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Wolverhampton v. Brighton & Hove Albion
Wolverhampton disappointed last time out in a 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion. The game was a microcosm of their season as they have disappointed all year long after a solid finish in last year's table. A big reason for their struggles this year has been the loss of star striker Raul Jimenez who has missed most of the season with a fractured skull, and his replacement, Pedro Neto, was enjoying a great season until he too got injured. Brighton & Hove Albion are a true mystery of a team. They are near the bottom of the table but are all but assured of avoiding the drop. They are towards the middle of the table in expected goals scored but own a bottom 5 rank in actual goals scored. Brighton is fresh off a 2-0 win over Leeds last weekend and are hoping to keep that momentum alive in this match at Molineux.
The Bet: Game to End in a Draw
Prediction: Wolves 1-1 Brighton
Aston Villa v. Manchester United
Aston Villa won their last game against Everton by a score of 2-1. The win was a solid result for Villa as they were seen as underdogs in the matchup. Aston Villa was playing great football earlier in the season when dynamic attacking midfielder Jack Grealish was healthy but since his injury Villa have struggled to score consistently and their record has slipped. Manchester United played on Thursday in the Europa League where they lost 3-2 to Roma. The loss did little to their Cup chances though as a first leg 6-2 result had them all but through to the Final. Man United were poor against Roma but their manager also rested several of their normal starters, including Marcus Rashford. After their cross town rivals City lost yesterday, United know they are still alive in the title race, even by slim margins, and will come out gunning for all 3 points.
The Bet: Manchester United to Win
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United
West Ham United v. Everton
West Ham are trying to keep their top-4 hopes alive in this home game against Everton. West Ham had to come from behind on Monday to secure a 2-1 win over Burnley. The three points helped them in the table but they still sit in 5th place, just behind Leicester City and Chelsea for Champions League positions. Everton are also still alive in the top-4 race but their hopes are beginning to fade. The loss last weekend to Aston Villa certainly did them no favors. Everton are dealing with two key injuries in midfield which could hurt their chances, but teams have had good success scoring against West Ham recently and Everton have a dangerous forward in Dominic Calvert-Lewin and an equally dangerous winger in Richarlison.
The Bet: Both Teams to Score
Prediction: West Ham 2-2 Everton
Arsenal v. West Bromwich Albion
Arsenal were dreadful on Thursday as they bowed out of the Europa League with a pitiful performance in a 0-0 draw with Villarreal. Arsenal went into the game needing just one goal to advance to the Final and they barely put a shot on target. Mikel Arteta is on the hot seat, in my mind, even if the football department at Arsenal continues to back him. His lineup and formation choices doomed him on Thursday and if he plays games with his team sheet in this one he could find himself searching Indeed.com on Monday morning. West Bromwich Albion are fresh off a strong performance in a draw over Wolverhampton where they showed up to play and really took it to Wolves at times. West Brom are still fighting for points to avoid relegation but at this point there is really no chance they avoid the drop. This could be a dull affair between two teams lacking high levels of morale late in disappointing seasons.
The Bet: West Brom to Cover 1.5 Goals
Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 West Brom
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Transfer of the Week: Jesse Lingard, CAM/W, West Ham
Since coming over from Manchester United on loan in the winter window, Lingard has been a revelation. A former top prospect of the United development system, Lingard has found his game in London. Lingard has 5 goals in his past 6 appearances as well as 2 assists. His attacking and link up play has been phenomenal, and in a game against Everton that could open up, he should really shine. Not to mention his price is not nearly as high as other strong midfield options on the marketplace.
Rest of World Round-Up:
LaLiga:
Real Madrid v. Sevilla
Real Madrid was knocked out of the Champions League on Thursday as Chelsea dominated them on the pitch and on the white board where Thomas Tuchel performed a tactical masterclass. Madrid were in over their heads in both matches of the tie as their injury problems and inconsistency has finally caught up to them. Los Blancos are still alive in the title chase in Spain, and after their chief rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid drew on Saturday, they know an opening has presented itself. Sevilla are enjoying a great campaign that saw them advance past the group stage in the Champions League for the first time in a while. Sevilla are 4th in LaLiga and assured of Champions League football next year, but they will be hungry to defeat their country's long time leaders in this match. With Real Madrid missing its Captain and top defender in Sergio Ramos I think we could see a shocking result here.
The Bet: Game to End in a Draw
Alternate Bet: Sevilla to Win on the Draw No Bet Line
Prediction: Real Madrid 1-1 Sevilla
Serie A:
Juventus v. AC Milan
This massive Italian match is critical to next season's Champions League competition. The qualification spots are up for grabs as the only team assured of a top-4 finish is Inter Milan who has already won the title. Juventus sit 4th in the league at the moment but AC Milan is 5th and right on their heels as they are level on points but losing on the tiebreaker. Juventus are obviously led by their star man Cristiano Ronaldo but their reliance on him this year has left them weak across the rest of the pitch. Their manager, Andrea Pirlo, is a club legend but has proven to be out of his depth as a young manager. Milan were at one point serious title contenders before a massive drop off in form and now they are fighting just to finish in the top-4. Milan has a good roster, and normally throws out a balanced lineup, but how they defend Ronaldo will be key to their success or failure in this match.
The Bet: Game to End in a Draw
Alternate Bet: Milan to Win on the Draw No Bet Line
Prediction: Juventus 2-2 Milan
