THE 2016 Premier League season is, for all intents and purposes, over.
Leicester City have been crowned champions of England, while Newcastle, Aston Villa and Norwich are forced to go down to the second division after poor seasons in the top flight.
While this week feels like a ‘dead-rubber’ round given the title and the relegation battle are sewn up, the top-four is far from settled.
Leicester, Tottenham and Arsenal have a Champions League spots locked away, which just leaves the Manchester teams in fourth (City) and fifth (United) in a tense battle to secure their place in Europe.
Manchester City – who is two points clear of United – is $1.10 favourites at Sportsbet.com.au to remain in the top-4. United is a $7 outsiders to claim that final European spot.
All games kick off at the same time this weekend, something that punters who hate waiting around for different games to start will appreciate.
All odds this week are provided by Sportsbet.com.au, which is fantastic for those who do not yet have an online betting account.
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The EPL Round 38 Multi of the week:
Manchester United to defeat Bournemouth ($1.33)
Tottenham to defeat Newcastle ($1.80)
Southampton to beat Crystal Palace ($1.50)
Manchester City to beat Swansea ($1.57)
Combined multi value: $5.63 @ Sportsbet.com.au
Manchester United vs. Swansea
Monday, May 16 from midnight at Old Trafford, Manchester
The equation for Manchester United is simple here – win or you are no chance to play Champions League football next season.
For Bournemouth; their Premier League status is secure, so they are not under any pressure to record a victory here.
Surprisingly the last five match ups between the sides has been split evenly at two wins apiece and one draw – an aberration given the status of both clubs.
The one thing we know about the Red Devils’ fans is that they accept nothing but success at Old Trafford.
Louis Van Gaal’s men may not be able to guarantee Champions League football in victory – we still expect the prospect of a chance to push into the top-four will make Manchester United the team that will notch up the win to round out the season.
Multi tip: Manchester United to win – $1.33
Newcastle vs. Tottenham
Monday, May 16 from midnight at St James’ Park, Newcastle
One team is bound for the Champions League and one is heading down to the Championship.
It was a sad end to a difficult campaign for the Toon Army on Thursday morning after their bitter rivals Sunderland secured their Premier League status after winning against Everton at home.
For Tottenham, they will be disappointed they did not win the title, but finishing runner-up after several years outside the top-four is not something that should be scoffed at.
Had this game been a live match you would almost favour Newcastle, but St James’ Park is an arena that lends itself to energy and excitement – two commodities that will be sadly lacking.
We expect Tottenham to win and finish their campaign off in style.
Multi tip: Tottenham to win – $1.80
Southampton vs. Crystal Palace
Monday, May 16 from midnight at St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton
Top six aspirants Southampton host strugglers Crystal Palace in a match that should be a walk in the park for the home side.
Crystal Palace have been poor over the last five weeks, taking just five points from that period.
They do have an excuse however, given they play in the FA Cup final in just over a week’s time against Manchester United – where they will go in as $3.12 underdogs to hoist the cup at the end of the match.
The Saints have been sensational over the same timeframe, dropping only two of a possible 15 points.
They are $1.91 outsiders to secure a top-six finish ahead of West Ham, but and while we are not entirely sure if they will lock down that spot, we expect them to give themselves the best possible chance to do so.
Southampton should easily account for the Eagles.
Multi tip: Southampton to win – $1.50
Swansea vs. Manchester City
Monday, May 16 from midnight at Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales
It has been a disaster of shorts for the Blue side of Manchester by their lofty standards in 2015/16, failing to win the Champions League and now in a tough dogfight for the final position in the elite Europe competition.
Swansea ensured their Premier League status earlier in the month after recording back-to-back wins against top eight teams Liverpool and West Ham.
Manchester City have not won in the league this month.
There is a lot on the line for City – a failure to finish inside Champions League contention will set the club back a lot considering they are banking on that position with new manager Pep Guardiola’s arrival imminent.
Even though the Sky Blues have not fired a shot in the league for some time we are expecting them to end their season on a high note to ensure they will be in the biggest European competition next year.
Multi tip: Manchester City to win – $1.57
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