Premier League matchday 28 predictions, bets, and top tips: City to visit Forest, an easy match for Liverpool
This weekend, the EPL is set to thrill with a plethora of exciting events. Read below for analysis and predictions of some upcoming fixtures.
Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester City. What to expect from the clash of direct competitors? 08.03.2025
At first glance, it might not seem like a clash of direct competitors, as these teams could easily be imagined at opposite ends of the league table. While Nottingham Forest is one of the season's biggest surprises, Man City, along with their neighbors, has been disappointing the most.
The winner of this match is guaranteed to move up to third place, but in the event of a draw, Chelsea could leapfrog them. Comparing the squads, it's hard to match up against the 'Citizens' with their expensive and star-studded roster, while the 'Foresters' will try to prove at home that they are no less formidable. Manchester is considered the favorite, with odds of around 1.88 for a win, while a home victory is priced at 4.05. Despite Nottingham's poor form, having not won in five matches, these guys should give the somewhat unstable Manchester City a fight. Both teams aim to finish in the Champions League zone; for the 'Citizens' it's routine, but for Nottingham Forest, it would be a monumental achievement. In the upcoming 'chess match' between Espirito Santo and Guardiola, I don't expect any sudden moves, but I believe the class of the players will be the deciding factor. I'm willing to bet on a clean win for the visitors.
Betting odds for the match: Man City win. Odds - 1.88.
Liverpool vs. Southampton. No miracle, not even for the 'Saints' 08.03.2025
It's hard to comment when the first and last teams meet. Liverpool already sees themselves with the trophy, while Southampton realizes they will spend next season in the Championship. Bookmakers offer a laughable 1.15 odds for a home victory, against 18.5 for the visitors.
There's no particular point in orchestrating a 'massacre' against the outsider at Anfield, given the tight schedule for the 'Merseysiders'. It's likely that Arne Slot will attempt some squad rotation. The hosts just need to secure three points; the score doesn't matter. Although Southampton looks helpless, playing half-heartedly against this team is dangerous. I think the 'Saints' will try to put up a respectable fight. Only a miracle can save Southampton, but that doesn't mean they should stop playing. Liverpool had a tough midweek match, where only luck and Alisson helped secure a positive result, so there's reason to rest the leaders, especially with the return match against the Parisians and the English League Cup final looming. The hosts even have room for error, but dropping points against such opponents at home is undesirable. Here, a bet on both teams to score at 2.01 seems attractive.
Betting on the match: Both will score - yes - 2.01.
Brentford vs. Aston Villa. A meeting of charming teams 08.03.2025
In this clash of table neighbors, bookmakers didn't initially favor either side, but now the odds for a home win are gradually falling. Aston Villa is stretched across three tournaments, which is why the odds on the 'Bees' have decreased. Despite Brentford's good form, the club hasn't won at home in six consecutive league matches. Aston Villa hasn't focused on one tournament, with Emery trying to motivate his guys for victory in each battle. The club has become a haven for former stars like Rashford and Asensio to revive their careers. Yet, Villa lacks stability, and with such a dense match schedule, squad depth is crucial. It's also worth noting that the Birmingham side struggles away in the EPL, with only 4 wins in 13 outings. I dare to suggest that the tight schedule will negatively affect Aston Villa, so I'll bet on a home win with a zero handicap at 1.68. It's also worth mentioning that high-scoring football is expected, as matches involving these clubs average over three goals in the current championship.
Bet on the match: Brentford win with 0 - 1,68.
Manchester United vs. Arsenal. What to expect from the principled clash of titans? 09.03.2025
This is undoubtedly the central event of matchday 28 in England. Though it's not a direct competition, the fixture looks impressive. Looking at the league table, neither team needs a victory at all costs. Arsenal can't catch Liverpool in the title race, with a 13-point chasm between them, and Manchester has nothing to fight for, as they are far from relegation. The visitors are favored, with odds of 1.76 for a London victory, while the 'Red Devils' are at 5.3. Both teams are in similar conditions, having played midweek, but United had one less day of rest. Given the league standing, it's logical to focus on European competitions, a sentiment shared by both teams. Of course, a win in such a match holds historical significance and would greatly please the fans of either club. Although the bookmakers disagree, I think there's every chance to see high-scoring football, so a bet on both teams to score at 2.11 looks quite appealing.
Betting on the match both to score - yes - 2.11.
Tottenham vs. Bournemouth. Is a goal fest on the horizon? 09.03.2025
There's a feeling that in such a match-up, the teams might deliver high-scoring football. I'm not expecting strict defensive play, with a high likelihood that the game will be open-ended, where finishing will be crucial. In their optimal form, the 'Spurs' would be favorites, but now the chances of success for the teams are about equal. Bournemouth's motivation is higher as they are fighting for European competition, even the top four isn't that far away. Currently, the 'Cherries' have lost 3 out of their last four matches. Tottenham no longer contends for European spots, but they have a significant buffer compared to the relegation zone. The 'Spurs' will likely focus on European competitions, having played in them this week, with a return leg where they need to overturn a one-goal deficit next Thursday. I think the teams will delight fans with high-scoring play, which is why I find a bet on over 3.5 goals at 2.02 appropriate.
Betting on the match: total more than 3.5 goals - 2.02.
Manuel Chávez
Dailysports's expert
