Weekend Wager: Premier League & Ascot Best Bets

Welcome back to Weekend Wager, providing the top betting recommendations for this weekend`s Premier League action.

While the Premier League title has been decided, the competition for Champions League qualification remains fierce, bringing us some high-profile matchups.

Headlining the fixtures, champions Liverpool host Arsenal at Anfield, with the Gunners aiming to end their season strongly. Elsewhere, Newcastle faces Chelsea in a crucial game for the top five race, and Bournemouth welcomes Aston Villa as Unai Emery`s side seeks a Champions League spot.

Join host Will Pugh, football journalist Kweku Afari, and Betfair betting expert James Mackie for their expert analysis and tips.

Liverpool vs Arsenal – Sunday, 4:30 PM

Kweku`s Pick: Mohamed Salah to Score Anytime. (Odds: 7/5)

Kweku finds the odds for Salah to score surprisingly generous, calling it excellent value. He points out that Salah is the Premier League`s leading goalscorer and assist provider this season. With a history of performing in major matches and a strong record against Arsenal (11 Premier League goals), Kweku expects Salah to deliver, especially motivated by last week`s performance.

Will`s Pick: Draw. (Odds: 15/8)

Will admits this match is tough to call as there isn`t a huge amount at stake, beyond pride. He suggests Arsenal might be feeling a bit deflated, while Liverpool will be enjoying a celebratory atmosphere at Anfield. Unable to confidently predict a winner, he leans towards a draw. He notes Liverpool`s impressive home record against Arsenal (unbeaten in 14 games since 2012, with seven ending in draws) and Arsenal`s recent run of not losing to Liverpool (unbeaten in their last five league games, including three draws).

James` Pick: Virgil van Dijk to have 2+ Shots. (Odds: 12/5)

James identifies value in betting on Virgil van Dijk to register multiple shots. He highlights Van Dijk`s aerial threat and recent attacking contributions, having scored two goals and recorded two or more shots in three of his last four matches. This is particularly compelling given that Arsenal has conceded the highest percentage of goals from set pieces in the league this season (39%). James also notes that this game marks Van Dijk`s 300th Premier League appearance, adding potential motivation.

Bournemouth vs Aston Villa – Saturday, 5:30 PM

Kweku`s Pick: Emiliano Martinez to Make 5+ Saves. (Odds: 11/4)

Kweku supports this bet with statistics showing Bournemouth`s attacking approach under Andoni Iraola, generating the most shots from high turnovers in the league (65). Their top forward, Antoine Semenyo, also ranks third in the league for total shots (118). While Bournemouth doesn`t always convert these chances, the high volume suggests Aston Villa`s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, a world-class shotstopper, will be kept very busy throughout the match.

Will`s Pick: Draw at Half Time, Bournemouth Win at Full Time. (Odds: 11/2)

Will sees potential for a late twist, pointing out that Bournemouth scores the most goals in second-half stoppage time this season, while Aston Villa has conceded heavily in that period (eight goals). This indicates Bournemouth`s strong finish capability. He also highlights Bournemouth`s positive home record against Villa since their first meeting in 2015 (two wins and a draw), scoring exactly two goals in each of those games. Furthermore, Bournemouth boasts the league`s highest win rate against teams starting the day above them (7 wins from 13 such matches), suggesting they are often underestimated.

James` Pick: Ollie Watkins to Score or Assist. (Odds: 11/10)

James believes this is the bet of the weekend due to the attractive odds for a top striker like Ollie Watkins to either score or assist. Watkins has an excellent record against Bournemouth, being directly involved in five goals in his four Premier League starts against them (one goal, four assists). The four assists against the Cherries represent his highest tally against any single opponent. Backing Villa`s key attacking player, who has had a prolific season, to impact the game against a favorable opponent is seen as a strong wager.

Ascot, Victoria Cup – Saturday, 2:40 PM

James` Pick: Qirat to Win. (Odds: 5/1)

James is favoring Qirat at the top of the market. He highlights the horse`s reputable trainer (Ralph Beckett) and jockey (Ross O`Ryan), considering O`Ryan one of the best currently riding. Qirat has demonstrated capability at Ascot before, finishing second in a competitive 18-runner handicap. James views Qirat as potentially a “Group horse in a handicap,” meaning it`s performing against easier competition than its long-term potential suggests. Despite it being the horse`s first run of the season and racing off a slightly higher handicap mark than previous strong performances, its proven form at Ascot`s straight course gives it a great chance at 5/1 odds.