EPL Unfiltered: Week 36
I would like to just start off week 36 by saying if you follow soccer and you are not rooting for Sunderland in the championship playoffs then you do not like football. This club has been through so much the last couple of years of relegation, then relegation and then fighting their way back for a chance at playing premier league football again. They play Friday in their first leg of the playoffs against Coventry City and then the second leg on Tuesday. If they go through to the final, they will face the winner between Sheffield United, who were just relegated a season ago, or Bristol City. Regardless of the outcomes, it will make for a great final and round out a decent group of three to come up to the premier league next season. Now to the main entree.
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Wolverhampton v. Brighton & Hove Albion | 10:00am EST
I feel like I somehow blinked and Wolves are all of a sudden in 13th place. How did this happen? These guys were literally in a relegation battle a couple weeks ago. They are now above United, Everton, Spurs and West Ham. Where did this come from? Believe it or not, Wolves went undefeated in April. I am stunned. I missed this. As Wolves’ biggest hater, I have to admit that I have not been keeping up with them. Maybe that could be the reason to why I have been somewhat more nice to these guys. They have quietly put together an ok season. Wolves are in better form than Brighton are but I fully expect Wolves to come back down to earth. Especially after their 1-0 loss last week to City. That’s the Wolverhampton that I know. With a win, Brighton can jump to 8th place and potentially make a run for Europe with the last two games of the season. They would need some help but I just think that they have more of a reason to go for the win.
Southampton v. Manchester City | 10:00am EST
Remain the course for second place. I believe.
Fulham v. Everton | 10:00am EST
This one may be the best game of the morning. Fulham are on 2-0-3 run and Everton are 1-2-2 in their last five. Pretty similar. One could make the argument that Fulham have more to play for this weekend but I would say that it is pretty equal. Now, I know Fulham could make a Europe run just being two points behind 8th place Bournemouth, but realistically is Fulham going to outrun any of the teams ahead of them? No, probably not. I really believe that Everton are a couple of players away from finishing top 10 next season. I really need them to go out and spend on some quality, young talent. Their attack is just not good enough. They need guys to play for the badge. A decent season for Everton would be finishing above Wolves in my opinion. These two team did draw all the way back in October and I see a similar result for Saturday. Perhaps a late equalizer for either of the two, I can see it both ways. That would be alight with me. Let’s just hope for a great game.
Bournemouth v. Aston Villa | 12:30pm EST
Now this is what I’m talking about. Two teams that are separated by seven points and just one place in the table. Villa really need to start ramping it up. This is now or never to secure a champions league place next season. Villa are three points off the spot but would likely be left out due to their goal differential being the tie breaker. Chelsea and United are tied on points at 63, three ahead of Villa, but both have a +21 goal differential. So Villa would need some help from other teams to have a shot. Otherwise, they’ll be getting ready to learn conference league buddy. This game screams the over. All signs point to the over. I probably said this in the reverse fixture as well. And the last one ended 1-1. Knowing Villa and how they have been treating me this season, it’ll be way under. I truly do not know. If you remember, I banned myself from betting on any Aston Villa games this season in like January I think. It will be a game time decision. I would probably lean towards Bournemouth, especially being the home side in this one. Both teams still have everything to play for so lets take advantage of it.
Sunday, May 11th, 2025
Newcastle United v. Chelsea | 7:00am EST
I am not moved by that Chelsea win last weekend. Not even a little bit. This Newcastle side is far more impressive to me than this Chelsea team. They have no identity at Stamford bridge. Chelsea play the most unconvincing form of football I have ever seen. And we have been watching Arteta ball for six years. That is saying something. They virtually have nothing if Cole Palmer isn’t on the scoresheet and their guy in net Sanchez is cheeks. I see a massive squad overhaul this summer with more stability coming in. As I said earlier, both teams are on 63 points with the same goal difference. Newcastle drew at Brighton last weekend yet it felt like a loss for them. They really needed all three points just to give them some breathing room in the table and now they are in the thick of it (KSI reference). Just four points separate third place and seventh place. It is up for grabs. City have a cakewalk this weekend so both of these teams absolutely need all of the points in this one. Join me in taking the over. Bright and early, we are going for a smash of that over.
Manchester United v. West Ham United | 9:15am EST
I just want to be the first to congratulate Manchester United on winning the Europa league final. I know the final has not happened yet but it is for sure theirs to lose. I mean come on, they’re playing little old Tottenham. Simple, little Spurs, Walk in the park. Too easy. And with the way that they have been playing in the premier league, this is a scheduled loss. I can see it now. The fans are absolutely buzzing off this semifinal win against Bilbao and that only means it is downhill from here. Unless Amorim is trying to outsmart everyone and only loses when they have Europa during the week. If that is the case, this one should be easy. West Ham cannot beat anyone. No wins in their last five and they just tied Spurs last weekend. This one right here is a mid-off. A classic, if you will. Very cool. There will be three other matches on at this time slot so find another game to watch. There is no need to waste your own time unless you support either of these two dumpster fires. Jot me down for a West Ham win. They won the last tie so why not?
Liverpool v. Arsenal | 11:30am EST
Arsenal guard of honor at Anfield fresh off losing to PSG in the champions league semifinal. Chef’s kiss.
EPL Unfiltered Parlay: Week 36 (+5343)
Brighton TT o1.5
City + o3.5
Brentford ML
Newcastle/Chelsea BTTS + o2.5
West Ham ML
Liverpool ML
This is not gambling advice, it is just guard of honor season.