X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

EPL Betting Picks and Game Previews for Matchday 38: English Premier League

Jamie Steed previews EPL Matchday 38 of the 2024-25 season on 5/25/2025. He previews each game from the English Premier League, picking bets and providing predictions for each game.

We've made it! After nine months and 37 matchdays, we have reached the final weekend of the EPL season. As always, we're bringing you our weekly article, which looks at betting picks and game predictions. Matchday 38 sees all 10 games kick off at 11:00 a.m. EDT.

We'll offer a preview of all the games. We'll predict the outcome, give a score prediction, and pick our favorite play for all fixtures. Before you read on, remember these essential things: betting on sports should be fun. If you aren't having fun with it, stop. Also, never bet what you can't afford to lose.

We're bringing you more soccer content than ever before at RotoBaller. There are FPL, UCL, and DFS articles every week, along with our weekly betting picks and game previews article, all of which can be found here. Follow the team on X (@EuanFPL, @TheFPLManual, @df_solutions, @BellRoto, and yours truly, @Baseball_Jimbo), and reach out to any of us if you ever have any soccer questions.

Featured Promo: Get any Props Premium Pass for 30% off using code WIN. Win more with our two new Props Optimizer tools -- one for PrizePicks Props, and one for Sportsbook Betting Props. Find optimal prop bets and get our recommended picks daily! Go Premium, Win More!

 

Matchday 37 Recap

We head into the final matchday on the back of a winning weekend. In a strange quirk of fate, we hit our moneyline parlay, with all four of our picks winning. They were our only four correct results out of the 10 games!

We could have hit even more profit if it wasn't for David Raya's heroics to keep Newcastle United at bay. West Ham United's consolation goal against Nottingham Forest meant little to either team. But it did end our total goals parlay.

 

What's at Stake?

Here's how the standings look with one game to go.

The top five will all qualify for next season's Champions League. Liverpool and Arsenal have already secured their spots. Despite sitting one place above the relegation zone, Tottenham Hotspur have qualified for the Champions League as well, courtesy of their Europa League triumph.

The team finishing sixth will qualify for next season's Europa League. Crystal Palace's FA Cup final victory last weekend ensured they have also qualified for the competition.

The team finishing seventh will qualify for next season's Europa Conference League. Newcastle United have already done that by winning the EFL Cup earlier this season. If Newcastle finish in the top five, they will enter the Champions League instead.

Eighth place could be enough for Europa Conference League qualification. That means there are European implications for six of the 10 fixtures. This is where it gets complicated.

The team finishing in eighth will enter the Europa Conference League if Chelsea finish seventh and win the Conference League final. Or, if Chelsea finish sixth and win the Conference League final, while Newcastle finish seventh.

 

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Bournemouth (-275) vs. Leicester City (+650) - 11:00 a.m. EDT

Score prediction: Bournemouth 3 – 0 Leicester City

Back-to-back defeats ended Bournemouth's chance of European qualification. They could still finish in the top 10 and should have no problem beating Leicester. The Foxes are unbeaten in their last three games, but the two wins in that run came against fellow relegated teams.

Leicester will be set for a big overhaul this summer. Along with a new manager, they will need to replace Jamie Vardy (who won't be playing this game). They also have possible disciplinary action being taken over alleged financial irregularities. The Cherries will end their season with a win.

Fulham (+425) vs. Manchester City (-170) - 11:00 a.m. EDT

Score prediction: Fulham 1 – 2 Manchester City

Fulham can't qualify for Europe, but could still leapfrog rivals Brentford in the standings. They'll need a win to do that. A draw is all Manchester City needs to secure a top-5 finish. Theoretically, they could still finish second with a big win, but they'll be happy to just secure Champions League football.

Both teams have scored in 14 of Fulham's 18 home games this season. Four of the last five matches between these two have seen both teams scoring, which will be our play. If the game is level late on, City won't push for a win and risk losing, so I'm not confident enough to back an away win.

Ipswich Town (+200) vs. West Ham United (+120) - 11:00 a.m. EDT

Score prediction: Ipswich Town 1 – 1 West Ham United

Arguably the most interesting game of the weekend. Neither team has anything on the line, and this could very well end up in a goalless draw, or we see a nine-goal thriller. We'll back a goal at both ends with the expectation that some players will be more focused on their summer holidays.

Liverpool (-250) vs. Crystal Palace (+550) - 11:00 a.m. EDT

Score prediction: Liverpool 3 – 1 Crystal Palace

The EPL winners meet the FA Cup winners in what will be a preview of the Community Shield in August. Since securing the title, Liverpool has failed to win. But the three games have all seen at least four goals. Palace followed up their memorable cup victory with an emphatic 4-2 win against Wolves.

Liverpool will likely play a strong lineup as they'll want to end the season with a win. For Palace, they too will probably have a strong starting XI after resting some key players in midweek. This could be an exciting game, which the home team should win. We'll back Liverpool and over 2.5 total goals.

Manchester United (+330) vs. Aston Villa (-135) - 11:00 a.m. EDT

Score prediction: Manchester United 0 – 1 Aston Villa

Aston Villa could miss out on Champions League football even if they win. However, a draw could be enough, depending on other results. They will focus on getting the job done and then waiting for favors elsewhere, and this might end up being something of a procession in the latter stages.

Manchester United's miserable season was compounded by their Europa League final defeat. Normally, we should expect to see a response and a strong United showing. But their squad is bereft of talent, so that seems like a long shot. Because of all of that, we'll be playing under 2.5 total goals.

Newcastle United (-310) vs. Everton (+750) - 11:00 a.m. EDT

Score prediction: Newcastle United 2 – 0 Everton

Newcastle can end what has been a memorable season by qualifying for the Champions League with a win. A draw, or even a defeat, could be enough depending on other results. It's highly unlikely it'll reach that point, and the Magpies should run out comfortable winners.

Everton expended a lot of energy last weekend when saying farewell to Goodison Park. They won't have the same levels this weekend. Although they won't be pushovers, they have lacked quality for much of the season. We'll just play it safe and back a home win.

Nottingham Forest (+205) vs. Chelsea (+120) - 11:00 a.m. EDT

Score prediction: Nottingham Forest 1 – 1 Chelsea

The game of the weekend takes place at The City Ground. A Chelsea win will ensure they qualify for the Champions League, and Forest would finish seventh. A Forest win would mean they leapfrog Chelsea, but would only qualify for the Champions League if Newcastle or Villa fail to win.

A draw is when it gets really interesting. If neither side manages to win, Forest would miss out on the top-5. But Chelsea would still finish in the top-5 if Newcastle loses and Villa fails to win. If that duo win their respective games, both sides here would miss out on Champions League football.

It's rare for all the favorites to win, and for there to be no changes in the standings. A draw here wouldn't be a shock. We won't be backing that, though. Only a win is enough for either side to achieve a top-5 finish. At some point, the game will open up. Because of that, we'll play both teams scoring.

Southampton (+800) vs. Arsenal (-320) - 11:00 a.m. EDT

Score prediction: Southampton 1 – 4 Arsenal

Arsenal could see Manchester City overtake them for second place. For that to happen, they'd need to lose, City to win, and an eight-goal swing. Even though Arsenal will have a weakened side starting, that won't happen. I expect the opposite. Arsenal's fringe players will have too much for Southampton.

The Saints will be relieved to have avoided a record-low points total and offered very little against Everton last weekend. We normally see a big win for someone on the final day of the season, I suspect this could be that game. We'll take a Gunners win and over 2.5 total goals.

Tottenham Hotspur (+300) vs. Brighton (-135) - 11:00 a.m. EDT

Score prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1 – 2 Brighton

Tottenham's 17-year trophy drought was ended on Wednesday when they beat Manchester United in the Europa League final. The game was hardly a classic and was indicative of where the two teams are right now. Spurs have only one once in their last 11 EPL games. And that was against Southampton.

