"What a Long Strange Trip It's Been…"
Yes, soccer bettors, fans and Action Network friends. We have reached the end of another lengthy Premier League campaign. There have been plenty of ups, along with a fair share of downs, during another amazing season in the English top flight.
And heading into Sunday's final day, everything is up for grabs. That includes the title chase between Liverpool and Manchester City; the battle for fourth place and final Champions League berth between Arsenal and Tottenham; and, the dramatic relegation fight featuring Burnley and Leeds United.
That said, our crew of handicappers is looking to close things out with a bang — and more importantly — a bunch of winners. More often than not, things are usually decided by the time we hit the last week of the campaign. However, that's not the case this time around. Not even close. And that means plenty of betting opportunities for everyone.
That said, analysts Jeremy Pond, Anthony Dabbundo, Avery Zimmerman, Brett Pund and Nick Hennion have unleashed their best bets tied to all 10 matches on the Championship Sunday docket. There's a little bit of everything in the selections, including sides, totals, player props and other fun wagers loaded with value.
So, without further ado, let's take a look at the entire slate and see where our squad of experts has landed ahead of these showdowns.
Championship Sunday Matches & Picks
Man City vs. Aston Villa Odds
Man City Odds | -600 |
Aston Villa Odds | +1450 |
Draw | +700 |
Over/Under | 3.5 (+100 / -140) |
Day | Time | Sunday | 11 a.m. ET |
How To Watch | NBC | Peacock Premium | fuboTV |
Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute soccer odds here. |
Staff Picks for Man City vs. Aston Villa
*Odds via DraftKings | BetMGM
ANALYST | THE PICK |
---|---|
Jeremy Pond | Man City TT Over 2.5 (-130) | BetMGM |
Anthony Dabbundo | Aston Villa +2 (+100) | DraftKings |
Avery Zimmerman | Man City -2.5 (+135) | DK |
Brett Pund | Man City TT Over 2.5 (-130) | BetMGM |
*TT — Team Total (Goals)
Jeremy Pond: Manchester City has scored at least three goals in six of its last eight matches, including four or more in its last six, across all competitions. The Cityzens might not cover the big spread, but let's make it seven of nine to clear three goals.
Anthony Dabbundo: My projection has City winning this match by 1.81 goals and I think the Cityzens are inflated in the market because of their must-win status. Given all of the defensive injuries to City, Villa can score and be competitive.
Avery Zimmerman: Continued injury concerns at the back for City gives me slight hesitation, but still only 0.87 xG conceded on average over the Cityzens' last four games with an average 3.16 xG generated. Playing against a Villa side that had to go on Thursday, I'll back City.
Brett Pund: City has scored more than two goals in five of its last six matches in the English top flight and needs more goals to win the league.
Liverpool vs. Wolves Odds
Liverpool Odds | -650 |
Wolves Odds | +1500 |
Draw | +675 |
Over/Under | 3.5 (+105 / -145) |
Day | Time | Sunday | 11 a.m. ET |
How To Watch | USA Network | fuboTV |
Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute soccer odds here. |
Staff Picks for Liverpool vs. Wolves
ANALYST | THE PICK | BEST BOOK |
---|---|
Jeremy Pond | SGP — BTTS (Yes) & Over 3.5 (+240) | MGM |
Anthony Dabbundo | Wolves +2 (-110) | DK |
Avery Zimmerman | Liverpool — Win to Nil (-125) | MGM |
Brett Pund | Liverpool — Win to Nil (-125) | MGM |
Nick Hennion | Liverpool -3.5 (+330) | DraftKings |
*SGP — Single Game Parlay | BTTS — Both Teams To Score
Jeremy Pond: I have no doubt Liverpool does its part and wins this match. However, the Reds have been sketchy in the back (five goals allowed in their last five games) and I can see Wolves hanging at least one goal on them at Anfield. Give me the juicy plus-money Single Game Parlay please.
Anthony Dabbundo: Wolves have been a team I've looked to play against down the stretch run, but it's time to buy low as Liverpool is overpriced and has looked absolutely gassed. The Reds will surely have one eye on the Champions League final next Saturday.
