We have a smaller Premier League slate than usual this week thanks to the FA Cup semi-finals taking place at Wembley, but don’t worry, we still have several juicy fixtures to enjoy on Saturday and Sunday. Here are my best bets for Matchweek 34!
Sheffield United vs. Burnley (Saturday, April 20)
It’s a true bottom of the table clash with Sheffield United in the 20th spot of the Premier League table hosting Burnley, who are one spot above them. Just four points separates the two teams and neither have set the world on fire this year. Burnley are in marginally better form, with six points from their past five games, with the hosts just having three in that same span.
Both teams have struggled to win games this year, with just seven victories between them, but the winner of this match might stand an outside chance of staying up. That winner is likely to be Burnley. With the Blades allowing at least two goals in each of their past six Premier League games it’s clear they can’t defend, and that’s something the Clarets should be able to take advantage of.
Pick: Burnley to win (+148)
Luton Town vs. Brentford (Saturday, April 20)
Only seven points separate these two teams which tells you a lot about how poor Brentford have been this season. However, this is a great chance for a ‘get right’ game and their form hasn’t been bad recently. They beat Sheffield United last time out and had three draws before that against Aston Villa, Brighton, and Man Utd.
Luton’s performances have been admirable this season and their commitment can’t be doubted, but on a player-for-player level they just aren’t Premier League quality and heart will only get you so far. They’ve only won one of their past 12 outings and have been beaten by Brentford the previous three times they’ve met.
Pick: Brentford to win (+120)
Everton vs. Nottingham Forest (Sunday, April 21)
Sunday serves up another potential relegation clash between two teams who are entering the weekend mere points above the drop. Everton and Forest come into this with similar records in their past three games, with both teams having one win, one draw, and one defeat.
That win was Everton’s only victory in their past 15 games and the fact they come into this on the back of conceding six goals to Chelsea makes their previous defensive strength look suspect. This is a game neither team will want to lose and with both teams having defense-first managers it’s likely to end even.
Pick: Draw (+260)
Aston Vila vs. Bournemouth (Sunday, April 21)
Aston Villa are rightly favorites coming into this game. They were excellent last weekend as they beat Arsenal and dented their title hopes. One of the standout performers that day was Ollie Watkins, who scored against the Gunners and we’re backing him to do it again here.
Watkins has now racked up 19 goals in 32 Premier League games and is playing like one of the best strikers in the Premier League. He’s scored three goals in his past two Premier League games, and I fancy his chances against a Bournemouth team who have given up 57 goals this season.
Pick: Ollie Watkins to score (+108)
Fulham vs. Liverpool (Sunday, April 21)
Liverpool absolutely must get a win on Sunday or their hopes of a Premier League title are done. However, we’ve seen all season long that they’re excellent in the second halves of games but generally poor in the first 45.
They ranked fifth in the Premier League for first halves, only winning at halftime in 11 of 32 games. Fulham have taken the game level into halftime in 50% of their games in Craven Cottage and will hope to do so again here, although Liverpool should have too much and win the game.
Pick: Draw/Liverpool (+330)
