Everton vs. Arsenal and Pick to Win
Date: Sunday, May 21st 2017
Where: English Premier League Emirates Stadium, London, UK
by Keith, Professional Soccer/Football Handicapper, Predictem
Match Odds: Everton 13/2, Arsenal 1/2, Draw 19/5
Moneyline: Everton +650, Arsenal -200, Draw +340
Over/Under Best Market: UNDER 1.5 3/1 (+300)
With Chelsea wrapping up the English Premier League title in 2017 with manager Antonio Conte skipping down the pitch of Stamford Bridge, the final week of the English Premier League seems to be all but a dress rehearsal for almost all clubs involved. It has already been determined that Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Hull City will be relegated and nothing will change this. Tottenham is secured as runner-up and Champions League qualifier yet again and nothing will change this. Arsenal here is in the Europa league in 2017 and nothing will change this. However, Arsenal can still go to the Champions League if they get by with a little help from their friends. The major storyline that surrounds the final weekend of play is who will finish with the coveted final position in the Champions League qualification: Liverpool or Arsenal? Arsenal is just a point behind Liverpool and both teams this weekend play relatively friendly fixtures to close out their efforts. For third position Manchester City, a draw secures their berth to the Champions League and given the fact they have a rather friendly assignment, it is certainly safe to assume Pep Guardiola will do just that. However, if Liverpool draw against relegated Middlesbrough and Arsenal win at the Emirates, they would earn that fourth and final spot.
Arsenal has been on fire as of late as they have won their previous four fixtures, most recently a remarkable 2-0 victory against Sunderland. Despite all the controversy and tumult surrounding the Gunners, they have essentially had a week to catch their breath and would love to finish strong with yet another win against an Everton team that is also looking to finish with a bang. The Gunners had hovered toward the top-six English Premier League table and for many accounts, they have had a very disappointing campaign. However, the surge in their past few weeks despite all the trouble the Gunners have endured have certainly created some fanfare and created another riveting subplot to finish the 2016/17 campaign. The problem with this narrative is, we may find many betting with their heart in this one as they would love to see Arsenal win and go forward if Liverpool were to have trouble at Anfield. Nevertheless, it is very likely Liverpool will draw at home against their opponent.
One thing remains certain, the Evertonians have hit a very rough recently and as a result the only bright light on their horizon is potentially selling off star forward Romelu Lukaku to the highest bidder and generate some funds for their club. The Toffees still have no other incentives to play for here as well. Everton cannot qualify for Europa and all they can take from this game is the prospect of potentially playing spoiler. Everton had not won a game in three contests previous to their most recent victory against Watford when they edged the Hornets 2-1. Overall, this game is expected to be all Arsenal but the take back on Everton has raised some many interested queries as well. Conceivably none believe this one can end in an anti-climactic draw. This is where we have an opportunity to step in. In Over/Under Goal Markets we will go ahead and recommend staying clear of this market be that there is so much uncertainty that surrounds the final week. It is difficult to fathom which Everton team will be taking the pitch and that can have a huge impact on the score line in this affair. Arsenal is known for let-downs when the lights are upon them, so the prospect of a scoreless draw here is by no means out of reason. If we were to make a choice given the potential purse, the UNDER 1.5 is an excellent choice given the fact the return is 3:1 and it is possible that Arsenal squeaks by even if they do get the win they need. The Draw in itself is the recommended play but if you were to wager two units here, there is the potential of collecting 6.4 units if both are successful.
Everton Recent Form
W Watford 2-1
L Swansea City 0-1
L Chelsea 0-3
D West Ham United 0-0
W Burnley 3-1
Arsenal Recent Form
W Sunderland 2-0
W Stoke City 4-1
W Southampton 2-0
W Manchester United 2-0
L Tottenham Hotspur 0-2
Keith’s Prediction for the Game: DRAW 19/5 (+340) and UNDER 1.5 3/1 (+300)
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