EPL Matchday 30 Picks, Predictions, Odds
Toby Maxtone-Smith is back for best bets, predictions and picks for EPL Matchday 30 fixtures that begin on Saturday, March 19 and conclude on Sunday, March 20.
ASTON VILLA vs. ARSENAL
- Date: Saturday, Mar. 19
- Time: 8:30 a.m. ET
- Venue: Villa Park
- Location: Aston Villa, England
Score Prediction: Arsenal 3, Aston Villa 1
Best Bet: Arsenal ML (11/8)
Arsenal have long been accused of being unpredictable, but this season their pattern of results has been very consistent. They have lost every game to other teams in the top five, but their record against the bottom 15 in the league reads won 16, drawn 3, lost 2. They have become extremely efficient at beating mid-table sides and is a surprise to see them as big as 11/8 away to Aston Villa. Arsenal’s recent underlying numbers have been good. Villa, meanwhile, are genuinely unpredictable. They ended a poor run with three wins in a row with an aggregate scoreline of 9-0, before losing away to West Ham last time out. They have the talent to cause Arsenal problems, but the Gunners look a good price to win.
LEICESTER vs. BRENTFORD
- Date: Sunday, Mar. 20
- Time: 10:00 a.m. ET
- Venue: King Power Stadium
- Location: Leicester, England
Score Prediction: Leicester 2, Brentford 2
Best Bet: BTS - Yes (7/10)
Brentford have pulled clear of the relegation zone with crucial back-to-back wins over Norwich City and Burnley, and bookmakers fancy their chances away at Leicester. The Foxes are three points clear of Brentford with three games in hand, as well as having a much more talented squad, but they are only 23/20 favourites.
Given that Leicester played in midweek against Rennes it is tempting to tip the visitors here, but the price is probably an accurate reflection of Brentford’s advantages going into this game. Instead, a goal-fest looks likely. Brentford have improved hugely since Ivan Toney came back into the team: he scored four in those two wins. They are excellent at attacking set-pieces and Leicester are the worst team in the league at defending them. At the other end, however, Leicester have the attacking capability to hurt any team in the league. Back both teams to score.
WEST HAM vs. LIVERPOOL
- Date: Sunday, Mar. 20
- Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Location: London, England
Score Prediction: Tottenham 2, West Ham 2
Best Bet: BTS - Yes (7/10)
West Ham are on a huge high after knocking serial winners Sevilla out of the Europa League on Thursday night. The short turnaround for their game at Spurs means they are as big as 15/4 to win, but they can definitely play their part in what is usually an entertaining fixture. West Ham have a good recent record away at Spurs, an opponent their fans are always desperate to beat.
Spurs, for their part, have hit some reasonable form with three wins in their last four, scoring 13 goals in the process. Nine of those were against terribly out of form sides in Leeds and Everton, but clearly they are improving going forward. With Arsenal pulling ahead in the race for top four a draw would suit neither team here, so plenty of goals should be on the cards
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