English Premier League Best Bets: Matchweek 36 (May 9, 2026 - May 11, 2026):
Welcome to English Premier League Best Bets, a Bettor in Green Article Series where we break down the latest action in the English Premier League (EPL) and my favorite bets for the upcoming matchweek.
For an overview of what to expect in this Series, check out my 2025/26 EPL Season Preview and Futures article here.
Recap:
We had another decisive blow in the Title Race this season as Manchester City draw 3-3 with Everton, handing Arsenal the advantage going into the final few matches.
Spurs also took an important step towards avoiding relegation by beating Aston Villa, while West Ham lost to Brentford.
The race for European spots is wide open, as only 4 spots separate 6th place and 12th place. While the Champions League spots are likely set, the Europa League and Conference League spots are up for grabs!
In the big match between Manchester United and Liverpool, United came out the victor in a 3-2 clash.
Unfortunately, we lost all 3 Best Bets. Brighton almost won the 2nd half, but for a 95th minute goal from Newcastle. We also were unlucky with Bruno Fernandes not getting an assist, as the keeper got a touch after Bruno. Fantasy Premier League registered it as an assist, but the sportsbooks did not.
Across the Globe we went 3-2, winning with Barcelona, Real Madrid, and RB Bragantino.
Upcoming Matches:
This matchweek kicks off Saturday morning with Liverpool hosting Chelsea.
West Ham host Arsenal this weekend in a big match for both ends of the table.
The weekend ends on Monday, with Spurs hosting Leeds, while they try to put more distance between themselves and West Ham and avoid relegation.
Let’s get to the bets:
Best Bets:
Pick #1: Chelsea to Win Either Half +115 (May 9, 2026; 7:30 a.m. EST):
This week, I’m starting off by backing Chelsea to win either half on the road against Liverpool.
Admittedly, on paper, this bet doesn’t seem too great. Chelsea have lost their last 6 EPL matches and have only had wins in the FA Cup in their last 10 matches across all competitions. Chelsea are set to play the FA Cup Final next Saturday and may look to prioritize that match.
Further, Liverpool could essentially secure their spot in the Champions League places with a win, and Chelsea have struggled for goals as of late.
Despite this, I have a good feeling about Chelsea finally getting some momentum this match. While it may not be enough to win, I think they could easily come out and win the first half, making Liverpool chase the match.
One positive for this bet is that Liverpool will still have 3rd-choice keeper, Freddie Woodman, in net. While he hasn’t been terrible in his 2 starts, he hasn’t kept a clean sheet yet.
Also, I think Chelsea will need a little momentum going into their FA Cup Final against Manchester City. It could even be their ticket into the Europa League if they win the FA Cup and don’t qualify through their league position.
Despite Chelsea’s goal drought, they did look like they had some fight at the end of their match with Nottingham Forest, and João Pedro found the net with his impressive bicycle kick.
If they can carry that momentum into the Liverpool match and start off well, I think they may surprise Liverpool by scoring early and winning the first half against a Liverpool side that are only 10th for goals conceded.
Pick #2: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) to Score or Assist +100 (May 9, 2026; 10:00 a.m. EST):
For our final Best Bet, I’m taking the same player prop we tried last week, despite it not hitting, with Bruno Fernandes to score or assist.
As we discussed last week, Bruno is seeking to tie or exceed the single-season assist record in the EPL. He’s currently on 19 assists, only 1 behind the record with 3 matches left to play.
Since Michael Carrick took charge of United, Bruno has managed 11 assists in the 14 matches under Carrick.
Prior to last week, Bruno had a goal contribution in each of his last 7 club matches. He almost had one last week, but the touch from the goalkeeper meant his setup was not technically an assist.
Sunderland started the season with impressive form at the Stadium of Light. They’ve only lost 4 times at home this season. However, those 4 losses have come in their last 5 matches at home.
With Bruno eying the record and Sunderland’s poor home form recently, I think this is the match when Bruno will tie the record. Or, if it’s feisty, he may end up taking a penalty.
Bonus: I’m also dabbling on Bruno Fernandes Anytime Assist +215, and will keep doing so each match until he ties or breaks the record.
Pick #3: Newcastle to Win Either Half -130 (May 10, 2026; 9:00 a.m. EST):
Next, I’m taking Newcastle to Win Either Half, following their improved form in the Brighton match.
Newcastle were on a 5-match losing streak in all competitions before winning 3-1 against Brighton.
Newcastle looked improved in front of goal, scoring 3 goals in an EPL match for the first time since early January.
While I expect them to finish mid-table this season, a strong run in the final few matches and some slip-ups from other clubs could see a situation where Newcastle are in and around the European places.
A big reason I like this bet is because Nottingham Forest are fresh off a Europa League Semi-Final loss to Aston Villa, breaking their 10-match undefeated streak.
While they rotated slightly, they still put out a relatively strong starting 11, and had to fight hard all match. With only 2 days of rest in between, and the feeling that they’re now just playing to avoid relegation (in which they look far safer than West Ham or Spurs), I expect them to be a bit worn out for this Newcastle match.
Across the Globe:
- - Melbourne City Moneyline -125 (Australia; Women’s A-League)
- - Boca Juniors Moneyline -115 (Argentina; Liga Profesional)
- - San Jose to Win Either Half -110 (USA; MLS)
- - Palmeiras Moneyline -125 (Brazil; Serie A)
- - River Plate Moneyline -150 (Argentina; Liga Profesional)
Season Record:
Best Bets: 50-55
Across the Globe: 85-90
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