EPL 2021/22 Matchweek 28 betting picks & top odds

The Manchester derby takes top billing in Matchweek 28 of the 2021/22 English Premier League season. This weekend’s EPL betting tips include that game as well as the Aston Villa vs Southampton and Liverpool vs West Ham United clashes on Saturday afternoon.

Aston Villa vs Southampton

After three games without a win, Aston Villa stopped the rot last weekend with a 2-0 victory against a tricky Brighton & Hove Albion outfit. Steven Gerrard’s men are now nine points clear of the relegation zone, but they cannot afford to rest on their laurels.

Southampton have struck a rich vein of form in the past few months, losing only one of their last 10 matches. Back-to-back 2-0 wins over Everton and Norwich City have boosted them into ninth place, albeit five points behind eighth-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Villa’s best is very good, but they are very much a work in progress. Southampton are reliable and hard to beat, with a knack for grinding out draws. Some eight of the Saints’ last nine away games have gone over 2.5 total goals, and this looks like another one that could produce a few goals.

Liverpool vs West Ham United

After winning the League Cup last weekend, Liverpool have a bit of a spring in their step. Six straight EPL wins have put them right back into the title race, and another victory this Saturday would put them within three points of the league leaders, Manchester City.

West Ham have been solid, if unspectacular, in recent weeks, but their 1-0 win over Wolves last time out has kept them within a game of the top four. The Irons now have a chance to clinch a rare league double over Liverpool, having beaten them 3-2 in the reverse fixture.

While Liverpool have smashed in 18 goals in their past six matches, West Ham have managed just seven in the same stretch. That disparity in firepower should prove the difference as Jurgen Klopp’s Reds claim a decisive home win and close the gap at the top of the table.

Manchester City vs Manchester United

A few weeks ago, Manchester City had the title all but sewn up. Now, after a shock loss to Tottenham and a fortunate 1-0 win against Everton, the defending champions look suddenly vulnerable with Liverpool breathing down their necks.

Manchester United are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games, but four of those have ended in frustrating draws. Finishing has become a serious problem for the Red Devils, with even the great Cristiano Ronaldo spurning a slew of chances in recent weeks.

With a title defence and top-four ambitions on the line, this is a huge clash for both sides. Man City have had the upper hand in the derby of late, but the soccer betting sites have the odds way lopsided for this edition. Take the overs about Man United to cover the handicap.