With Arsenal and Manchester United both dropping points last weekend, the top four race is more or less over. Chelsea are guaranteed Champions League football at Stamford Bridge next season and I’m not sure even Tottenham can bottle fourth spot from here…
However, there is still one more round of Premier League fixtures to go. While most of the focus will be on the two teams competing for the title, the order in the top four race could still change. Fingers crossed for a dramatic final day of the 2018/19 campaign.
Chelsea head to Leicester City while Spurs, four days after that Champions League semi-final with Ajax, host Everton. If Tottenham better Chelsea’s result, they will leapfrog the Blues in the final Premier League standings. Nobody will be taking anything for granted on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Manchester United are fighting for fifth. Arsenal have to travel to Burnley whilst United host relegated Cardiff City. Premier League placings here won’t mean much to fans but the financial incentive of finishing as high as possible is important.
BURNLEY vs ARSENAL
Three points could see Burnley climb above Newcastle United in the Premier League table – a 14th placed finish would go down well with fans. Their record in this particular fixture isn’t great though; Burnley have lost their last nine matches against the Gunners.
Arsenal will be prioritising the Europa League final should Unai Emery’s men finish the job against Valencia on Thursday night. However, 19/20 for the Gunners to claim three points is a solid price considering their history of success in this fixture.
The final day of the Premier League season is usually exciting but this has all the makings of a drab and dreary affair. Take the 13/25 for under 3.5 goals on Sunday afternoon; Burnley are in holiday mode and Arsenal may be preoccupied with a trip to Baku.
TIP: Under 3.5 goals @ 13/25
PREDICTED SCORE: Burnley 0-2 Arsenal (19/2 with 888sport)
LEICESTER CITY vs CHELSEA
Leicester were excellent in the 3-0 victory over Arsenal and gave a good account against Manchester City on Monday night. The hosts will be looking to end the season on a high and 23/10 for Leicester to win isn’t the worst price in the world.
Like Arsenal, Chelsea may have a Europa League final to prepare for. Fans were calling for Maurizio Sarri’s head earlier in the campaign but the Blues boss has turned things around – Chelsea are in the driving seat to finish third and a win (6/5) will secure that.
For me, both teams to score is the way to go at 4/7. Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers has had a positive impact since joining Leicester and another result against a big team could be on the cards if everything goes to plan.
TIP: Both teams to score @ 4/7
PREDICTED SCORE: Leicester 2-2 Chelsea (12/1 with 888sport)
MANCHESTER UNITED vs CARDIFF CITY
What has gone wrong at Old Trafford? It looked like the Red Devils had turned a corner under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but all of his hard work has been undone in recent weeks. A 1-1 draw at bottom-of-the-table Huddersfield on Sunday sums United up at the moment.
Meanwhile, Cardiff’s relegation was confirmed on Saturday night. Neil Warnock’s side have been on the wrong end of some refereeing decisions but the Bluebirds haven’t been good enough. With the pressure now off, Cardiff could avoid defeat (7/2) on Sunday afternoon.
United should have enough quality to win here but supporters won’t be taking anything for granted after the draw with Huddersfield. The Red Devils have been woeful defensively and that brings the 8/11 for both teams to score into play.
TIP: Both teams to score @ 8/11
PREDICTED SCORE: Man United 2-1 Cardiff (8/1 with 888sport)
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs Everton
With a top four finish more or less secure, Spurs can focus all of their efforts on Ajax. Harry Kane’s latest injury setback has hindered Spurs in recent weeks but the north London side will fight until the end. Write the Premier League outfit off at your peril.
Everton have lost just one of their last seven Premier League games and the Toffees will be quietly confident of upsetting the odds here. Marco Silva’s side have been excellent against the ‘Big 6’ in recent weeks and 19/20 for Everton to avoid defeat is worth considering.
Spurs’ priority is the Champions League but Pochettino’s men will want to end the 2018/19 season with a win on home soil. 22/25 isn’t the best Premier League odds tip of the weekend but Tottenham could send out a statement with a convincing success.
TIP: Tottenham to win @ 22/25
PREDICTED SCORE: Tottenham 2-1 Everton (7/1 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
