Here are this week’s EPL predictions:
Brentford vs. Fulham
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. ET
It’s FA Cup final weekend in England. There is also a full slate of Premier League action, which kicks off on Friday with the final two games taking place on Tuesday. My best bet of Match Day 37 comes from one of the Sunday fixtures and is for Brentford to beat Fulham on the Moneyline at –114.
The Bees are unbeaten in six games and are absolutely flying, having won their last four whilst scoring goals for fun in the process. Thomas Frank has done an incredible job and refuses to let the very high standards he has set drop, regardless of who, where, or when his team is playing.
There is still an outside chance Brentford could get a European place for next season if they finish eighth, but rest assured, with this manager, they will be going all out to win their remaining two matches. They will be desperate to sign off for the final time in front of their own fans this campaign with another victory.
One of the key contributors over the last few seasons, Bryan Mbeumo, is likely to leave in the summer, with Champions League-bound Newcastle a likely destination. As part of a fearsome front-three, he will be looking to add to his 18 goals and eight assists before bidding farewell.
They face a Fulham side who put in their worst performance of the season last weekend. Despite taking the lead, the Cottagers fell apart and let goal-shy Everton smash three past them, possibly showing why their manager has refused to sign a new contract.
Rumors persist linking Marco Silva to a move to Saudi Arabia. There has been plenty of talk he could be persuaded to stay in London…but taking over at Spurs should Ange Postecoglou lose his job. My advice for those making that decision would be to look in the other technical area this Sunday and woo Frank, who despite proving he is a top manager, never gets linked to the top jobs.
Not only do Fulham have those issues in the background, but they also seem to have downed tools for the season. The Cottagers have lost six of their last eight games in all competitions and four of their last five on the road in the league, with the win in that run coming at rock-bottom, relegated Southampton.
Brentford can add to their woes by completing a straightforward win here.
EPL Pick: Brentford vs Fulham – Brentford to win at -114.
Leicester vs. Ipswich
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. ET
Two of the three relegated sides meet on Sunday. Before I move on to my selection, I want to say that I think Leicester are a big price here at +128, and I nearly put them to win as my pick. Ipswich have completely gone, in my opinion, and have now only won one of their last 17 league games.
Since being relegated, Leicester have shown a bit of fight recently. Beating Southampton in their last appearance here and last weekend took the lead at a Nottingham Forest side still hoping to finish in the top five, before coming from behind to salvage a hard-fought 2-2 tie.
However, my official play is for Jamie Vardy to score. Those with a sharp memory will recall the same bet featuring in this column a couple of weeks ago when I wrote at the time that in his final home game of the season, he will be about -$2 to score.
Well, here we are, and the great news is that it hasn’t been factored in anywhere near as much as I expected it to be. The +148 on offer for the veteran to score in his penultimate ever game for the Foxes is a massive price.
Ipswich are one of the leakiest teams in the EPL, having conceded 77 goals in 36 games at an average of 2.14. So, +148 for Vardy to score against them at any point in time, in any season, would make me sit up and take notice.
Add in the extra factor of it being his last home game for a club he has served for 13 years, that he captains and was influential in them shocking the world of soccer by winning the Premier League against all odds in 2016 and the FA Cup in 2021. As if we needed more, this will be his 500th appearance for the club, and his next goal will be his 200th for them!
The 38-year-old will be desperate to score, his teammates will be desperate for him to score, and will do all they can to set him up. Expect him to be on free-kicks and definitely on penalties in a game that is staged all around him.
Expect him to sign off with a goal, and the only surprise is the very generous price we are getting for that to happen.
EPL Pick: Leicester vs Ipswich – Jamie Vardy to score at +148.
Manchester City vs. Bournemouth
Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. ET
Crystal Palace and Manchester City contest the FA Cup final on Saturday, a game I will be attending. As a result, both their league games are delayed until Tuesday. Of course, at the time of writing, I have no idea of the outcome of the game at Wembley, whether it was won in 90 minutes, if there was extra-time, or if any key players were injured.
All of which makes calling the outcome of both league games incredibly difficult. One thing is certain: whether Pep’s men go into this game as low as sixth or not, if they win both remaining Premier League fixtures, they will guarantee Champions League soccer next season.
One player we know won’t be involved in any competitions for City next term is the legendary Kevin De Bruyne. After 10 years in Manchester and being a part of six title-winning campaigns, the Belgian recently announced he is leaving the club at the end of the season.
It is clear he doesn’t want to leave; he would love to stay and be instrumental in reclaiming the EPL crown from Liverpool. Since the announcement of his departure, the 33-year-old’s performances have been great.
At the weekend, his partner in crime Erling Haaland made a return to the starting lineup after missing seven games through injury. The pair have an almost telepathic understanding. Expect them to link up for the final time together for City at the Etihad.
Expect de Bruyne to play a massive part in this match. If his side wins a penalty where Haaland would normally take it, expect it to be handed over as a mark of respect. He has a decent record against Bournemouth anyway, with City winning all 10 games he has featured in against the Cherries, fixtures which have seen him score three times and provide four assists.
The last time KDB started against them was in a 4-0 win in 2022. He scored a fantastic solo goal with the outside of his boot and provided an assist for Phil Foden to score the third goal just before half-time.
Therefore, the standout bet to me is for De Bruyne to score or assist at +100.
EPL Pick: Manchester City vs Bournemouth – Kevin De Bruyne to score or assist at +100.
