Manchester United are now at the final push to qualify for the Champions League requires six points in the next five days.
United’s season has been a nightmare, with the Red Devils currently sitting in the sixth position with four games remaining. Manchester United has 54 points and is six points behind Arsenal in fourth place, despite having played one extra game.
Due to this disadvantage, United’s only realistic possibility of qualifying for the Champions League next season is to win all four of its remaining games while hoping Arsenal and Tottenham falter repeatedly. This is a highly improbable possibility. Particularly given Manchester United’s next match against Chelsea on Thursday.
While Chelsea has struggled in recent weeks, Manchester United has only three victories against the table’s top-five opponents. United lost a combined 9-0 to Liverpool and 6-1 to Manchester City earlier this season but matched Chelsea in the season’s first game following the firing of former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
United has also been struggling recently. Since defeating Leeds 4-2 on February 20, United has collected just eight points in eight Premier League games, defeating Everton and Norwich City by a combined margin of two goals. That is hardly a recipe for Champions League qualification.
The odds for this weekend’s EPL games are listed below. Unless otherwise specified, all odds are from BetMGM and all games take place on Saturday. After Monday’s game against Brentford, United will become the first team to have just two games remaining this season.
Chelsea vs. Manchester United (over/under 2.5 goals) [Thursday]
Man U (+200)
Chelsea (+120)
Tie (+260)
As we’ve stated for weeks, we have no idea how to wager on United game outcomes. We’ll take the lead knowing full well that a dull 0-0 draw will not surprise us.
Newcastle vs. Liverpool (2.5)
Newcastle (+650)
Liverpool (-250)
Tie (+375)
Liverpool has an early opportunity on Saturday to put pressure on Manchester City and should take all three points.
Aston Villa vs. Norwich City (2.5)
Aston Villa (-250)
Norwich (+625)
Tie (+375)
Villa is not as much of a favorite as one might believe given its drop to 15th in the rankings. Consider Steven Gerrard’s squad.
Watford vs. Burnley (2.5)
Watford (+165)
Burnley (+165)
Tie (+225)
Given Watford’s problems at home and Burnley’s recent play, Burnley appears to be of excellent value here. Burnley’s victory also takes them to 34 points, putting them five points clear of the relegation zone.
Wolves vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (2.5)
Wolves (+175)
Brighton (+180)
Tie (+195)
With a win and a West Ham defeat, the Wolves can move into a tie for eighth with the Hammers. Meanwhile, Brighton sits just a point off the top half of the standings. Here, we’ll go with a tie.
Southampton vs. Crystal Palace (2.5)
Southampton (+135)
Palace (+200)
Tie (+230)
On the 13th and 14th spot, these two clubs are separated by just two points. Our hedge is a tie here since either team may make an equally compelling case for victory.
Leeds vs. Manchester City (3.5)
Leeds (+825)
Man City (-300)
Tie (+450)
Are you confident Leeds can eke out a point at home? This would go a long way toward assuring the club’s survival in the Premier League next season. However, we’re inclined to back Liverpool and Manchester City to win the remainder of the season.
Everton vs. Chelsea (2.5) [Sunday]
Everton (+375)
Chelsea (-140)
Tie (+270)
Chelsea has a somewhat quick turnaround with two road games in four days. However, we have no faith in Everton’s ability to achieve a result.
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Tottenham vs. Leicester City (2.5) [Sunday]
Tottenham (-225)
Leicester City (+550)
Tie (+360)
Tottenham will be aiming for victory and hoping that West Ham can win their afternoon rivalry game. We’re going with the Spurs.
West Ham vs. Arsenal (2.5) [Sunday]
West Ham (+350)
Arsenal (-130)
Tie (+270)
Arsenal has been a difficult club to trust this season but has been good enough recently to be favored to win this game at less than even money. We’ll take the draw and are unsurprised by a West Ham victory.
Manchester United vs. Brentford (2.5) [Monday]
Man U (-145)
Brentford (+375)
Tie (+290)
We’re going with the over here again for United, owing to its woeful defense.
