EPL Matchweek 29 preview, betting tips & top value picks

The gap between the top two and the rest of the Premier League is growing by the week, with top-of-the-table Arsenal holding an eight-point lead over Manchester City, who have a game in hand. On Saturday (UK time), we have a big slate of seven games, with the highlight game featuring Man City and Liverpool to kick off a massive matchday.

Manchester City vs Liverpool

Saturday, April 1 – 10:30pm AEDT

Following a two-week international break, Manchester City and Liverpool will kick off Matchweek 29 at Etihad Stadium in the traditional Saturday midday fixture. When these two teams met earlier in the season on October 16 at Anfield, Liverpool took all three points, with Mohammad Salah’s 76th-minute goal separating the two at the final whistle. Erling Haaland has scored 28 Premier League goals this season, accounting for more than a third of Manchester City’s total, so with him expected to miss this match against the Reds due to a groin injury, City will have to find goals elsewhere. With only 11 games remaining, City cannot afford to drop many more points between now and season’s end, so we will be backing them to keep a clean sheet and win.

Arsenal vs Leeds United

Sunday, April 2 – 1am AEDT

On Saturday, league leaders Arsenal will host Leeds at Emirates Stadium in the first of five 3pm games. Arsenal are the only team standing in the way of them winning their first Premier League title in 20 years. They will be crowned Premier League champions at the end of May if they win all of their remaining games and take a point against title contenders Manchester City. Arsenal have won the last four meetings with Leeds, and we don’t see that trend changing this time.

Bournemouth vs Fulham

Sunday, April 2 – 1am AEDT

Bournemouth and Fulham will meet this Saturday afternoon at Vitality Stadium, with the two recently promoted teams sitting in oppositehalves of the table. Bournemouth are fighting to avoid relegation after a string of poor performances this season, while Fulham are in ninth place and only 10 points off the top four. Fulham’s leading goalscorer, Aleksandar Mitrovic, will be suspended for the next three games due to his sending off in the FA Cup tie against Manchester United, leaving Marco Silva with some concerns about how his team will score in the coming games.

Crystal Palace vs Leicester City

Sunday, April 2 – 1am AEDT

Crystal Palace will host Leicester City at Selhurst Park in the first of two games between teams fighting to stay above the relegation zone. After sacking Patrick Vieira before the international break, Palace have appointed Roy Hodgson as manager to try to keep them from being relegated. Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers must find a way to get a result for Leicester, who are only one point above the relegation zone. Both teams will be desperate for a victory, but they will also be desperate not to lose.

Nottingham Forest vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Sunday, April 2 – 1am AEDT

The second of the relegation battle clashes will take place at the City Ground, where Nottingham Forest host Wolverhampton Wanderers. Forest have been strong at home recently, drawing two games against Manchester City and Everton before losing 1-2 to Newcastle in their most recent match. Wolverhampton have lost their last two away games against Newcastle and Liverpool, and they have struggled on the road all season. With both teams desperately needing a point to stay afloat, we believe they will each get one.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Brentford

Sunday, April 2 – 1am AEDT

Brighton & Hove Albion will host Brentford at Amex Stadium in the last of the 3pm kickoffs this Saturday, with both teams sitting on 42 points and only separated by goal difference. With both teams only seven points out of the top four, we anticipate a high-scoring game. Brighton are unbeaten in their last three outings, beginning with a 4-0 win over West Ham, while Brentford are unbeaten in their last two, recording a 2-0 win over Southampton and a 1-1 draw with Leicester.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

Sunday, April 2 – 2:30pm AEDT

On Saturday, Chelsea will host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, with two mid-table teams set to battle it out in an attempt to keep their faint top-four hopes alive. When you consider how much money Chelsea spent in the off-season and during the January transfer window, they have been one of the most disappointing teams in the Premier League this season. Aston Villa have been in excellent form in their last four matches, winning three and drawing one while keeping three clean sheets. Chelsea have conceded in four of their last five games, while Aston Villa have scored in all five of theirs, so backing both teams to score appears to be the smart play.