The Premier League season is almost over, but there are still a few games in hand to be sorted. In between the final two weekends of the season, we’ve got four extra midweek games. Here we’re taking a look at each of the four games, picking out our betting tips for each clash in the hope of helping you make a bit of cash.
There’s something riding on each of the four games, and we have clashes between struggling sides and teams pushing for the Champions League. West Ham against Manchester United and Liverpool’s match at home to Chelsea will both be live on Sky Sports. The other two games, which involve relegation threatened Sunderland and Norwich, aren’t being shown. Despite that, those two matches affecting the lower-placed sides are arguably more important.
Tuesday 10th May 2016
West Ham v Manchester United (19:45) – Over 2.5 goals (Evens with Coral)
The only game on Tuesday is the clash between the sides positioned sixth and fifth in the table. Both sides are hoping to make a late run into the top four, but for West Ham this game is even more important. They are about to walk out at Upton Park for the final time, as the club are moving to the Olympic Stadium from next season. This should be a massive occasion, with the stadium likely to be packed for the final time. A late kick off against United live on TV, it’s not a bad way to go out. Can West Ham see off their home with a win, or will the Red Devils spoil the party?
The Hammers have been involved in their fair share of goal-packed games this term. Their defence has been pretty inconsistent at times, and we’re backing something similar to happen here. We don’t expect Upton Park to go out with a whimper, this should be a pretty entertaining game. We’re going with a wide open match, one which could go either way. Our bet here is over 2.5 goals, with both sides pushing for a much needed win.
Wednesday 11th May 2016
Norwich v Watford (19:45) – Norwich to win (5/6 with Betfair)
In the battle for survival, Norwich are desperate for points. The Canaries know that they are underdogs at the bottom, so three points here would go a long way. After tough games against Arsenal and Manchester United, they now face a Watford side who have next to nothing to play for. The Hornets have been below par since the turn of the year, and now they sit in mid-table. Do they really have the motivation to come down to Carrow Road and deliver a massive blow to Norwich? Can you really see this Watford team having enough to hold off a side desperate for points?
While Watford’s debut season in the league has been impressive, the last few months haven’t been great for them. It’s like their desire went out the window when relegation was no longer a fear. With only a few days of the season left, it’s likely that their players are going to be more focused on their summer break. Manager Quique Sanchez Flores is rumoured to be leaving the club this summer, which gives this side even less to play for. We’re backing a home win here, as Norwich keep themselves alive going in to the final day.
Sunderland v Everton (19:45) – Draw (13/5 with Coral)
Sunderland sit in a similar situation to Norwich, as they’re also desperate for a home win. Sam Allardyce is pushing for his side to make another late dash for survival. If his side are to do that, they need to see off Everton on Wednesday night. The Black Cats have a mixed home record this term, but they’ll need to turn that around this week. The Black Cats are also up against a side who have very little to play for. Everton are well below where they should be, and Toffees fans are protesting against their manager. So will they have even more to protest about this week?
While Everton have problems, most of them tend to stem from poor home results. Their away form is actually quite strong. That’s not what Sunderland want to hear before this must win clash. The Black Cats have had a very mixed year at the Stadium of Light, dropping points in games that they should have won. That’s the reason they’re down at the bottom, and we’re backing them to have a similar problem this week. While Everton at home should be three points in their situation, we think the Mackems will slip up, putting their survival chances in danger. We’re going for a draw on Wearside.
Liverpool v Chelsea (19:45) – Liverpool to win (Evens with Coral)
The live game on Wednesday night sees two rivals going head to head. They’re both stuck in mid-table, well below where they’d have expected to be at the start of the season. While Chelsea’s campaign is basically over, Liverpool still have hopes this season. They’ll want to make the top seven and secure a Europa League place, and they’ll be hoping to win the Europa League in the final in Basel a week after this game. Just how focused will Jurgen Klopp’s men be for this one?
Liverpool are likely to rotate either side of this game, but their two remaining midweek fixtures will be the focus. A win over Chelsea would end their season on a high note at Anfield. Their final match of the season won’t be that important, with a European final just days later. The Blues look like a side who have completely given up this season, so Liverpool should make short work of them here. Guus Hiddink has done a solid job since taking over mid-season, but he can’t get much more out of this team. We’re going with a home win here, which is priced at evens with Coral.