EPL Predictions Matchday-36 and Best Odds [14-17 July 2020]

Another action-packed game week in the Premier League has left fans wondering what is to come in the chase for continental qualification.

Manchester City was recently absolved of their wrongdoings by the Court of Arbitration for Sport meaning only the top four places this season will be invited into the Champions League. Manchester United slipped up against Southampton leaving the door wide open for a Leicester team in poor-form to turn it around. Arsenal’s run of fine form came to an end against Tottenham and their next test will be the champions of England.

PREDICTION: Liverpool wins

There’s absolutely bound to be goals in this game. Based on previous results, there’s no doubt that we’ll see goals between these two teams who love to score against each other. There have been 49 goals between Arsenal and Liverpool in the last nine competitive games¹. This metric averages out to around 5.44 goals per game. The question is, who will be scoring these goals? Arsenal’s fine form was put to a stop against Spurs and Liverpool were held to a draw against Burnley at the weekend. Both teams find them in similar veins of form with inconsistent results since the restart. Arsenal has an FA Cup tie coming up against Manchester City on Saturday which may encourage Arteta to rest some of his key players and prioritize the cup competition against his old boss, Pep Guardiola. Liverpool will be pushing on to reach that elusive 100 points total and may rotate slightly. Liverpool is unbeaten against Arsenal in 10 games and I see them prolonging their unbeaten run again. Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah are notorious for scoring against Arsenal and I see them breaking down the Arsenal defense with ease as Arteta’s defense still proves to be unreliable.

Leicester v Sheffield

PREDICTION: DRAW

Sheffield United come into this game off the back of impressive results against continental qualification rivals Chelsea, Leicester and Wolves. Since their loss to Manchester United, they’ve looked quite formidable against with 8 goals in the last 4 games². Sheffield’s 3-0 dismantling of Chelsea showed that they’re back in business and are ready for the challenge of Leicester City. The Foxes have taken a severe dip in form since the restart which has completely jeopardized any guarantee of qualifying for the Champions League. Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers has been quoted saying that Leicester is ‘nowhere near Champions League level’. Both of these teams have a lot to play for with both vying for continental qualification. Leicester has a decent record at home with their fast-paced pressing style and they picked up a win against Chris Wilder’s men earlier in the season. I can see the two teams canceling each other out here. The news of Manchester City being released of their Champions League ban means both teams are on high alert to push up the table. They’re both in dire need of points and whilst Leicester’s form has not been consistent as of late, I can see them nullifying The Blades in their own stadium.