The English Premier League returns from the international break, heading into the final stretch of the season with just 9 Matchdays remaining. Three clashes between sides in the top 11 headline Matchday 30’s slate of action, and Jack Tobin has you covered with his best bets below!
EPL 2024-25: Matchday 30 Preview & Betting Tips
Arsenal vs Fulham
Emirates Stadium, Wednesday 2nd April, 5am AEDT
Fulham head to the Emirates to take on fellow London side Arsenal, with a chance to keep in touch in the race for fifth spot on the Premier League table. Fulham are three points behind Manchester City who are in fifth, with the spot definitely obtainable given City have only won one of their last four games. Arsenal have very little to gain from the remainder of the season given they are twelve points behind league leaders Liverpool, but also ten points clear of fifth place, meaning they are almost locked in for a top four finish.
After a three-game winless run that has all but ended their title aspirations, the Gunners bounced back with a 1-0 over Chelsea on Matchday 29. Despite the frustration of their recent form, it’s important to note they are the best defensive team in the league having only conceded 20 goals this season. Arsenal also are the fourth most prolific team in front of goal with 53 goals, comparatively Fulham ranks eleventh with just 43 goals. The difference in the final third is massive between these two teams from an attacking and defensive standpoint, which holds the Gunners in good stead.
Fulham come into this fixture with just two wins from their last four games, and their record against Arsenal doesn't give the Cottagers much hope. Arsenal has an 8-3-1 record across their last twelve Premier League matches against Fulham, and remarkably Fulham have never won a league fixture at the Emirates. Arsenal have only lost once in fourteen home matches this season, and will continue their strong record with a comfortable win over Fulham.
Arsenal -1
$2.20 (1 Unit)
Brighton vs Aston Villa
American Express Stadium, Thursday 3rd April, 5:45am AEDT
Brighton and Aston Villa’s European hopes heavily rely on Thursday morning’s clash in the south of England, with just two points separating seventh placed Brighton and ninth placed Aston Villa. The Seagulls are two points away from fifth spot, while Villa are four points away and cannot afford to drop points in this fixture. Brighton have hit form at the right time of the season, with four wins and a draw from their last five games, with their last outing a 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
The lift in Brighton’s form has come on the back of the Seagulls getting back to their best in the front half of the ground. Brighton have scored 13 goals from their last five games, and if they can turn this game into a free flowing, up and back affair they will be confident of exposing Villa and creating goal scoring opportunities. Aston Villa have only recorded one clean sheet in their last eight games, and are the 15th ranked defence this season having conceded 45 goals.
Unai Emery’s side have struggled away from Villa Park this season, with a 5-2-7 record in away games this season. Brighton are unbeaten in their last two games against Aston Villa, and if they can get the game to play how they want it too, they could run riot against a vulnerable Villa defence. Brighton’s attacking game will be too strong for a struggling Aston Villa defence, and they’ll continue their charge towards the top five.
Brighton to Win
$2.00 (1.5 Units)
Newcastle vs Brentford
St James’ Park, Thursday 3rd April, 5:45am AEDT
Sixth placed Newcastle host eleventh placed Brentford at St James’ Park on Thursday morning, with the Magpies well and truly in the hunt for a Champions League position. Eddie Howe’s side are two points behind fourth placed Chelsea, and have a game in hand on them which will prove crucial. Three wins in five games has Brentford in eleventh place, but still seven points behind fifth placed Manchester City, with an uphill task to finish in the top five.
Newcastle have won two of their last three games after a tough period through late February into early March. Newcastle have struggled for consistency across this season, so it will be interesting to see how they return after a two week break. Eddie Howe’s side rank in the top half of the Premier League for both goals for and fewest goals conceded, but need to be able to produce their best at both ends of the pitch at the same time if they are to feature in European football next season.
Brentford’s defence leaves a lot to be desired, ranking 14th (45 goals conceded) and have struggled badly away from home this season. The Bees have a 5-2-7 record in road games this season, which isn’t a great prospect given they face a Newcastle side that has a 7-2-4 record at St James’ Park this season. Newcastle have won five of the last six league fixtures between the two sides, and will continue that strong record on Thursday morning.
Newcastle -1
$2.60 (1 Unit)
