English Premier League soccer picks, predictions, best bets for Matchweek 38
Arsenal took home their first Premier League title since 2003/04 with Manchester City drawing Bournemouth on Tuesday, sealing this year’s EPL top three of Arsenal, City, and Manchester United. But, either Liverpool or Aston Villa could take up fourth place depending on the results, while Chelsea, Brentford, and Sunderland still hope to finish in the top eight for European tournament qualification next season, as both West Ham and the Hotspurs fight to avoid the final relegation spot.
The epic 2026 EPL season finale makes way with Man City vs. Aston Villa, Liverpool vs. Brentford, and plenty more, as Leeds’ Dominic Calvert-Lewin is sure to continue his impressive run with at least one goal against West Ham. Catch the first kickoff for all the games this Sunday at 11 a.m. ET.
Man City vs. Aston Villa best bet: Both teams to score -210
Win or lose here, Man City conclude their hard-fought season with a bumpy start to attain two trophies, the EFL and FA Cup, with a Round of 16 UCL and second place EPL finish as Pep Guardiola finally decides to take his leave from the team. Enzo Maresca will have the luxury of taking over the talented English side next season after a summer engulfed by the World Cup. However, the Sky Blues will want to end their season valiantly at home against fourth-place Aston Villa, and are major -230 home favourites to do so, going 11 matches undefeated in all competitions, 15 in their domestic league.
City are frontrunners to score without a doubt, as Erling Haaland seeks his golden boot trophy, whether he scores this weekend or not. The pairing of Erling Haaland (27 goals) and Antoine Semenyo (16 goals) has been brilliant this season, as both players have been unremarkable threats to the opposition, each set to score in this matchup at -180 and +145, respectively.
Aston Villa (+500) looks at this matchup very differently, as the Lions now simply want a top-four finish, although the Europa League trophy just earned automatically qualifies them for the Champions League next year anyway. After earning their 18th win of the season, 4-2 against Liverpool, Aston Villa can secure their fourth-place spot with just a draw. Their spectacular season comes to an end with an inspiring 3-0 victory in the Europa League final, but it would be that much sweeter to beat Pep’s talented Manchester City side before the curtains close. The Lions have shown formidable offensive capabilities this season, with 54 goals in the league, led by Ollie Watkins and his 15, as he comes in priced to score anytime at +255, followed by teammate Tammy Abraham at +270.
Man City seems to have the squad depth and home-field advantage, so if anything, the safest bet would be a City moneyline, although with Villa scoring rampantly in their last four games, and City scoring in every game since early March, both teams are bound to score in this one.
Liverpool vs. Brentford best bet: Liverpool moneyline (-125)
Liverpool really needs this top-five finish at the very least, as it will be a world of relief to put an end to a struggling season while still being able to play Champions League football next year. Arne Slot has managed the team to the best of his ability, with many moving parts, big signings early in the season, and impactful injuries throughout.
Although they claimed no silverware this season, the Reds are still hopeful to end their three-game winless streak and go out with a bang against ninth-place Brentford as they come in as -125 favourites. Hugo Ekitike remains sidelined for this one, with Alexander Isak left tentative. Mohamed Salah comes back ready to score at +175 after reaching seven goals this season, along with Cody Gakpo leading the way at +170, tied with his Egyptian teammate in goals.
Brentford and Chelsea sit tied at 52 points, meaning a win for the Bees, assuming Brighton and Chelsea both draw or lose, would propel them to seventh place in the standings, earning them a potential European tournament spot (Europa). Despite the team’s rollercoaster of results (14-10-13 overall, 1-2-2 in their last five), they’ve managed to pull off a respectable GD of three with Igor Thaigo accounting for 22 of his team’s 54 goals. Thiago comes in for this one as the highest likely goalscorer at +130.
Liverpool has to lock in here, as they are at home with Salah playing his final game in a red jersey. Expect a home win for the Reds to close out the season and alleviate a lot of pressure off Slot’s team as they prepare for the next season after the World Cup.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin to score (+205)
The reliable 6’2″ English Leeds United Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has already tallied 14 goals this season, with a goal in each game for his last three straight.
If Calvert-Lewin wants playtime on Thomas Tuchel’s talent-filled English National team roster (behind that of Harry Kane), he’ll have to put in work against relegation-bound West Ham at the very least, with one or more goals to make his mark.