Avery Zimmerman: The Reds will return some key starters from their midweek lineup and I have to disagree with Jeremy's thoughts above. In Liverpool’s five previous matches, it has only conceded 0.62 xG/game. And in a near identical game three years ago, the Reds recorded a 2-0 win.
Brett Pund: It's going to be very difficult for Wolves to score from the beach, especially when they have only averaged 0.84 xG per game over their last 14 contests in the league.
Nick Hennion: Liverpool dominated the reverse fixture on expected goals (2.5-0.2) despite only earning a 1-0 win. Even without Mohamed Salah, expect the Liverpool attack to run rampant at Anfield against a Wolves defense that remains due for heavy negative regression (40 goals against on 57 expected) entering the season finale.
Arsenal vs. Everton Odds
Arsenal Odds | -275 |
Everton Odds | +700 |
Draw | +425 |
Over/Under | 2.5 (-185 / +130) |
Day | Time | Sunday | 11 a.m. ET |
How To Watch | CNBC | Peacock Premium | fuboTV |
Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute soccer odds here. |
Staff Picks for Arsenal vs. Everton
ANALYST | THE PICK | BEST BOOK |
---|---|
Jeremy Pond | SGP — BTTS (Yes) & Over 2.5 (+120) |
Avery Zimmerman | Everton +1.5 (-130) | DK |
Brett Pund | Arsenal – Halftime/Fulltime (-105) |
Nick Hennion | BTTS — Yes (-135) | Bet MGM |
Jeremy Pond: Arsenal must win to have any shot at fourth place and a Champions League berth. Everton has nothing to play for after avoiding the drop with its 3-2 win against Crystal Palace last time out at Goodison Park. The Gunners will find the back of the net, but so will the Toffees since their hosts haven't kept a home clean sheet in six of their last seven games.
Avery Zimmerman: Everton no longer has anything to play for, but it can still put the nail in Arsenal's Champions League coffin. The Gunners have looked awful in recent weeks and there's not much reason to believe that'll change.
Brett Pund: Everton players and staff booked their vacations while late-night galavanting around Merseyside following Thursday's victory that secured Premier League survival. The Toffees are also tied with Norwich for the lowest away points (10) this season.
Nick Hennion: Everton’s short-handed defense won’t be able to keep out Arsenal’s attack, especially at Emirates Stadium where it has scored in all but three fixtures. However, the Gunners' defense has injury issues, which will allow the Toffees to get on the board as well.
Norwich City vs. Spurs Odds
Norwich Odds | +1000 |
Spurs Odds | -400 |
Draw | +550 |
Over/Under | 3.5 (+110 / -150) |
Day | Time | Sunday | 11 a.m. ET |
How To Watch | SYFY | Peacock Premium | fuboTV |
Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute soccer odds here. |
Staff Picks for Norwich City vs. Spurs
ANALYST | THE PICK | BEST BOOK |
---|---|
Jeremy Pond | Son — At Least 2 Goals (+240) | MGM |
Anthony Dabbundo | Norwich City +2 (-110) | DK |
Avery Zimmerman | Norwich City +2 (-110) | DK |
Brett Pund | Son — At Least 2 Goals (+240) | MGM |
Nick Hennion | Spurs TT Over 3.5 (+200) | MGM |
Jeremy Pond: Mohamed Salah was running away with the EPL Golden Boot, but then came the late charge from Tottenham star Son Heung-min. He's one off the Liverpool star, so I fully expect Spurs to do everything possible to get him at least even — or past — him in a much easier match that will result in a Champions League berth-clinching victory.
And I love Nick's wager backing Tottenham to light up the Canaries for four goals or more at Carrow Road.
Anthony Dabbundo: Spurs are much improved under manager Antonio Conte, but they're not good enough to be laying two on the road against anyone, even last place and already relegated Norwich.
Avery Zimmerman: Don't put too much stock in the stakes basket. This will be a Tottenham side that knows it only needs a point to secure Champions League play next season. I'm not expecting fireworks.
Brett Pund: Son only trails Salah by a goal in the Golden Boot race, so Spurs will give him every opportunity to pass him against the worst defense in the entire league.
