*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
The Premier League exists in a plane above all human comprehension. Or at least what the marketing tells you.
Despite that, the title race has only gone to the final day on just eight occasions over the last 29 campaigns. This, thankfully, is number nine.
The even more fun element of this is that it’s the first time that the title, Champions League spots, survival and the Europa League/UEFA Cup berths are up for grabs on the last day of the season.
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Now, that’s obviously all kinds of exciting for half the teams, but the other half – well. Traditionally the final day of the season is high-scoring but as shown above, generally because there’s very little at stake.
Does the psychology of these permutations now make teams more tense? Probably in the early part of games, before it opens up, as if teams are capable of flipping a switch when they haven’t done that in any of the previous 37.8 games of the season.
Remember – trends are one thing, but context is more important. There’s a lot to be decided in the next 300 words, so allow me to give you a very brief rundown on each fixture. Okay, three, two, one – go.
*An accumulator with these bets pays at a huge 275/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
18+ | BeGambleware | Odds correct at time of publishing
The latest football odds are on PaddyPower.com right nowArsenal v Everton – Yes
This is the first fixture in which Everton will be able to breathe all season, so I’d anticipate them scoring, while Arsenal need to put on a show for their fans after blowing their Champions League hopes. An early goal would pile pressure on Spurs in the dying embers of the top four race… if they weren’t playing Norwich.
Brentford v Leeds – Yes
Haha, poor Leeds. It’s hard to watch but even more tricky to stop watching. They’re not well-versed on how to defend and they know only a win will do because they wouldn’t make up the goal difference on Burnley in three seasons, let alone one game. The Bees have scored in eight of their last ten.
Brighton v West Ham – No
The only side to hold Brighton scoreless since the second week of April are Manchester City, and while West Ham know a win will get them a Europa League spot if Man United don’t win, they’re a touch laborious and too one-dimensional when it’s not working.
The two goals in the previous encounter came in the fifth and eighty-ninth minutes.
Burnley v Newcastle – No
Burnley will take a point, and they’re difficult to break down when they’re in that form – especially when they’re playing Newcastle, who are a team that have nothing to play for. The only exciting thing about this game is the people checking what’s happening in Brentford.
Chelsea v Watford – No
Thomas Tuchel doesn’t take time off, and a final game of the season more resembles an opportunity for a return to his status quo – total domination defensively – than a nice send-off to his adoring fans. Watford? Pah.
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Crystal Palace v Man United – Yes
Patrick Vieira would finish out my list for Manager of the Season, if I’m honest. You can’t really qualify it because he had to overcome a psychological barrier than a tangible one, but they’ll definitely be scoring here. And Cristiano Ronaldo is still breathing, so…
Leicester v Southampton – Yes
Two fun teams facing off on the final day without major stress usually results in absolute carnage and I’d put a few quid on this being the highest-scoring game of the weekend.
Only Villa have stopped Leicester scoring since mid-March, while Southampton, who are hilariously naïve, are more than happy to play their part when the shackles are off.
Liverpool v Wolves – Yes
I don’t actually think this will be as free-flowing with all attention turning to Man City as some expect. Jurgen Klopp is right to hedge his bets because teams who lead on the final day have always won it, but that tinkering can leave the current mindset somewhat disjointed. Expect Wolves to provide a scare.
Man City v Aston Villa – No
Picture it. Steven Gerrard, 2-0 up against City as he can hear his name being chanted from the Albert Dock. Did you picture it? That’s a wild imagination you have. Six-nil, City.
Norwich v Spurs – No
Antonio Conte is now the godfather of keeping it tight and Norwich are like the uncle-in-law who farts at family weddings and laughs at his own jokes.
Sunday’s Premier League BTTS Acca tips
Arsenal v Everton – Yes
Brentford v Leeds – Yes
Brighton v West Ham – No
Burnley v Newcastle – No
Chelsea v Watford – No
Crystal Palace v Man United – Yes
Leicester v Southampton – Yes
Liverpool v Wolves – Yes
Man City v Aston Villa – No
Norwich v Spurs – No
*An accumulator with these bets pays at a huge 275/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
18+ | BeGambleware | Odds correct at time of publishing
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