The Premier League season rolls on as we head into Matchday 28 with plenty of big games in the title race, race for European positions and the relegation battle. The BeforeYouBet team have you covered with our best bets for this weekend’s action!
EPL 2025-26: Matchday 28 Preview & Betting Tips
Newcastle vs Everton
St James’ Park, Sunday 1st March, 2:00am AEDT
It’s a battle of ninth versus eleventh in the north of England as Newcastle and Everton look to end their respective losing streaks. Newcastle have lost four of their last five games after their 2-1 defeat against Manchester City, while Everton have lost their last two games, and have just one win from their last five games. Despite the form slump in the last month, it’s been a great effort for the Toffees to be in the top ten this late in the season considering they’ve been in relegation battles over the past few seasons.
Everton’s improvement has come on the back of a change in the way they defend. After being one of the worst defensive teams in the Premier League over the past few seasons, the Toffees have the fifth ranked defence, conceding just 31 goals this season. Newcastle on the other hand have gone from one of the best defensive sides in the league, to the twelfth ranked defence (39 goals conceded). The big test for the Toffees will be if they can get enough productivity in their front half, with Everton scoring just 29 goals this season, the fourth fewest in the league.
Both teams have clear deficiencies, meaning the outcome of this game will be dictated by the manner in which it’s played. Newcastle will be looking to make this a free flowing affair with the ball pinging up and down the pitch, while Everton will want this to be a slow and controlled game. Despite Newcastle not having the greatest form line, Everton have only scored multiple goals in one of their last seven games. Playing in this manner gives you no margin for error, with one mistake defensively setting the Toffees right behind the eight ball. Eddie Howe’s side have dragged their opponents into high scoring games in recent times, and if they can do that against Everton, they should have the attacking quality to win.
Newcastle to Win
$1.75 (1 Unit)
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
Old Trafford, Monday 2nd March, 1:00am AEDT
Michael Carrick’s Red Devils continue to roll, moving into fourth place after their fourth win from his first five games since taking over as caretaker manager. Manchester United will be looking to extend their five game unbeaten streak when they host Crystal Palace on Monday morning. After a nine game winless run between December and early February, Crystal Palace have shown some signs of life, winning two of their last three games. The Red Devils have had a habit of playing down to the level of their opposition this season, which means this match isn’t a foregone conclusion.
It’s been a thrilling five games under Michael Carrick, with the Red Devils playing some enterprising football in attack. United have scored 12 goals across those five games, and although there’s still work to do at the defensive end, there’s a method to winning games that could see them finish in the top four this season. United have also done a great job in midfield, recording 53.2% possession on average this season, ranked sixth in the league. The midfield as always, has been spearheaded by Bruno Fernandes who has a league high twelve assists - five more than the next best.
Crystal Palace have been the sixth best defensive side, but the 16th ranked attacking outfit, the near opposite profile to Manchester United. Palace will look to absorb and hit on the counter attack, which has been successful against Manchester United at times this season, however given how out of form over the last few months, it hasn’t been a fruitful strategy. United have been one of the better home teams this season, with an 8-3-2 record at Old Trafford, the fourth best home record in the Premier League. The Red Devils momentum will continue, and they’ll pick up another win under Michael Carrick.
Manchester United -1
$2.38 (1.5 Units)
Arsenal vs Chelsea
Emirates Stadium, Monday 2nd March, 3:30am AEDT
A crucial all London clash at the Emirates to round out Matchday 28, as Arsenal look to keep Manchester City at bay when they take on Chelsea. Chelsea have given away crucial points in their last two games, held to draws by Leeds and Burnley to drop out of the top four. The Gunners bounced back in a big way last week, with a 4-1 smashing of rivals Tottenham in the North London Derby. Whilst their last two results were frustrating, it comes on the back of four straight wins, meaning Chelsea are unbeaten in their last six games.
While Arsenal have been excellent in all facets of the game this season, their attacking game has lifted despite results not going their way. The Gunners have now scored equal most goals in the league (56), a stat that Man City had led by nearly double figures at various points throughout the season. Chelsea have been excellent in the front third this season also, ranking third for goals (48), also possessing the fourth ranked defence. Both clubs rank in the top four for both attack and defence, meaning this game could go any way.
Both sides have played in their fair share of draws of late, with Chelsea drawing their last two games, whilst Arsenal have had two of their last three games end in a draw. Four of Arsenal’s last eight league games have finished in a draw, while four of Chelsea’s last nine league games have been a draw. We will get a top quality game of football with plenty of action at both ends of the pitch, however a stalemate will be on the cards.
