By Stephen Oladehinde
The remaining slots for next season’s UEFA Champions League are still up for grabs as the Premier League top-five race continues to heat up with just four games left to play before wrapping up the season.
Liverpool claimed the first ticket to next season’s UCL after winning their 20th EPL title last weekend and matching Manchester United’s record following an impressive season.
With the first spot already secured, the second to fifth positions still remain undecided, with Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest still battling to get the four slots left.
This weekend presents another opportunity for the teams fighting for Champions League football to battle for their place in Europe’s elite club competition.
Here, we take a look at some top betting tips and predictions for the upcoming matches.
Everton vs Ipswich Town
Since the arrival of David Moyes, Everton have looked a different side; however, they have struggled in their last five Premier League games.
They face a struggling Ipswich side, who have confirmed their relegation from the EPL.
Everton have historically struggled to achieve Premier League doubles against Ipswich, with their only instance occurring in the 1994-95 season, despite winning the reverse fixture 2-0.
Interestingly, Ipswich have a stronger recent away record against Everton, having won their last two league visits, 3-0 in September 2000 and 2-1 in February 2002.
However, Ipswich’s recent Premier League form shows two consecutive heavy defeats: 4-0 against Arsenal and 3-0 against Newcastle.
With Ipswich’s recent poor form, the Toffees should find it easy to get past the Tractor Boys and get back to winning ways.
Prediction: 2-0 Everton win
Arsenal vs Bournemouth
Arsenal head into this game on the back of a disappointing performance that saw them lose the first leg of their UCL tie 1-0 to PSG at the Emirates Stadium.
They return to the EPL for the clash against Bournemouth.
In the first half of the season, the Gunners lost to Bournemouth 2-0 at the Vitality Stadium, ending their early-season unbeaten run – so they will be looking to get revenge.
One positive they will take into this game is that they have won all eight of their home games against Bournemouth in all competitions.
On the other hand, Bournemouth’s decline in form has affected their performance in recent weeks, with their last game ending in a draw with Manchester United.
The Cherries have kept just one clean sheet in their last 15 Premier League meetings with the Gunners.
Despite Arsenal’s loss of concentration in the last few weeks, the Gunners are still favourites to win this tie against Bournemouth.
Prediction: 2-1 Arsenal win
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Brighton vs Newcastle
Newcastle will be travelling to the American Express Stadium to face Brighton, which is going to be a very difficult task, with the team still eyeing the UCL ticket.
The Magpies have shown resilience in the second half of the season and have put themselves in a good position (third) on the EPL table.
However, against Brighton, Newcastle have been poor in their away record, failing to secure a win in all seven of their visits, matching their longest winless streak at any away ground in the competition.
Brighton could achieve their third league double against Newcastle if they secure a win in their upcoming match.
The Seagulls have demonstrated dominance over Newcastle this season, securing two victories: a 1-0 away win in the Premier League and a 2-1 home triumph in the FA Cup fifth round.
Prediction: 2-2 draw
Chelsea vs Liverpool
This clash is the biggest game of the weekend, with Liverpool looking to do a first double over Chelsea since their title-winning 2019-20 campaign.
Despite Liverpool winning the league title last weekend against Tottenham, Arne Slot will still want to field a strong squad for this encounter.
Since a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in September, champions Liverpool have scored in their last 30 Premier League games.
Chelsea have struggled against Liverpool recently, failing to secure a victory in their last 10 encounters across all competitions.
However, the Blues have shown improved form in their recent Premier League outings, securing 17 points in their last eight matches.
Chelsea are vying for a Champions League spot next season, making this upcoming match potentially crucial in their pursuit.
Prediction: 1-1 draw
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest’s poor form in recent weeks has seen them drop from third position to sixth position in the EPL table.
They take a trip to Selhurst Park to face a Crystal Palace side who are through to the final of the FA Cup.
Forest were eliminated from the FA Cup by Man City after losing 2-0 in the semi-final last weekend, ending their chances of getting an automatic European football qualification.
To secure a Champions League spot, the team must concentrate solely on their remaining Premier League matches and avoid losing – otherwise, they will have to compete in the Europa League or Conference League.
Palace, on the other hand, are currently performing at a high level despite having started the season poorly.
Brimming with confidence, they will look to spoil the fun for Forest this weekend, with the likes of Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr at the top of their game.
Prediction: 2-1 Crystal Palace win
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