Premier League Matchday 31 Odds, Picks & Prediction (2024)
We're back in the swing of things following the international break, and there's a ton at stake over the final two months of the English Premier League season. Matchday 31 sees all 20 clubs in action over the next three days.
Here are my three favorite bets for this midweek matchday in England.
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Premier League Matchday 31 Odds, Picks & Prediction
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Newcastle (+100) vs. Everton (+255), DRAW (+285) | 2.5 (-175/+140)
Tuesday's five-match slate gets underway with this matchup between Newcastle and Everton. The Magpies enter this matchday at eighth in the table (43 points), while the Toffees are currently in 16th (25 points). Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET from St. James' Park in Newcastle, England.
Newcastle was a popular pick to claim a top-four spot in the PL this season, but they've put together an underwhelming campaign. However, they're still a top-half team in the table, and I think they have the offensive skill to secure this home victory. Eddie Howe's men have been exceptional at home this season, going 10-2-3 (32 points). That's the sixth-best mark in the league.
Meanwhile, Everton has dropped seven of its 15 road contests (5-3-7) this term. While they're a relatively stingy defense, their offense has been arguably the worst in the Premier League. They sit above only Sheffield (27 goals) in scoring this season, netting 30 goals over 29 matches (1.0 GPG). Then, there's the recent form from the Toffees, who have lost three straight matches, getting out-scored 7-2. I think this is a great spot for Newcastle to come through at even money; give me the Magpies.
Bet: Newcastle Moneyline (+100)
Manchester City (-350) vs. Aston Villa (+800), DRAW (+550) | 3.5 (+105/-130)
One of the marquee matchups for this matchday pits Manchester City against Aston Villa. City resides in third place in the table (64 points) after their 0-0 draw with Arsenal, while Aston Villa's fourth (59), thanks to a 2-0 win against Wolves over the weekend. This contest is set for Wednesday at 3:15 p.m. ET from Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England.
I'm riding with the Villans +1.5 goals in this contest. Maybe I'm crazy, but I'm just not ready to lay 1.5 goals with a City team that hasn't been blowing teams out lately. Now we're getting a team directly below them in the standings with an even-money payout? Sign me up! Over their last six Premier League matches, Pep Guardiola's squad is 3-3-0, and they've only stretched one of those games out to a multi-goal lead (3-1 vs. Man Utd.).
Furthermore, City has a jam-packed schedule at the moment. They're competing in the FA Cup, gunning for another PL title, and they have a huge Champions League tie against Real Madrid on the horizon. This could easily be a letdown performance from City, especially against this high-octane Aston Villa offense. Unai Emery's team is fifth in scoring this season, racking up 62 goals over 30 matches (2.1 GPG). Look for Aston Villa to put up a great fight at the Etihad on Wednesday; I'll take them +1.5 goals.
Bet: Aston Villa +1.5 (+100)
Chelsea (+105) vs. Manchester United (+225), DRAW (+300) | 3.5 (+105/-130)
The matchday concludes on Thursday with a heavyweight contest between Chelsea and Manchester United. The Blues are a pedestrian 11th in the table (40 points), while the Red Devils have climbed up to sixth (48 points). Kickoff is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. ET from Stamford Bridge in London, England.
This total seems insanely high, in my opinion. These two offenses have been incredibly underwhelming this season, each ranking outside the top eight in goals scored. Chelsea's ninth in scoring (49 goals), while United is all the way down at 15th (40 goals). On the flip side, the Red Devils bring in the fourth-best defense (40 goals against), while the Blues are a middle-of-the-pack 11th (47).
Finally, I'd like to end with a trend. In the last 11 head-to-head meetings between the clubs, nine of them have seen three or fewer goals. Eight of those matches have ended with two or fewer goals, including three 0-0 draws. I'm expecting Chelsea to find its defensive form in this heavyweight matchup, and I just can't see them reaching four combined goals. I'll take the under at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
Bet: Under 3.5 (-130)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Tuesday: