We're down to the last two matchdays in the English Premier League. With all to play for but no margin for error, teams have to do or die to keep their chances of a title, European football, or even of avoiding relegation.
We have six matches to target on Saturday's EPL schedule, and our staff has come up clutch with picks for four of them. So, continue reading for our Premier League best bets for Sunday, May 17.
English Premier League Best Bets
The club logos in the table below represent each match that our soccer betting staff is targeting from today's games. Click on the team logos for any of the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Match | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:30 a.m. | |
  | 10 a.m. | |
  | 10 a.m. | |
  | 12:30 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our soccer Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester United
Manchester United's attack has been potent under Michael Carrick, especially at Old Trafford. The team has scored in all eight home matches since he took charge, averaging 2.25 goals per game.
More tellingly, both teams have scored in the last five contests at the Red Devils' home stadium. This trend aligns with recent history, as the last two meetings at Old Trafford finished 3-2, and the reverse fixture this season was a 2-2 draw.
Nottingham Forest arrives in excellent form. Under new manager Vitor Pereira, the team is unbeaten in eight league matches and has become a formidable offensive unit, averaging two goals per game. Their attacking prowess suggests they can challenge a United defense that has sometimes looked vulnerable.
Pick: Both Teams To Score – Yes
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Crystal Palace vs. Brentford
The motivation gap between these two teams is the central theme of this matchup. Brentford is in a tight race for European qualification, and a victory in their final home game is crucial.
The Bees have been a potent offensive force in front of their fans, averaging 1.72 goals per game, the fifth-highest home goal average in the league. This offensive consistency should see them score against a distracted Crystal Palace team.
Crystal Palace has nothing left to play for in the league and is winless in its last five matches. Their recent defensive record is poor, having conceded three goals in each of their last three games, with opponents covering the -1 spread in all three contests.
Given Brentford’s desperation for points and their strong home record, they are well-positioned to win this match by at least a two-goal margin against a likely rotated and uninspired Palace squad.
Pick: Brentford -1.5
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Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Leeds United
Currently in seventh, Brighton needs a win to hold off challengers and potentially climb into a Europa League spot. This means we can expect an aggressive, front-foot approach from the Seagulls, as caution will not serve their ambitions. They have the firepower to back this up, having scored in nine of their last ten league matches and averaging an impressive 2.6 goals per game over that stretch.
Having already secured Premier League safety, Leeds is playing its final match of the season and will be motivated to give their fans a memorable performance. Leeds has been a reliable scoring team at home, finding the net in 13 of their 18 league matches on their own turf.
Their recent form also points toward goals, with four of their last five games seeing the total go over 2.5 goals. The team has scored in its last five contests, averaging 2.2 goals per game.
Pick: Over 2.5 Goals
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West Ham United vs. Newcastle United
Newcastle's home form provides a strong foundation for these picks. The Magpies have scored in 17 of their 18 matches at St. James' Park this season but have also struggled defensively, keeping just one clean sheet in their last 14 league games.
This combination has led to a remarkable trend: both teams have scored in Newcastle’s last nine home matches, with eight of those contests also surpassing the 2.5 goal mark. The average during that span is an explosive 3.78 goals per game.
West Ham’s urgent need for a victory to avoid relegation means they cannot afford to sit back. This desperation should contribute to an open and fast-paced game, increasing the likelihood of goals. The history between these clubs at this venue supports this, as five of the last six meetings at St. James’ Park have seen both teams score.
Pick: Both Teams To Score – Yes & Over 2.5 Goals
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