Premier League betting tips: Sunderland fancied, Eze to rattle Reds, more Man Utd misery

While issues at the top and bottom of the Premier League have been resolved for a while, Champions League spots are still very much up for grabs as we head into a fascinating final round of matches on Sunday.

Three from Manchester City, Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest will join Liverpool and Manchester City in the CL promised land next season.

On Saturday’s it’s all up for grabs in the so-called 'richest game in football' as Sheffield United and Sunderland do battle at Wembley in the Championship playoff final.

As usual, Sports News Blitz tipster the Bookie Basher has got all the best betting angles covered for the weekend.

So get your socks off, your loafers on, your Cuban cigar out and tell him how you like your Wagyu.

Sheffield United v Sunderland

Word on the street is the winner of this is set to receive a minimum of £220m in extra income next season. So no f***ing pressure then?

Sheffield United will wear their home kit for the Championship play-off final, but at the odds I have a hunch it is Sunderland who are actually the bet here.

The Blades were faultless over two legs against Bristol City, but in the back of their minds will know they should already have had promotion wrapped up and be in Marbella now after amassing 90 points from 46 games.

They fell apart alarmingly at the end of the regular season, and the Black Cats might feel this is their time after the way they dumped Coventry out of the play-offs at the death.

Sunderland to win 1-0 won’t be the silliest wager placed this weekend, as this could be tight.

I think I speak for everyone, though, when I say let’s just hope it’s not too cagey.

Suggested bet: Sunderland to win 1-0 at 7/1 (Betfair/Hills/Paddy Power)

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Liverpool v Crystal Palace

It’s been a season to remember for both teams, with Liverpool winning the league at a canter and Palace winning their first ever trophy in the shape of the FA Cup.

The Reds have lost just one of their last 15 Premier League games against Palace but look shockingly short at 2/5 having lost two and drawn one of their last three matches.

Eberechi Eze did the business for this column last week at 15/8 and looks worth a punt again at 6/4 in the ‘to score or assist’ market.

In 33 matches he has eight goals and eight assists to his name, but seems to be a player who relishes the big occasion so he won’t be fazed by showcasing his skills at Anfield. The man is a pure baller.

Suggested bet: Eze to score or assist at 6/4 (General)

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Manchester United v Aston Villa

In the end it was heartbreak in Bilbao for Manchester United, and there will be no £100m windfall to ease the pain of a staggeringly bad season.

Yer man Ruben Amorim took a punt in starting Mason Mount ahead of Alejandro Garnacho, and it backfired spectacularly with Garnacho looking a real threat when he was finally introduced.

What are we saying about Garnacho’s barnet though? No offence, but that haircut is the reason hats were invented.

Villa know a win here should give them every chance of ending the season inside the top five.

They are 4/6 to win at Old Trafford and that looks about right as we don’t know how much United will have left after that energy-sapping Europa League final.

Manchester United have been spiralling for a while now.

Last season, the Red Devils lost 14 times in the Premier League and finished eighth.

This season, they have lost 18 times, and could yet finish 17th. Away win for me, Clive.

Suggested bet: Aston Villa to win & both teams to score at 21/10 (bet365/Hills/Paddy Power)

Nottingham Forest v Chelsea

Only an away win will keep Chelsea in control of their Champions League destiny, and this will be no cake walk.

Forest look as though they are going to fall agonisingly short but I still reckon they are too big at 15/8 to beat a Chelsea side whose away form this season has been a disgrace.

Since winning at Spurs on December 8, their away record domestically reads: Played 10, Won 1, Drawn 3, Lost 6.

That’s absolutely honking and I just don’t see a case to make them as short as 6/5 in places to win this.

Suggested bet: Nottingham Forest to win at 15/8 (Betfred)

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