The last matchday of the 2022-23 season is upon us, and while the European spots and Premier League title have already been decided, there is still an intense relegation battle going on. Everton, Leicester, and Leeds will all be fighting for safety in the final round of the season.
We bring you our best bets for the key Matchday 38 fixtures below. Good luck to everyone following!
EPL 2022-23: Matchday 38 Preview & Betting Tips
Everton vs Bournemouth
Monday May 29th, 1:30am AEST
Currently sitting in 17th spot and in the best position of the three teams in the relegation battle, Everton will play hosts to Bournemouth in Matchday 38.
Everton have clearly had a disappointing season but can escape relegation as long as they either draw and Leicester fail to win, or better yet… they simply win and no other results matter.
The Toffees picked up a valuable point away from home last weekend against the Wolves, which put them two points clear of 18th spot. Yerry Mina was the unlikely hero with his equaliser in the 99th minute of what was a highly eventful fixture.
Bournemouth are the other team in this fixture but aren’t worth focusing a whole lot on. They did their work earlier in the season when they went on a terrific winning run, and now have the luxury of relaxing and enjoying themselves on the final day.
It’s highly likely that Everton will be the most conservative of the three teams in the relegation battle on Sunday night. An early goal against them could have devastating effects, so I expect them to be compact and deliberate in the way they advance the ball. With that in mind, I’m not expecting this one to be a shootout, which makes the under 2.5 goals market appeal.
Under 2.5 Goals
$2.25 (2 Units)
Leeds vs Tottenham
Monday May 29th, 1:30am AEST
Leeds have one foot in the Championship as we approach the final day, and it will take something close to a miracle for them to survive another season in England’s top flight.
They enter Matchday 38 in 19th spot on the table, two points and goal difference behind Everton in 17th. If Everton avoid defeat against Bournemouth, Leeds get relegated. And if Leicester defeat West Ham, Leeds get relegated. So, clearly, the ball is not in Leeds’ court, but crazier things have happened.
Regardless of all the possible outcomes on the final day, Leeds will be trying their best to do their bit and at least give themselves a chance of safety. And to do that they need to be playing positive football from the outset and look to find an early goal.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are simply playing for pride and will be hoping to end what has been a disappointing campaign on a high note.
I believe the above factors are the perfect recipe for a high-scoring affair and as such, I’ll be playing into those types of markets.
BTTS & Over 2.5 Goals
$1.70 (2.5 Units)
Leicester vs West Ham
Monday May 29th, 1:30am AEST
The other team in the relegation battle is Leicester – a team that won the English Premier League in spectacular fashion just seven seasons ago.
It’s a relatively simple equation for the Foxes to avoid relegation; they require a win against the Hammers on Sunday night, as well as a draw or worse for Everton in their fixture against Bournemouth.
However, what hasn’t been simple for the Foxes this season, particularly at the bookends, is securing valuable league points. They picked up just one point from their first seven matches this season and have only registered seven points from their last 15 matches coming into this weekend.
Still, they remain a legitimate chance to avoid relegation and certainly have the quality, at least on paper, to do their part and win on the final day.
The Foxes come up against a West Ham side that has nothing to play for, and with transfer rumours swirling around a couple of their key players, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them field a team that is far from their best XI.
All things considered, I appreciate the Foxes have been extremely poor in the lead-up games, but I still have faith that their sheer quality can get the job done here, which will put their Premier League future in Everton’s hands.
Leicester to Win
$1.90 (2 Units)