We shouldn't be expecting Spurs to magically be good, so an away win is likely. However, Brighton's been too inconsistent to back. As mentioned in the introduction, the teams in eighth place could still qualify for Europe, and Brighton only needs a point to secure that spot in the table.

We'll instead play for a goal at both ends. Both teams have scored in 13 of Spurs' 18 home games. And Brighton's 18 away games have seen both sides score 12 times. The last four meetings between these two have seen both sides score, so that seems like the likeliest outcome.

Wolves (+165) vs. Brentford (+140) - 11:00 a.m. EDT

Score prediction: Wolves 2 – 3 Brentford

If Brighton loses at Tottenham, Brentford would finish eighth with a win. Last Sunday's home defeat against Fulham could ultimately prove costly if they fail to qualify for the Europa Conference League. They won't want to slip up again and end their slim chances due to two crushing losses.

As well as backing the Bees to win, we'll play both sides scoring, and for there to be at least three goals in the game. Wolves have followed up six wins with three defeats, and they appear to have lost some focus. But their 4-2 loss at Palace on Tuesday was a reminder that they can still score goals.

 

Betting Picks

The table below gives the odds for each game's three main plays (moneyline, total goals, and both teams to score). My favorite pick from each game is highlighted if you want to build a parlay (which I will be playing and tracking). Good luck with those FPL teams and EPL bets. Remember to bet responsibly!

Game Moneyline Total goals BTTS
Bournemouth 3 – 0 Leicester Bournemouth -275 Over 2.5 -205 No +105
Fulham 1 – 2 Man City Man City -170 Over 2.5 -190 Yes -180
Ipswich 1 – 1 West Ham Draw +280 Under 2.5 +155 Yes -230
Liverpool 3 – 1 C. Palace Liverpool -250 Over 2.5 -310 Yes -205
Man United 0 – 1 A. Villa A. Villa -135 Under 2.5 +130 No +130
Newcastle 2 – 0 Everton Newcastle -310 Under 2.5 +150 No -105
N. Forest 1 – 1 Chelsea Draw +265 Under 2.5 +115 Yes -185
Southampton 1 – 4 Arsenal Arsenal -320 Over 2.5 -205 Yes -115
Tottenham 1 – 2 Brighton Brighton -135 Over 2.5 -295 Yes -280
Wolves 2 – 3 Brentford Brentford +140 Over 2.5 -195 Yes -225
Season totals 159/364 179/374 199/374
Season parlays 3/36 (+0.58u) 3/37 (-11.32u) 6/37 (+8.05u)

More Betting and DFS Picks

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

MacKenzie Gore

Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Reaches 25-Homer, 25-Steal Milestone
Chris Sale

Activated on Saturday
Dansby Swanson

Homers Twice, Drives in Six in Win
Nick Kurtz

Leaves Game With Oblique Soreness
Joe Burrow

Bengals Feel Joe Burrow Just had "the Best Training Camp of his Career"
Randy Rodríguez

Tommy John Surgery Recommended for Randy Rodriguez
Corey Seager

Placed on Injured List
Jackson Chourio

to Return From Injured List on Saturday
Jordan Lawlar

Diamondbacks Set to Promote Jordan Lawlar
Dallas Mavericks

Olivier-Maxence Prosper Waived by the Mavs
Lauri Markkanen

Dominant in Win Over Great Britain
Xander Bogaerts

Suffers Foot Fracture, Set to Hit Injured List
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Leads Serbia to a Win
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Shines Versus Portugal
De'Von Achane

Should be Ready for Week 1
Jose Alvarado

"Good" After Recent Fall
Alec Burleson

Lands on Injured List With Wrist Inflammation
Emmanuel Clase

Luis L. Ortiz to Remain On Leave for Rest of Season
Kyle Schwarber

has Historic Performance in Rout of Braves
Boston Red Sox

Payton Tolle Expected to Make Debut on Friday
Green Bay Packers

Packers Acquire Micah Parsons, Sign him to Four-Year Extension
Jauan Jennings

Remains Sidelined at Practice
Corey Seager

Undergoing Appendectomy on Thursday
Chris Godwin

to Miss First Month of Season, Possibly More
Quinshon Judkins

Not Considering Return to College
A.J. Brown

Returns to Practice, Expected to Play in Week 1
Jaylen Wright

Undergoes Surgery, Could be Back "Septemberish"
Tyreek Hill

on Track to Play in Week 1
Kyren Williams

to See Reduced Workload?
Jayden Reed

Dealing with Jones Fracture in Left Foot
Lauri Markkanen

Torches Sweden
Neemias Queta

Dominates in EuroBasket Opener
Kawhi Leonard

Clippers Not Allowing Kawhi Leonard to Play Back-to-Backs
Dallas Mavericks

Mavericks Looking to Trade Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Tyrese Haliburton

Expects to Return in 15 Months
Malik Nabers

Expected to be Full-Go for Week 1
Freddie Freeman

Out Wednesday With Neck Stinger
Alejandro Kirk

Avoids Major Injury, Remains Out on Wednesday
Travis Hunter

Back at Practice, Will be Ready for Week 1
Luis Robert Jr.

Could Miss the Rest of the Season
De'Von Achane

Not Practicing on Wednesday
Trevor Megill

Brewers Place Trevor Megill on Injured List With Flexor Strain
Luis Robert Jr.

Placed on Injured List With Hamstring Strain
Rashee Rice

Accepting Six-Game Suspension to Begin the Year
Kyle Hamilton

Ravens, Kyle Hamilton Finalizing Four-Year Extension
Rashee Rice

NFL Aiming to Place Six-Game Suspension on Rashee Rice
De'Von Achane

Dolphins GM Says De'Von Achane Will be Ready for Week 1
Joe Mixon

Texans GM: "We'll See" if Joe Mixon Plays in 2025
Adam Thielen

Traded to the Vikings
Nick Lodolo

Expected to Return Wednesday Against the Dodgers
Terance Mann

Confident About Having a Big Year in Brooklyn
Zaccharie Risacher

Aims to Improve Ball-Handling Skills
NBA

Pistons And Timberwolves Join Race for Malik Beasley
John Tonje

Signs Two-Way Deal With Jazz
Max Strus

to Miss 3-4 Months After Surgery
Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys Still Expect Micah Parsons to Play in Week 1
Nikola Jović

Heat Have High Hopes for Nikola Jovic
Golden State Warriors

Cody Martin Drawing Interest From Warriors
Minnesota Timberwolves

Timberwolves Interested in Reunion With Bones Hyland
Kylor Kelley

Joins Lakers
Colin Castleton

Links Up With Magic
Malik Monk

Kings "Not Actively Engaged" in Trade Discussions Involving Malik Monk
NHL

Jan Rutta Lands in Switzerland
Kirby Dach

Skates on Monday
COL

Tyson Barrie Retires From NHL
Zhang Mingyang

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Johnny Walker

Gets Back In The Win Column
Brian Ortega

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Aljamain Sterling

Proves Too Much For Brian Ortega
Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Sergei Pavlovich

Wins Decision At UFC Shanghai
Kevin Borjas

Drops Decision At UFC Shanghai
Sumudaerji

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Kiefer Crosbie

Still Winless In The UFC
Taiyilake Nueraji

Gets His First UFC Win
Ryan Blaney

Earns his Second Daytona Cup Series Win
Tyler Reddick

Locks Into the 2025 Playoffs Despite Underwhelming Daytona Performance
Erik Jones

Misses the 2025 Playoffs Despite Top-Five Run at Daytona
Justin Haley

Best Performance of 2025 Falls Short of Victory at Daytona
Kyle Larson

Enters Playoffs As Co-Points Leader
Alex Bowman

Advances to Playoffs Despite Crashing at Daytona
Cole Custer

Finally Shows Signs of Life at Daytona
Daniel Suarez

Lame-Duck Daniel Suarez Delivers Clutch Second-Place Finish

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP