Premier League matchweek 36 predictions and top tips: Another accumulator from potentially high-scoring games

This weekend, the Premier League is set to thrill fans once again, and I’ve put together predictions for five Sunday fixtures. Who needs points in the final stretch, and who’s just playing out the season?

• See also: Atalanta vs Roma prediction, H2H and probable lineups — May 12, 2025

Newcastle vs Chelsea: Who will get closer to the Champions League?

This is one of the round’s headline clashes in the race for a Champions League spot. Both teams come into this encounter level on points, so a win over a direct rival would be a massive boost toward the most prestigious European competition.

Looking at the odds, Newcastle are slight favorites, which is easily explained by the home advantage. Of course, Chelsea will come looking for a win, but the Blues have won less than half of their away games in the Premier League, and here they face a formidable opponent. I expect a tough, end-to-end battle that could go either way, with the outcome hinging on tactical plans and finishing. The fact that Chelsea played in Europe midweek can be ignored, as their lineup wasn’t full-strength, with the Premier League clearly their priority.

Bet for the match – both teams to score – yes, at 1.54.

Manchester United vs West Ham: Expect goals from both sides

This is one of those cases where neither team has much at stake. The hosts are considered favorites, though West Ham’s chances are just as good. The Hammers can field their best eleven, while Amorim will likely rotate, with a crucial Europa League final looming in just over a week.

It’s quite possible United won’t go full throttle, with key players being rested for bigger challenges. On paper, this is a clash of direct rivals, but both clubs are in the bottom half of the table, so motivation isn’t at its peak. I don’t see United as clear favorites, especially as they played in Europe midweek, and if they field a weakened side, the Hammers will take advantage. With the result tough to predict, I’ll focus on the goal tally.

Bet for the match – over 2.5 goals, at 1.78.

Nottingham Forest vs Leicester: Can Forest stay in the hunt for the top five?

The Tricky Trees have been the revelation of the season, sitting in the top four for a long stretch, but have now hit the brakes with just one win in five games, slipping to sixth in the table. Their gap to the top five is just two points, so the Champions League dream is still alive.

It’s clear the hosts desperately need a win, while Leicester have long since been relegated to the Championship, making Forest strong favorites here. Still, Nottingham haven’t been convincing lately, and the Foxes, even with nothing to play for, won’t just hand over points. Expect an open, attacking game, although the hosts should have the upper hand. Forest dropped needless points at home to Brentford and Everton, but now it’s vital to focus on the coming fixtures.

Bet for the match – both teams to score – yes, at 1.99.

Tottenham vs Crystal Palace: Expect goals in a game that means little

We’re in for a London derby where neither side has much left to play for in the league. Tottenham are focused on the Europa League final, where a win over Manchester United could book their Champions League spot. Crystal Palace also have European hopes, as they’ll play Manchester City in the FA Cup final next week, and a trophy would send the Eagles to the Europa League.

With crucial matches ahead, expect both managers to rotate their squads. Bookmakers haven’t picked a favorite, which makes sense given the uncertainty over the lineups. Likely, we’ll see players who haven’t had much game time so far—expect them to give their all. I anticipate an open, attacking contest where the result won’t matter much.

Bet for the match – both teams to score – yes, at 1.5.

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Liverpool vs Arsenal: Titans set for a spectacular showdown

On paper, this is the headline match of the round, though in terms of motivation, it’s a different story. Only Arsenal need points to secure second place—and even a top-five finish isn’t guaranteed yet. Liverpool are already champions, but even so, the Reds will want to entertain their home crowd.

Anfield is always a tough place to visit. Sure, Liverpool don’t need the win, but they won’t be giving away points either. Arsenal are surely still reeling from their Champions League heartbreak, having lost both legs of the semifinal to PSG. Lifting Europe’s biggest trophy was Arteta’s dream, and his side will be drained, but a defeat here could let the chasers close in. The reverse fixture was a high-scoring affair, and I expect more of the same this time.

Bet for the match – over 2.5 goals, at 2.22.

A potential accumulator from these picks yields odds of over 18, though the final number will depend on your bookmaker of choice. I’m expecting plenty of goals across all these matches, even where motivation is lacking for some teams.