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Everton v Sunderland
After just failing to qualify for the Champions League last season Everton have underachieved this time and will want to give their supporters cause for optimism that their form will improve. They have won just 7 of 17 home fixtures in the league this season and could struggle to add to that tally in this meeting. Sunderland are desperate for points to stay in the division and the nightmare scenario of relegation may be eased with a draw and point from their trip to Everton.
Pick: Draw at 5/2 or +250.
Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur
Stoke are becalmed in mid-table safety free of relegation worries and with no chance of qualifying for Europe. Tottenham in theory could still get into next season’s Champions League but a more realistic target is the Europa League. However, this competition carries much less income and the protracted nature of the format means it can become a chore. Stoke have won 8 of 17 home matches this season, scoring 23 goals and conceding 21 but Tottenham will be hungrier and can pick up all three points.
Pick: Tottenham Hotspur at 29/20 or +145.
Hull City v Burnley
This match is being hyped as relegation six-pointer but the reality is Burnley are already gone and will return to the Championship at the end of the season. They have the smallest wage bill in the division and financial clout usually equates to performance and results. Burnley have won just one away league match scoring 12 goals and conceding 32. For a side in the relegation mire Hull’s home record is about average but they can win their sixth home league match against Burnley.
Pick: Hull City at evens or -100.
Leicester City v Southampton
Leicester are one of the form teams of the division having won five of their last six matches. Their only reverse in this run was at home to Chelsea who clinched the Premier League title last weekend. Leicester are still not clear of relegation issues but three points from this match would be crucial. They have won 5 of 17 league matches at home, scoring 21 goals and conceding the same number. Southampton’s season has petered out and Leicester’s hunger can consign them to defeat in this fixture.
Pick: Leicester City at 6/4 or +150.
Aston Villa v West Ham
Aston Villa could achieve the strange double of winning the FA Cup and being relegated and so emulate Wigan who did just that in 2013. Villa play Arsenal in the final at Wembley at the end of the month but still require points to ensure Premier League football next season. If results go against them they could be in the bottom three at the end of the weekend and face a mighty struggle for survival. However, West Ham have little to play for and the home team should secure the points.
Pick: Aston Villa at 10/11 or –110.
Newcastle United v West Brom
Newcastle are a club in disarray after losing their last eight league matches and they could get dragged into the relegation places. All is not well at a club where they caretaker manager offered to resign but he was asked to stay on until the end of the season. Newcastle were abysmal at Leicester last weekend and West Brom can win this fixture to make matters worse. The visitors are clear of the drop zone and can play with freedom and pick up all the points.
Pick: West Brom at 9/5 or +180.
Crystal Palace v Manchester United
United have lost their last three matches without scoring a goal. You have to go back to 1979 for the last time they lost four on the bounce. Fourth place is still not assured and another loss would bring Liverpool right back in to the picture. United are four points ahead of their great rivals with three matches remaining so there is no margin for error. Palace have made great strides up the table under a new manager but United have a massive incentive to pick up all three points.
Pick: Manchester United at 4/5 -125.
Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers
Chelsea have won the league so City are playing for second place as they have qualified for the Champions league. There is no real benefit other than a financial one from ending the season 2nd or 3rd in the table. City were brilliant at home early last season but their form has dipped this campaign. However, only Chelsea and United have won more points at home his season. QPR can will find it hard to avoid an immediate return to the Championship and they could take the memory of a drubbing with them.
Pick: Manchester City at 1/5 -500.
Chelsea v Liverpool
It will be interesting to see how much Chelsea relax having secured the Premier League title for the first time in five and first time during the second Jose Mourinho era. The manager respects the integrity of the Premier League but may not be able to prevent his team going through the motions. Liverpool need a win to continue the pursuit Manchester United in fourth place but the feel good factor and momentum at Stamford Bridge can be the difference in the final outcome.
Pick: Chelsea at evens or -100.
Arsenal v Swansea City
Following last week’s Monday night win at Hull Arsenal are again involved in the final fixture of the weekend and it is one they should win. The home side are still trying to finish second in the league and are level on points with Manchester City having played one game fewer. Swansea are safe from the drop and out of contention to play in Europe next season so the motivation is with Arsenal who can win their 12th league match at home while Swansea will be looking towards their vacation..
Pick: Arsenal at 1/3 or -300.
Parlay the 10 Picks at odds of 1316/1.
European odds can be found at British bookmakers William Hill
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