There’s 4 game weeks left for the 2017/18 season but still plenty of action to be had. This week brings a shortened program of just 6 matches with the FA Cup Semi Finals also taking place this weekend. There’s some critical matches to be played though with Swansea hopeful of a lapse in concentration from Manchester City after they were confirmed winners last week when Manchester United lost to West Brom at home. That’ll be a tough result to get though as Manchester City will surely be keen to have a big day out at home to celebrate their title win in front of their home fans but the nature of this game we love is that anything can happen.
**Odds from Sportsbet.com.au as of 19th April
West Brom vs Liverpool
It would be absolutely incredible from West Brom if they managed to survive from here on out after their incredible 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford last time out. The equation is simple for them if they are to have any chance and that is they must win all of their remaining 4 matches. The luck they need is results to go their way, in particular Swansea & Crystal Palace will need to have taken no more than a point in their remaining matches. The hard part this week is they need to take care of Liverpool and whilst the euphoria of such an incredible win over Manchester United may give them the belief to beat Liverpool, it won’t be that easy. Liverpool too are prone to a lapse in recent times but for the most part they have looked more assured this season.
Predicted Result: Liverpool 1-0
Best Bet: Half-Time Draw at $2.3
Best Value Bet: No First half goals at $3.22
Watford vs Crystal Palace
This is more of a must win for Palace than it is for Watford. The home side have a 9 point buffer on the drop zone and don’t look they will go bad enough for them to be relegated come the end of the season. Palace on the other hand, whilst they do have a buffer on the drop zone, will know 3 points here would give them the safety they need to start preparing for the 2018/19 season. They’ve been playing well enough in recent weeks as well to cause Watford enough problems though Watford have only lost once in their last 6 home matches. The nature of a London derby too adds a bit of spice to it and both sides may have to settle for a draw.
Predicted Result: Draw 2-2
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals at $1.98
Best Value Bet: Draw at $3.2
Stoke vs Burnley
A draw last time out for Stoke gave them some hope and kept them in the race for survival but they can’t afford to settle for another draw here. A win is what they need t keep touch but Burnley have been a really good side away from home. In 17 matches they have only lost 4 times on the road this season and have conceded less than a goal per match. Perhaps the main knock on them is they don’t score enough goals and that’s perhaps the main reason why they won’t win this one. Stoke will push hard here given they’ve really got nothing to lose and that will open up opportunities for Burnely but ultimately this looks too even to call.
Predicted Result: Draw 1-1
Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals at $1.54
Best Value Bet: Draw at $3.1
Arsenal vs West Ham
It seems as though Arsenal’s focus is set towards the Europa League and it’s difficult to blame them given their position on the ladder. They have no chance of making it into the top 4 and their 2-1 loss to Newcastle away last time out highlights how inconsistent they can be after winning their previous 3 matches in the league. West Ham are an interesting case and will have a sniff here but they are just as inconsistent and have only taken 12 points away from home this season. Arsenal won’t find it easy but they should win.
Predicted Result: Arsenal 2-1
Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals at $1.46
Best Value Bet: Half-Time Draw at $2.4
Manchester City vs Swansea
Manchester City will be looking forward to this game as it will be their first match at home since being confirmed as title winners for the 2017/18 season. Whilst they haven’t had a lot of pressure on them in the title race, they’ll still be eager to finish the season off strong and there’s always the opportunity too to finish over 100 points for the season. That creates a difficult task for Swansea to try and upset that result but they ultimately have a lot more to play for than Manchester City. They are still at risk of relegation and will be keen to not leave it to the last day of the season to determine their fate. Expect them to show a lot of fight in this one but an upset looks like a long shot right at the moment.
Predicted Result: Manchester City 3-1
Best Bet: BTTS – Yes at $2
Best Value Bet: Half-Time/Full-Time – Draw/Manchester City at $4
Everton vs Newcastle
This looks like a really good match that is evenly balanced. Everton have been playing well at home this season and their overall form over the last 5 weeks has seen them only lose once. Newcastle are one of the better sides away from home this season too and despite losing 8 away games, they’ve also taken points in 8 of them. Their last 4 away has seen 2 draws and a win so Everton will need to be mindful of that. Newcastle will also be confident as they are now on a 4 game winning streak with their latest a 2-1 win over Arsenal.
Predicted Result: Draw 2-2
Best Bet: BTTS – Yes at $1.91
Best Value Bet: Over 3.5 goals at $4.25
