Matchday 36 of the Premier League is upon us, with only two rounds remaining after this weekend. Experienced football betting analyst Frank Monkhouse breaks down the key fixtures and offers his strongest predictions.
As the season hurtles toward its conclusion, the race for the title and European places remains wide open. Arsenal and Manchester City are locked in a fierce battle for the top spot, while five other clubs are vying for a top-five finish and a coveted UEFA Champions League berth. At the bottom, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley appear destined for relegation to the Championship, but Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, and Tottenham Hotspur are still scrambling to avoid joining them. Every point is critical.
Matchday 36 runs from Saturday afternoon through Monday night, featuring several mouthwatering clashes. Manchester City host Brentford, while Arsenal travel to East London. The betting apps listed on this page offer an extensive range of markets for each game.
Read on as Frank Monkhouse from Flashscore reveals his top selections.
**Liverpool vs. Chelsea – Saturday, 13:30 CET**
Another big weekend, and another major test for Liverpool. Arne Slot’s side won the Premier League title last season but now face the prospect of handing it over to Arsenal or City. A 3-2 loss at Old Trafford last weekend dropped the Reds to fourth in the table. Can they bounce back against a Chelsea team mired in a long losing streak?
Chelsea arrive at Anfield sitting ninth in the league, having failed to win 22 of their 35 matches. Under interim manager Calum McFarlane, the six-time Premier League champions have lost each of their last six games, including a 3-1 home defeat to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest on Monday. The same Forest side fighting to stay up.
Readers of my columns know I backed Nottingham Forest on Bank Holiday Monday in London. I am happy to continue opposing the Blues until they show significant improvement. The squad appears to have already checked out. Liverpool have more at stake and have not lost to this opponent at Anfield since March 2021. Back a Liverpool win.
**Prediction: Liverpool to win @ 1.80 (bet365)**
*Explanation: Liverpool need to defeat Chelsea at home for the third consecutive time.*
**Sunderland vs. Manchester United – Saturday, 16:00 CET**
Saturday’s Premier League slate features three 16:00 kick-offs. I’m focusing on the clash at the Stadium of Light, where Sunderland host Manchester United. The home side begin the weekend in 12th place, safe from relegation but far from the upper echelons. They are winless in their last three outings.
Manchester United start nine places higher in the table. The Red Devils have taken maximum points from each of their last three matches, beating Chelsea (1-0), Brentford (2-0), and Burnley (3-1). They are in fine form and will be confident of extending that run. Sunderland have struggled to create chances recently, and United’s defense has tightened up. Expect a controlled performance from the visitors.
**Prediction: Manchester United to win @ 1.95 (Betfair)**
*Explanation: United’s momentum and defensive solidity should prove too much for a Sunderland side lacking attacking spark.*
