The title race was thrown wide open last weekend when Chelsea snatched all three points in a fascinating game at Anfield. A resolute defensive display from the visitors, combined with a crucial mistake from Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard, put the Londoners firmly back in the title equation. A subsequent Monday night win for Manchester City at Crystal Palace means that Manuel Pellegrini’s men are now favourites to lift the trophy.

All three teams are in action on different days this weekend and all three games are live on TV. So let’s take a look ahead to the games and explore any betting opportunities they may present.

Sat 3 May 2014 17:30

Everton v Man City, Goodsion Park, showing on Sky Sports 1 HD

Referee: Lee Probert

Manchester City may be favourites to win the title but a trip to Goodison Park is never easy and Roberto Martinez’s team still have a mathematical chance of Champions League qualification. Everton have won eight of the last nine home games and have a good record against City having won five of the last six meetings against them on home soil.

For corner betting, there is a great chance of over 10.5 corners with 83.3% of Everton’s home games and 55.6% of City’s away games producing this result. For goal betting, the overall stats only show a slight bias towards over 2.5 goals but the open and attacking style of both teams should increase the probability for this game.

The bookies have City at odds-on but this game is no forgone conclusion. Everton can be backed at 4/1 with Bet365 to win this game and that is a great price for a Toffees home victory, regardless of the opponents.

Match prediction: Everton 2-1 Man City – Over 10.5 corners

Sun 4 May 2014 16:00

Chelsea v Norwich, Stamford Bridge, showing on Sky Sports 1 HD

Referee: Neil Swarbrick

Chelsea will be hoping to bounce back from their Champions League disappointment with a win over relegation-threatened Norwich. Victory will send Mourinho’s men to the top of the table and put more pressure Liverpool ahead of their Monday night cash with Crystal Palace.

Norwich have lost five games in a row and are now languishing in the relegation zone. A spirited home performance against Liverpool was followed last week by limp display at Old Trafford and there is little to suggest that they will fare any better at the Bridge.

Jose Mourinho was not happy to lose his unbeaten Premier League home record against Sunderland last week and a second straight league defeat at Stamford Bridge would be unthinkable. A lot will depend on how the team reacts to the mid-week loss to Atletico Madrid.

For goal betting, there is a good chance of over 2.5 goals in this game as Chelsea have averaged 3 goals per game in their last 5 home matches and Norwich have conceded an average of 3.2 per game in their last 5 matches.

Match prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Norwich – Over 2.5 goals

Mon 5 May 2014 20:00

Crystal Palace v Liverpool, Selhurst Park, showing on Sky Sports 1 HD

Referee: Mark Clattenburg

Liverpool’s mentality for this Monday night game could be influenced by the results of their title rivals over the preceding weekend. If their neighbours on Merseyside can do them a favour by getting a result against Man City, then the Reds could once again be in pole position for the title.

In the goal betting market, that statistics suggest a massive contrast between these teams with 83.3% of Liverpool’s away games producing over 2.5 goals and 77.8% of Palace’s home games producing under 2.5 goals. However, Liverpool have won their last 5 away games in a row with a total average of 4.6 goals per game. Palace are no longer under pressure and can be expected to take a less defensive approach in this game.

Liverpool have been devastating against teams in the bottom half of the table having taken a total of 20 points out of a possible 27. Palace meanwhile, have only taken 7 points from the top half teams.

Match prediction: Crystal Palace 1-3 Liverpool – Over 2.5 goals