Elite-level soccer action returns to our screens this weekend, and we’ve studied the EPL betting markets at the top-rated sportsbooks to formulate the best betting picks for matchday 36, including two highlight games: Southampton vs. Man City and Nottingham Forest vs. Leicester City.
Continue reading for the top soccer betting picks from across the Premier League schedule set to take place on May 10 & 11.
Picks Summary
- Manchester City -1 (-200)
- Nottingham Forest ML (+110)
*All odds from Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Southampton FC vs. Manchester City
Saturday, May 10, 2025 – 10:00 AM EDT at St. Mary’s Stadium
Southampton vs. Man City Stats, Odds & Prediction
- Manchester City have won 5 consecutive games in all competitions.
- Southampton will be relegated from the Premier League next season.
- Southampton has won just 2 of their 35 EPL games this term.
Win/Loss Record (Last 5): Southampton L/L/D/L/L – Manchester City W/W/W/W/W
The Worst EPL Goal Difference
Returning to the Premier League following a successful playoff run in the Championship last term has presented one of the worst runs in Southampton’s EPL history. With a mere two wins from 35 appearances this term, the Saints have booked a position in the rock bottom position, relegation is now guaranteed, and there’s nothing left to play for other than pride.
Moreover, with just 11 points, they’re tied with Derby for the worst showing in EPL history. In unison with a goal difference of -57 due to conceding 82 goals this season, they’re now faced with a hungry team in Manchester City, who’re still fighting to solidify their position as a Champions League team next term.
Manchester City Gunning to Secure UCL Spot
The Citizens haven’t surrendered to a team in the bottom half of the table in 29 consecutive games, and shouldn’t expect that trend to change on Saturday. With 12 straight wins against teams in the lower half of the table, including a tally of goals sitting at 44-1 across those aforementioned fixtures, banking another three points feels almost inevitable.
Liverpool has secured the EPL title, but as Manchester City are now just three points behind second-place Arsenal, they’ll be eager to guarantee UCL football next term, particularly with an easy fixture like this one, which should ultimately be viewed as a “free” three points.
Pep Guardiola’s men may have peaked at the wrong time of the season, but with a potential for second place in the table and an FA Cup final ahead, they can truly come back from the dead if their confidence levels continue on an upward trajectory.
EPL Matchday 36 Betting Odds & Predictions
Unsurprisingly, the EPL betting odds have placed Man City as heavy favorites. However, given the seismic difference in squad quality, it does feel safe to approach the -1 handicap.
While City hasn’t won consecutive away games since August, they’re riding the first notable win streak of the season (5 wins). They have notably fixed their previous defensive issues behind 5 clean sheets in their previous 7 appearances.
Score prediction: Southampton 0 – Manchester City 3
Soccer Pick: Manchester City -1 (-200) [2u wager returns 1u of profit] at Bet365
Nottingham Forest vs. Leicester City FC
Sunday, May 11, 2025 – 09:15 AM EDT at City Ground
Forest vs. Leicester Stats, Odds & Prediction
- Forest are unbeaten in 3 of their last 6 EPL games.
- Leicester has won just 1 of their last 6 EPL games.
- Leicester will suffer relegation to the Championship next term.
- Forest defeated Leicester (1-3) in the reverse fixture.
Win/Loss Record (Last 5): Forest D/L/L/W/L – Leicester W/L/L/D/L
Relegation Secured
Much like our previous breakdown, we have one team, Leicester, facing relegation and another, Nottingham Forest, fighting for a top-five spot in the table and Champions League football next term.
Unlike City, however, Forest has suffered a slight fall from grace of late. This team that came up from the Championship last term has had a remarkable season and was even challenging for the title before the Reds ran away with it. Unfortunately, recent results haven’t gone their way, and now they’re fighting with Chelsea, Newcastle and Aston Villa for a position in the top five and a ticket to the Champions League next term.
Fortunately, hosting an already relegated Leicester City might be the perfect bounce-back spot for Forest, who’ve won just one of their last five games. Why? Because the Foxes managed to score their first home goal in the EPL since December just last weekend!
Routine Victory At Home
Considering Forest are facing a team that’s allowed 82 goals this term, they shouldn’t struggle to score on home turf. Not to mention, the reverse fixture in the Midlands earlier this season resulted in a 3-1 win for Forest as the away side.
With only five domestic wins all term, including two wins against the worst team in the league, Southampton, Leicester’s probability of shocking The Tricky Trees feels unlikely.
EPL Matchday 36 Betting Odds & Predictions
The EPL betting odds have placed Forest as a huge betting favorite, but we’re not surprised by this. We have a relegated team with nothing but pride to play for against a squad fighting for a top-five finish in the league.
With Arsenal facing Liverpool and Chelsea clashing with Newcastle, Saturday is the perfect time for Forest to regain their position in the top five. Although defensive complications have arisen, 13 clean sheets this term will be enough to completely shut out Leicester from scoring.
Forest will win with a modest, but important 1-0 scoreline. Book it!
Score prediction: Nottingham Forest 1 – Leicester City 0
Soccer Pick: Nottingham Forest ML (+110) [1u wager returns 1.1u of profit] at Bet365
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