Nick Hennion: The Norwich defense is bad (at least two xG against in 13 of its last 14 games, plus an average of 2.58 xGA/90 minutes against top-six sides. Tottenham’s offense gets at least three here and I’m willing to take +200 it gets a fourth goal in the rout.
Brentford vs. Leeds Odds
Brentford Odds | +140 |
Leeds Odds | +175 |
Draw | +260 |
Over/Under | 2.5 (-165 / +120) |
Day | Time | Sunday | 11 a.m. ET |
How To Watch | Peacock Premium |
Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute soccer odds here. |
Staff Picks for Brentford vs. Leeds
ANALYST | THE PICK | BEST BOOK |
---|---|
Jeremy Pond | Eriksen to Score (+400) | MGM |
Brett Pund | Brentford TT Over 1.5 (-115) | MGM |
Nick Hennion | Brentford TT Over 1.5 (-115) | MGM |
Jeremy Pond: The fact we're talking about Christian Eriksen playing in a competitive match after what happened this past summer at the European Championships is truly phenomenal. The talented Danish midfield is arguably Brentford's MVP despite making just 10 appearances with the club. Let's see him end his return to the pitch with a goal for the Bees.
Brett Pund: In the 10 games since Eriksen became a starter, Brentford has averaged two goals per game, while Leeds United has allowed multiple goals in six of its last nine matches away from home.
Nick Hennion: Leeds needs to play open soccer since it is chasing goals and three points in an attempt to escape relegation. That plays right into the hands of the Brentford attack, which has created 4.6 xG over its last two fixtures.
Burnley vs. Newcastle Odds
Burnley Odds | +120 |
Newcastle Odds | +220 |
Draw | +240 |
Over/Under | 2.5 (-115 / -115) |
Day | Time | Sunday | 11 a.m. ET |
How To Watch | Golf Channel | Peacock Premium | fuboTV |
Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute soccer odds here. |
Staff Picks for Burnley vs. Newcastle
ANALYST | THE PICK | BEST BOOK |
---|---|
Jeremy Pond | BTTS — Yes (-135) | MGM |
Avery Zimmerman | Burnley (+120) | DK |
Brett Pund | Draw (+255) | DK |
Nick Hennion | Under 2.5 (-130) | MGM |
Jeremy Pond: I fully expect Burnley, which must chase all three points for any shot at staying up, to score at least one goal. However, going on the front foot isn't the Clarets' style of play and that will leave them open to the Newcastle United counterattack at Turf Moor.
Avery Zimmerman: Expected-goal edges in four of six matches and the knowledge that a win will secure safety yet again for the Clarets? This is a team that knows how to succeed with its back against the wall. Sign me up.
Brett Pund: Once Burnley finds out at halftime that Leeds is losing, a point will leave the host side more than satisfied against a Newcastle team ready for the summer break.
Nick Hennion: Burnley will be desperate not to concede, as it needs points in its quest to try and stave off relegation. Additionally, Newcastle’s defense has played much better of late, allowing less than one xGA in six consecutive matches against non-top four opposition.
Brighton vs. West Ham Odds
Brighton Odds | +135 |
West Ham Odds | +185 |
Draw | +250 |
Over/Under | 2.5 (-140 / +110) |
Day | Time | Sunday | 11 a.m. ET |
How To Watch | Peacock Premium |
Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute soccer odds here. |
Staff Picks for Brighton vs. West Ham
ANALYST | THE PICK | BEST BOOK |
---|---|
Jeremy Pond | SGP — BTTS (Yes) & Under 5.5 (-120) | MGM |
Brett Pund | Total Over 2.5 Goals (-130) | DK |
Nick Hennion | Brighton DNB (-130) | MGM |
*DNB — Draw No Bet
Jeremy Pond: Brighton has a shot to finish inside the top 10 in the table. West Ham can leapfrog Manchester United with a win and a loss by Old Trafford underachievers. That said, expect both to get after it here and pursue all three points in what should a fun, yet controlled, affair.
Brett Pund: Brighton's last five matches at home have averaged 3.06 combined xG, while West Ham's last five road games have finished with an average of 3.24 combined xG overall.
