Last weekend’s Premier League action firmly threw the spotlight on the fight for survival, and with shock results and upturns in form we have an unpredictable battle to stay up lying ahead. While Burnley and QPR went down, we still have one more free spot and five teams who could potentially join those two in the Championship. As we approach the penultimate weekend of the season, there’s a lot on the line at the bottom of the table.
Once again the relegation battle has been slightly overlooked by the TV companies, as they’ve picked the big name sides to show, probably expecting there to be some kind of Champions League fight going on. Although showing the strugglers would be more entertaining, this is the second last chance to watch and bet on the Premier League until August, so we should savour it. Ahead of those live games, we have previews of each clash with a betting tip for every game that we’re confident will help you make a very tidy profit.
Saturday 16th May 2015
Southampton v Aston Villa (12:45) – Both teams to score (19/20 with Ladbrokes)
The closest we get to the relegation fight on TV is on BT Sport in the early game, with Aston Villa still within the reach of 18th placed Hull. Villa have a four point lead over the Tigers, so they know a win at St Mary’s would guarantee their safety. It would take a very bizarre turn for Villa to go down from their current position, but they looked destined for the drop not too long ago. Tim Sherwood has certainly improved their fortunes, but can he finish the job?
Luckily for Villa, they face a Southampton side who are struggling for any kind of form. The Saints have lost to two other struggling sides in recent weeks, with defeats against Sunderland and Leicester. That kind of form doesn’t fill you with confidence for a home victory, even if they’re priced just below evens. The visitors are a tempting 4/1 here, but we’re backing both teams to score in this one. The Villains have improved massively in front of goal under Sherwood, and you’d expect Southampton to get a goal at home to Villa, who are far more open under their new boss.
Liverpool v Crystal Palace (17:30) – Gerrard to score any time (17/10 with BetVictor)
The late game has Steven Gerrard’s departure from Anfield to thank for not being a complete dead rubber. Liverpool are out of the top four picture while Crystal Palace sit safety in mid table, so there’s very little else to focus on during this one. The Reds trail Manchester United by six points with two games to play, and their goal difference is 14 worse than the Red Devils’. It would take something remarkable to turn that around, especially given Liverpool’s striking woes.
Sky will be focusing on Gerrard for pretty much the duration here, with Palace likely to be given a background role. The Eagles still could cause the hosts some problems, which makes both teams to score good value at 19/20. But, seeing as all eyes will be on Gerrard, you may as well have something riding on him too. The Reds’ captain has scored in his last two, and he has a habit of delivering when his club need him most. It may be a brief farewell before an inevitable return on loan from LA Galaxy, but back Gerrard to score any time here at 17/10 with BetVictor – he’s Liverpool’s top scorer this season!
Sunday 17th May 2015
Swansea v Manchester City (13:30) – City to win and both teams to score (11/5 with Ladbrokes)
This game could do with a retirement or emotional goodbye to inspire a bit of interest, as this is a true dead rubber. City confirmed their place in the Champions League with a 6-0 win over QPR last week, while Swansea look too far off seventh to sneak in to Europe. With that considered, it’s easy to forgive anyone who criticises Sky for taking this game over one featuring the teams at the bottom. Neither of these two looked like they’d be playing for much in the run-in, and their players are probably counting down the days until the end of the season.
Finding value on this match isn’t easy either, although Sergio Aguero to score any time isn’t bad at 4/5 with Sky Bet. He’s in great form and looking to secure the Golden Boot, so he should be strongly considered here. Our main tip for this one though, is a City win and BTTS, given that the dethroned champions are back to winning ways again. Also, we know they’re vulnerable defensively, and Swansea should be able to get themselves on the scoresheet at home where they have a fine record to go alongside their current solid form.
Manchester United v Arsenal (16:00) – Arsenal to win (19/10 with BetVictor)
The final game of the weekend could be a big one for City, as they look to hold off Arsenal and finish in second place. United were in that fight, but their recent three-game losing streak brought any hopes of finishing second screeching to a halt. They do look to have a top four place in the bag, which would have been their target at the beginning of the season. Now they’ll be looking ahead to the next campaign, and they could lay a marker down with a win over Arsenal.
The Gunners look likely to take second place, despite slipping up against Swansea, and that should set them up well for a title challenge next season, although we’ve been here before with Arsenal. Their recent good form has brought a lot of positivity back to the club, and they’ll be hoping to continue that against United. After a win here in the FA Cup earlier in the season, expect the Gunners to repeat the trick as they look to come into the final of that competition playing as well as possible. Arsenal are great value at almost 2/1, while they’re 11/10 draw no bet with BetVictor, if you’d like a safer option.