Welcome to another installment of Premier League Best Bets. If you’re new here, this article series breaks down the latest action in the English Premier League (EPL) and my favorite bets for the upcoming matches. If you’re new to soccer or soccer betting, no worries, my goal is to provide quality content in a way that is accessible to new and old fans alike.
Recap:
With 11 matches remaining of the 38-week season, the title race is heating up! Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal sit at 63, 62, and 61 points, respectively, with a huge match between Man City and Liverpool on Sunday that could have massive implications on who wins this year.
For our bets last week, we again had a bit of a mix. The main bets were 2-1; Everton had a penalty kick get saved, did end up taking a 1-0 lead, only to concede an equalizing goal and then 2 late stoppage-time goals. Aston Villa looked nervy but got the win late, and Bournemouth won 2-0 against struggling Burnley.
Both of my “Bonus Bets” lost, as the two late goals against Everton blew the under 2.5 goals, and Kevin De Bruyne didn’t get an assist in the Manchester Derby.
Around the Grounds (my non-EPL bets) were 2-3, winning Roma and Galatasaray, but losing LAFC in a wild blizzard game, losing Girona, and losing Real Madrid in a controversial ending where the referee ended the match moments before Real scored what would have been the winning goal.
Upcoming Matches:
This gameweek has matches on the weekend as well as a few makeup matches during the middle of next week. The big game is Man City at Liverpool, but other matches, such as Tottenham at Aston Villa, may have big implications for the top 4 spots, who automatically earn a berth into next year’s Champions League.
Let’s get into the fun:
Pick #1: Manchester United Moneyline -115 (March 9, 2024; 7:30 a.m. EST):
Last week I backed Everton and it came back to bite me. It seemed like a great spot with Everton successfully appealing a penalty against them for financial fair play violations getting a few points reduced from their punishment. Although they’ve managed a few draws, Everton haven’t won in the EPL since early December.
Manchester United are a team in solid form who just lost to Manchester City in the Manchester Derby. They knew the game against Man City would be a tough one and will now look to get right back to winning ways at home against struggling Everton. United have a few injuries, notably without striker Rasmus Højlund and without any real left-back. This should boost the line and may make for a shakier defense, but I trust United to win.
Pick #2: Crystal Palace Moneyline -120 (March 9, 2024; 10:00 p.m. EST):
Last week, we faded Luton, who had lost their last 4 games across all competitions, being outscored 15-5 in those matches as of last week. Things didn’t get much better as they lost to Aston Villa, making it 5 losses across all competitions, being outscored 18-7.
Crystal Palace have struggled this season, recently firing their manager (head coach) and appointing Oliver Glasner, who previously had decent success in Germany, to turn things around. They lost their last game to Tottenham after going up 1-0, but Tottenham have a knack of coming from behind this season. This is the perfect spot for Glasner to really get a good performance out of his new team.
Pick #3: Tottenham Moneyline +170 (March 10, 2024; 9:00 a.m. EST):
This will be a nervous one as Tottenham will be the underdogs on the road for this clash. Aston Villa are in good form, having won against Fulham, Nottingham Forest, and Luton Town in the EPL. Prior to that, however, they lost at home to both Chelsea and Man United. Will they lose at home to another “Big 6” team this week in Tottenham?
Additionally, Villa are just returning from a trip to Amsterdam to play Ajax in the Europa Conference League, ending in a 0-0 draw on Thursday. They’ll host Ajax this coming Thursday, so this should be a tough run of games for Villa.
Tottenham lost to Villa at home earlier in the season, however, that squad was much different than the one they’ll field for this clash. Last time out, Spurs were without proper central defenders, so they had their backup right and left backs play as centerbacks. With a proper defense and variety up front with January signing Timo Werner, I expect Spurs to get the surprise victory here.
Wanna play it safe? I also really like Tottenham to Win or Draw -175.
Bonus: Looking for player props? I like Son to Score or Assist -125; Werner to Score or Assist +120; or Son Anytime Goalscorer +140.
Around the Grounds (Non-EPL Best Bets):
Atletico Madrid ML -140 (Spain; La Liga)
Inter Milan ML +105 (Italy; Serie A)
Leicester City ML +115 (England; Championship)
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