Matchweek 32 Premier League predictions and best tips: backing wins for Chelsea, Newcastle, and Aston Villa, while the London derby will be dull
This weekend, Premier League fans can look forward to matchweek 32, featuring a host of intriguing encounters. I've prepared a preview and betting tips for some of the matches.
Southampton vs Aston Villa: The underdog won't put up much of a fight
This is one of those matches you watch if you're a fan of one of the clubs or if you're placing bets. With seven matchweeks remaining, Southampton has already been officially relegated to the Championship. The Saints have had a disastrous season and are eager for it to end. On paper, the visitors are the favorites, and rightly so. Aston Villa is tasked with taking three points while conserving energy for their upcoming clash against PSG. Football fans know there are no easy matches in the Premier League, but Southampton has significantly lagged behind their competitors this season. I believe the visitors will control the game, and the Saints will once again disappoint their fans. Motivation is a crucial factor, and the Birmingham side must secure three points as they are in a tight race, leaving no room for error in such games.
Bet tip – Aston Villa to win at odds of 1.58.
Arsenal vs Brentford: The Gunners aren't too focused on the league
In this derby, Arsenal is the favorite, although I think Arteta's side might face some challenges. The Gunners have sent their fans into a state of euphoria after defeating Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. Considering the Premier League situation, the players are likely thinking about the return leg in Madrid, as even a three-goal advantage doesn't guarantee a semi-final spot in a tournament the club has never won before.
It feels like a game where one team doesn't need it, and the other doesn't want it. Even if Arteta fields his strongest lineup, I doubt the players will give it their all, with the Real Madrid clash on their minds. Brentford is a solid mid-table team that shouldn't be underestimated. I suspect the teams won't deliver an entertaining match, mainly due to Arsenal. A slip-up in this match will be forgiven for the Gunners, while the hosts will aim to put on a respectable performance.
Bet tip – under 2.5 goals at odds of 2.01.
Liverpool vs West Ham: Teams to delight with high scoring again
This isn't a must-win at all costs for the opponents. Liverpool plays at home, leads the league, and is of a higher class, making them the clear favorites in this matchup. The Hammers are in the lower half of the table but aren't in danger of relegation, given their 15-point cushion from the drop zone.
The Merseysiders will try to bounce back from their last match defeat, only their second loss in the current championship. I expect the match to be dominated by the hosts, though the visitors will have their chances. In the last five head-to-head meetings, the teams have consistently scored four goals in their encounters. Liverpool's main goal now is to secure the championship swiftly, given their solid lead over rivals. West Ham doesn't desperately need points and will play for pleasure, although it's never easy for visitors at Anfield.
Bet tip – over 3 goals at odds of 1.91.
Chelsea vs Ipswich: The Blues should secure routine 3 points
This is another match that's more interesting for betting than watching. Chelsea is motivated, playing at home, and in good form. Ipswich only has theoretical chances of survival, but making up 12 points in seven matchweeks seems like a fantasy, as the team falls short of Premier League standards. The Tractor Boys lost one of their key matches in the last round when they could have cut the deficit to the safe 17th spot to six points, but the gap only widened.
With the news that five English teams will play in the Champions League next season, Chelsea's chances of qualifying for Europe's most prestigious club competition have increased, though they can't relax as the battle for the top five will be tough. The Blues also aim to win the Conference League, where a semi-final spot is almost secured, and they don't expect a strong opponent in the next round. There's no doubt the hosts will field their strongest lineup, as the league remains a priority for the club.
Bet tip – Chelsea to win with a -1.5 goal handicap at odds of 1.75.
Newcastle vs Manchester United: Will the Red Devils sacrifice the match for European competitions?
One of the standout fixtures of this matchweek, Newcastle has the potential to have a great season, having surprisingly won the League Cup by defeating Liverpool in the final, and qualifying for the Champions League would confirm their progress. The good news for the Magpies is that England will have five clubs representing in the most prestigious club competition next season. Newcastle comes into this match on a three-game winning streak, with every chance to extend it.
With their full squad and high motivation levels, Man United could compete for points, but the visitors have little to play for in the league. Considering the possibility of winning the Europa League, Amorim might rest his key players ahead of the second leg against Lyon. If these assumptions hold true, Newcastle's task becomes easier. Even against a struggling Manchester, betting against them is risky, but in this scenario, it's logically justified.
Bet tip – Newcastle to win at odds of 1.67.
If you imagine combining these events into an accumulator, you'd get odds of nearly 18. No one claims it's a "sure bet," and everyone decides for themselves whether to heed the advice.
Manuel Chávez
Dailysports's expert