Nick Hennion: Brighton is due for positive home regression (-6 goal differential on +3.1 xGDiff), while West Ham United is due for negative road regression (+4 GD on -6 xGDiff) entering this clash. The Seagulls have also won points in three in a row at home, plus they've generated 2.1 xG/90minutes against Manchester United and Southampton.
Chelsea vs. Watford Odds
Chelsea Odds | -600 |
Watford Odds | +1500 |
Draw | +675 |
Over/Under | 3.5 (+100 / -145) |
Day | Time | Sunday | 11 a.m. ET |
How To Watch | Peacock Premium |
Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute soccer odds here. |
Staff Picks for Chelsea vs. Watford
ANALYST | THE PICK | BEST BOOK |
---|---|
Jeremy Pond | SGP — BTTS (Yes) & Under 5.5 (+175) | MGM |
Brett Pund | Chelsea TT Over 2.5 (-125) | DK |
Jeremy Pond: Easily, the most meaningless match on the entire card. God knows what kind of lineups Chelsea or Watford will send out, so we'll take a shot with the road underdog finding a goal. The Hornets are heading to the Championship, but picked up more than half (15) of their total points (23) away from Vicarage Road this season.
Back the Single Game Parlay pairing Both Teams To Score (Yes) with the total staying under 5.5 goals at Stamford Bridge.
Brett Pund: Chelsea has averaged three goals per game on 2.73 xG per 90 minutes at home against teams in bottom five sides.
Crystal Palace vs. Man United Odds
Crystal Palace Odds | +200 |
Man United Odds | +125 |
Draw | +250 |
Over/Under | 2.5 (-150 / +110) |
Day | Time | Sunday | 11 a.m. ET |
How To Watch | Peacock Premium |
Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute soccer odds here. |
Staff Picks for Palace vs. Man United
ANALYST | THE PICK | BEST BOOK |
---|---|
Jeremy Pond | Palace TT Over 1.5 (+140) | DK |
Anthony Dabbundo | Palace DNB (+125) | DK |
Avery Zimmerman | Man United (+125) | DK |
Brett Pund | Palace DNB (+125) | DK |
Nick Hennion | Palace DNB (+125) | DK |
Jeremy Pond: Crystal Palace blew a two-goal lead against Everton on Thursday, but I'd rather back a side playing at home with a chance — albeit a small one — to finish top 10 in the standings facing a team just got torched by Brighton last time out.
Take Wilfried Zaha and the Eagles to score at least two goals at Selhurst Park.
Anthony Dabbundo: Palace has been a better team than United this season, especially at home where the Eagles are top six in expected goals difference.
Avery Zimmerman: United has been a poor team for weeks now, but Palace will only be playing on two days of rest. The Red Devils have had a full week to get ready. United also needs a victory to guarantee avoiding the dreaded Europa Conference League.
Brett Pund: Crystal Palace has a +2.9 xGDiff in its last 5 home games compared to United's -6.1 xGDiff in the last five away from Old Trafford.
Nick Hennion: So, where is the motivation for United here? It has nothing left to play for, while Palace could sneak into the top 10 with a victory. Plus, the Eagles have played well at home against top foes (+5 xGDiff in seven matches against top-half sides not named Manchester City or Liverpool) this season.
Leicester City vs. Southampton Odds
Leicester Odds | -120 |
Southampton Odds | +290 |
Draw | +300 |
Over/Under | 3.5 (+120 / -175) |
Day | Time | Sunday | 11 a.m. ET |
How To Watch | Peacock Premium |
Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute soccer odds here. |
Staff Picks for Leicester vs. Southampton
ANALYST | THE PICK | BEST BOOK |
---|---|
Jeremy Pond | Over 3.25 (+105) | DK |
Brett Pund | Leicester City ML (-115) | MGM |
Nick Hennion | Over 3 (-120) | DK |
Jeremy Pond: Clubs with absolutely nothing to play for at King Power Stadium? Sign me up for a soccer slugfest. I would not be stunned if we saw both sides hit the scoreboard at least twice in this match. Enjoy the show.
Brett Pund: Leicester has won six of nine home games against teams in the bottom half of the EPL this season.
Nick Hennion: I expect nothing but pure chaos here. Leicester will be playing on short rest and the reverse fixture saw four goals on three xG, with six big scoring chances.