It’s a sprint to the finish line as we enter Matchday 36 of the Premier League season. Matchday 35 saw the relegation battle flipped completely on its head, while the title and top four races are well and truly alive.
We bring you our best bets for all 10 Matchday 36 fixtures below!
EPL 2022-23: Matchday 36 Preview & Betting Tips
Leeds vs Newcastle
Elland Road, Saturday 13th May, 9:30pm AEST
Matchday 36 was a bad weekend for Leeds as wins to Everton and Nottingham Forest saw them fall into the relegation zone. Their fight for survival doesn’t get easier when third placed Newcastle come to town, with Everton playing Manchester City, any points picked up from this fixture for Leeds could prove crucial. Newcastle saw their three-game winning streak come to an abrupt end in a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, however the Magpies still sit comfortably in third thanks to Man United’s loss last week.
These two sides are at a stark contrast at the defensive end of the pitch, with Newcastle ranked as the league’s best defence (29 goals conceded) and Leeds ranked as the worst in the Premier League (69 goals conceded). Leeds have lost five of their last six games, and have won only one of their last eight games in the Premier League. Changing their manager was a chaotic decision so late in the season, and has left the club in a fractured state.
Newcastle won many of the key statistical factors against Arsenal last week, recording more shots, more possession and more corners, however they simply couldn’t convert. Given the quality difference between the two sides it would be tempting to pick Newcastle in the handicap markets, however their lack of polish in attack means the head-to-head market is the way to go in this clash.
Newcastle to win
$1.66 (2 Units)
Everton vs Manchester City
Goodison Park, Sunday 14th May, 11:30pm AEST
The league leaders travel to Merseyside to take on an Everton outfit who has dragged themselves out of the relegation zone. A remarkable 5-1 win over Brighton last week has Everton out of the relegation zone two points clear of Leeds and Leicester. The upset win not only gave Everton three crucial points, but also provided a much-needed boost to their goal difference which was reduced to -21, which could prove crucial if they finish level on points with Leeds.
Manchester City have built their game this season on incredible balance at both ends of the pitch. The defending champions are the number one ranked attacking team (89 goals) and are the number two ranked defensive side (31 goals conceded). City have been led by a record-breaking season by Golden Boot leader Erling Haaland who has scored 35 goals.
City have enjoyed playing against Sean Dyche’s men over the last five years. Across their last ten Premier League fixtures against the Toffees, City have a 9-1-0 record. No doubt Dyche will have his side set up to strangle the game defensively, knowing that a point will be crucial in their bid for survival. However, this defensive attitude is going to allow City to dominate territory, and create plenty of goal scoring opportunities. The league leaders will win this clash convincingly.
Manchester City -1.5
$1.97 (1.5 Units)
Leicester vs Liverpool
King Power Stadium, Tuesday 16th May, 5:00am AEST
Six straight wins has Liverpool with a realistic chance of stealing a top four position that has looked unobtainable for the majority of the season. The Reds sit one point behind fourth placed Manchester United, who do have a game in hand on Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp’s men take on a Leicester side that has failed in a season defining fortnight in their bid for survival. The Foxes drew with Leeds and Everton, then lost to Fulham which now has Leicester in eighteenth place on the Premier League table.
Despite having an underwhelming season, Liverpool have been productive in their front third. The Reds have been the third most prolific attack in the league scoring 67 goals, and match up against a Leicester side that has conceded 64 goals, the fourth most in the Premier League. Liverpool have been in red hot form across their six-game winning streak, scoring seventeen goals.
Liverpool’s last two games against Leicester they’ve had no issues finding the back of the net, scoring two goals in both games. Despite their inconsistencies in the midfield and in defence, the Reds have far too much talent for the Foxes to contain. Liverpool are once again finishing a season with a wet sail, and things could get ugly for a struggling Leicester defence.
Liverpool -1.5
$2.42 (1 Unit)
More EPL Matchday 36 Tips
Aston Villa vs Tottenham (Sunday 12am AEST)
Aston Villa’s hot streak has come to an end and they now find themselves on a two-game losing streak. They’ve failed to score in both losses and have kicked only two goals from their last four games. Still, their defence has stood up really well of late, so I’m expecting a low-scoring affair in this one.
Under 2.5 Goals ($2.08 at Betr)
Chelsea vs Nottingham (Sunday 12am AEST)
Chelsea finally secured a win under Frank Lampard and it came at expense of the Cherries. It was the Blues first win in eight league starts, which will be a massive weight off their shoulders. They get their chance to double the dose when they take on Nottingham who have conceded 2+ goals in six of their last seven matches. I suspect there will be plenty of goals in this meeting.
Over 2.5 Goals ($1.80 at Betr)
Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth (Sunday 12am AEST)
The Cherries have been in great form in the second half of the season but lowered their colours against Chelsea last weekend. It doesn’t get any easier this weekend when they take on Palace who have been playing particularly well on their home deck. I can’t see the Cherries getting anything out of this fixture.
Crystal Palace to Win ($1.85 at Ladbrokes)
Manchester United vs Wolves (Sunday 12am AEST)
The Wolves have had a roller coaster couple of weeks in the Premier League, trading wins with losses over their past five starts. Still, they’d be happy with their performance overall and head to Old Trafford with some confidence. The Wolves have managed to score at least one goal in nine of their last 10 league matches and that makes the Both Teams to Score market appealing.
Both Teams to Score ($1.80 at Betr)
Southampton vs Fulham (Sunday 12am AEST)
Southampton need to win all three of their remaining matches to have a mathematical chance of avoiding relegation, and when you consider they’ve only won six all campaign, it seems very unlikely. With that in mind, I can’t expect their motivation levels to be too high, which provides Fulham with a fantastic opportunity to secure all three points on Saturday night.
Fulham to Win ($2.50 at Ladbrokes)
Brentford vs West Ham (Sunday 11pm AEST)
West Ham had an awful first half of the season but have been a lot better to close out the season. They’re coming off a fantastic 1-0 win over Manchester United last weekend and will head to Brentford full of confidence. At near 4-1 odds, I’m keen to have something small on the Hammers to take down the Bees.
West Ham to Win ($3.70 at Ladbrokes)
Arsenal vs Brighton (Monday 1:30am AEST)
The Gunners need to continue to secure maximum points from their remaining matches to keep the title pressure on Manchester City. This weekend the Gunners play hosts to the Gulls in a game they should be winning. Back them in to get the job done here.
Arsenal to Win ($1.72 at Betr)
