Our predictions for GW36:

Fulham V Everton (Prediction 2-1):
Fulham have maintained a solid attacking output this season, netting 50 goals from an expected 52, highlighting their consistency in front of goal. Defensively, they’ve slightly underperformed, conceding 47 goals against an expected 43, suggesting vulnerability. Everton, on the other hand, have scored just 36 goals despite creating chances worth 41 expected goals, revealing struggles with finishing. They’ve conceded 43 goals, fewer than their expected 50, showing defensive resilience. Fulham’s superior attacking consistency, coupled with home advantage, should help them edge a narrow victory.

Ipswich V Brentford (Prediction 1-3):
Ipswich have endured severe difficulties defensively, conceding 76 goals from an expected 80—among the league’s poorest defensive records. Offensively, they’ve scored 35 goals, slightly underperforming their expected tally of 37. Brentford have enjoyed a strong attacking season, scoring 62 goals closely matching their expected total of 61, although their defence is average, conceding 53 goals from 57 expected goals against. Brentford’s significantly superior attack and Ipswich’s defensive woes indicate a comfortable win for the visitors.

Southampton V Manchester City (Prediction 0-4):
Southampton have experienced a dire season defensively, conceding 82 goals from a huge expected goals against total of 91, clearly the league’s weakest defence. They have also struggled offensively, scoring only 25 goals despite an expected tally of 36. Manchester City, meanwhile, have showcased a reliable and potent attack, scoring exactly as expected (67 goals from 67 xG), paired with a solid defensive record, conceding 43 goals from an expected 49. With City’s offensive precision facing Southampton’s extremely fragile defence, a comprehensive victory for the away side is highly likely.

Wolves V Brighton (Prediction 1-2):
Wolves have significantly overperformed their attacking metrics, netting 51 goals compared to an expected 42, but defensively they’ve conceded more goals (62) than their expected goals against total of 56 suggests they should have. Brighton have been consistently effective in attack, scoring 57 goals closely aligned with their expected 58, while defensively slightly underperforming (56 goals conceded from an expected 53). Brighton’s more balanced statistical profile and attacking reliability should enable them to narrowly win this fixture.

Bournemouth V Aston Villa (Prediction 2-2):
Bournemouth have created excellent scoring opportunities throughout the season, accumulating an impressive expected goals total of 67, yet they’ve scored only 55 times, indicating poor finishing efficiency. Conversely, their defence has been strong, conceding only 42 goals from 51 expected goals against, highlighting defensive overperformance. Aston Villa, by comparison, have consistently matched their underlying metrics, scoring 55 goals from an expected 63, and conceding 49 goals from an expected 50, demonstrating balanced performance. Given Bournemouth’s attacking potential and Villa’s overall consistency, a high-scoring draw is anticipated.

Newcastle V Chelsea (Prediction 2-2):
Newcastle have performed consistently in attack, scoring 66 goals exactly matching their expected total, highlighting their reliability going forward. Defensively, they have conceded 45 goals, notably fewer than their expected total of 51, indicating strong defensive performances. Chelsea have scored 62 goals from an expected total of 69, suggesting some inefficiency in attack, yet their defence has overperformed, conceding just 41 goals from an expected 50. With both teams strong defensively and effective in attack, a tightly contested, entertaining draw seems the most likely result.

Manchester United V West Ham (Prediction 1-1):
Manchester United have underperformed offensively, scoring only 42 goals despite generating chances worth 51 expected goals, reflecting significant finishing struggles. Defensively, they’ve conceded fewer than expected, 51 goals from 56 expected goals against, showing moderate defensive stability. West Ham have similar struggles, scoring just 40 goals from an expected 46, and defensively conceding 59 goals against an expected total of 62, indicating defensive issues. Given both sides’ struggles at both ends, a cautious, low-scoring draw seems probable.

Nottingham Forest V Leicester (Prediction 3-0):
Nottingham Forest have dramatically exceeded their attacking expectations, scoring 54 goals from only 47 expected goals, reflecting excellent finishing efficiency. Defensively, they’ve conceded fewer goals (42) than expected (52), showing impressive defensive organisation. Leicester, by contrast, have struggled profoundly, scoring just 29 goals despite 35 expected, and conceding heavily—76 goals against an expected total of 80. Forest’s clear superiority in both attacking efficiency and defensive solidity strongly favours a comfortable home victory.

Tottenham V Crystal Palace (Prediction 2-1):
Tottenham have closely matched their expected attacking output, scoring 63 goals from an expected 62, but defensively they’ve conceded 57 goals from an expected 59, indicating defensive weaknesses. Crystal Palace significantly underperform in attack, scoring only 44 goals from a much higher expected total of 60, reflecting substantial finishing inefficiency. Their defensive numbers are slightly better, conceding 48 goals against 54 expected. Spurs’ consistent attacking performance and home advantage should help them secure a narrow victory despite Palace’s solid defence.

Liverpool V Arsenal (Prediction 2-2):
Liverpool have delivered the league’s strongest attacking performances, scoring 81 goals closely matching their expected tally of 85. Defensively, they have been exceptional, conceding exactly as expected (35 goals from 36 xGA). Arsenal are similarly impressive, scoring 64 goals from an expected 67 and defensively excelling, conceding only 31 goals from an expected 34. With Liverpool already crowned champions and potentially rotating their squad, and Arsenal’s consistently strong performances, expect a closely contested, high-quality draw.