The 2015-16 EPL season continues this weekend with a host of big matches that will have implications on the top four. Continue reading as we offer our EPL Week 31 Preview and Betting Tips.
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Everton vs Arsenal (Saturday 11.45pm AEDT)
The Gunners were eliminated from the Champions League midweek as their trip to Spain ended in turmoil as they eventually lost on aggregate 5-1. It was a huge mountain for the side to climb as they were already trailing 2-0 at the end of the first leg. They have been in awful form over the past month as they have won just one game in their past eight matches. They were also eliminated from the FA Cup by Watford and they have dropped to third place on the premier league ladder and their title race is essentially over.
Meanwhile Everton will be full of confidence having defeated Chelsea in the FA Cup midweek and will be a fresh side as they have only played three matches this month. They are one of the best attacking sides in the league and will be looking to pressure the Gunners defence that has faltered as of late. We expect this match to be close with Everton earning a point on their home soil as this match ends in a draw.
TIP: Draw @ $3.50 with CrownBet
Crystal Palace vs Leicester City (Sunday 2am AEDT)
The Foxes managed to earn a narrow victory against Newcastle United last week but it was surprisingly one of the toughest matches they have had on home soil this season. The team did well to maintain a clean sheet and they handled the pressure well throughout the final minutes of the match. Leicester has been the best team on the road this season and has earned more points than any other team. They have lost just 2 games whilst they have won 9 and you can expect them to be strong again on the road this weekend as they have everything to play for.
On the other hand, Crystal Palace has been worse on home soil than in away games this season and they have just 4 wins from 15 games. After a strong start to the season they have fallen away and now find themselves in the bottom quarter of the table. Their goal scoring has dropped whilst their attack has also slipped away. The Foxes will do enough to earn the three points in this one and continue to chase their fairy tale.
TIP: Leicester @ $2.40 with William Hill
Chelsea vs West Ham (Sunday 2am AEDT)
West Ham has had an incredible season and has already gone above the expectations on the side. However, that doesn’t mean it is time for the team to get complacent as they are just one point outside the top four and could easily find themselves playing Champions League football next season which would be a remarkable outcome for the team. The Hammers almost defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford midweek in the FA Cup and in the four games before that they earned four victories including strong wins against Tottenham and Everton.
Meanwhile Chelsea lost to Everton and hasn’t won in their past three matches. They have had one of the worst seasons of a defending champion despite having such a strong squad. Teams are no longer intimidated when facing off with them, as their defence has been terrible. We are backing West Ham to earn the away victory as they already have defeated Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City on the road this season.
TIP: West Ham @ $5.00 with Sportsbet
Manchester City vs Manchester United (Monday 3am AEDT)
In a big match that will have massive implications on the top four, the two Manchester clubs will battle it out for the three points. Earlier in the season when the two sides met it was a dull affair with the match ending in a 0-0 draw. However, you can expect a totally different contest this time around with the two sides desperate to get the maximum out of this match. The Red Devils will be pressing even more as they are 4 points behind Manchester City.
The Sky Blues have been awful in big matches recently as they lost to Leicester City, Chelsea and Liverpool. They are also coming off a midweek match in the Champions League and won’t be as fresh as Manchester United who has had an extra couple of days rest for this contest. The Red Devils also picked up a huge victory against Arsenal. We expect the two sides to play out an entertaining draw that could see both side’s scores a lot of goals.
TIP: Draw @ $3.50 with Palmerbet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
