation battle. Even though the hosts find themselves at the bottom of the league and are primed for a return to the Championship after failing to win 30 of their last 33 league encounters.
Tottenham, meanwhile, sits perilously close to the relegation zone, currently third from bottom. Are Spurs too prestigious a club to face relegation? Look at clubs like West Ham, Newcastle, Southampton, and Leicester for evidence to the contrary. Accumulating just two points from their last six fixtures has left the London club in dire straits. They’ve netted two goals and conceded three over two league games this month.
Wolves have proven to be the league’s weakest side for much of the season, leaving both teams too unreliable to back confidently. We’re opting to avoid the match-winner bets and instead are backing both teams to score for the sixth consecutive match. This streak dates back to November 2023, with games here finishing with 2-1 and 4-2 wins for Wolves.
Tip: Both teams to score @ 1.70 (bet365)
Bet explanation: Both Wolves and Tottenham must score at least once on Saturday night.
Arsenal v Newcastle, Sunday, 2:30am AEST
Ready for one more? We’re back in London as long-standing leaders Arsenal take on Newcastle United. The Gunners have looked destined to be champions for much of the season, but cracks are starting to show in their confidence. Mikel Arteta’s team has now suffered defeats in their last two matches, losing 2-1 to both Bournemouth and Manchester City.
Newcastle travels to the Emirates Stadium with little to lose. While their opponents fight on multiple fronts in the Premier League and Champions League, the Magpies are comfortably midtable. With three consecutive losses behind them, they won’t be battling for European or relegation spots, instead looking for momentum.
Both sides have lost their last two clashes, but Arsenal is at home and has more at stake here. A win would significantly enhance their title aspirations at this crucial time. Arsenal has secured six points from their last two meetings with Newcastle, including a 1-0 victory at this venue last season thanks to Declan Rice’s goal in the 55th minute.
Tip: Arsenal win @ 1.48 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If Arsenal triumphs over Newcastle, you’ll beat the bookies.
Discover the best betting bonuses
The odds mentioned are current as of publication but may change.
Compiled by SportArena.au
Fanpage: SportArena.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
