The Premier League season is reaching that chaotic time of year where logic starts to wobble, desperation kicks in, and teams suddenly remember how to either play football… or completely forget how.

Matchweek 35 is where things get spicy. Some clubs are chasing European dreams, others are clinging to survival like it’s the last seat on a budget airline, and a few are already mentally on the beach – flip-flops on, cocktail in hand and defending like they have made full use of the all-inclusive drinks package. 

For bettors, this is both a blessing and a curse. Form matters, but motivation matters more. And reading between the lines – who still cares and who’s already checked out – is often the difference between cashing a ticket and tearing it up by halftime.

This week’s parlay leans heavily into that idea: backing teams with something to play for, and avoiding those who might already be at the airport check-in desk with their luggage in hand.

Anyway, let’s get into it.

Newcastle vs Brighton

Saturday, 2 May (10 AM EST / 15:00 GMT)

Brighton to win 

Brighton head into this one in excellent form and are still pushing for a European finish. They’ve been one of the most consistent sides in recent weeks, picking up results and scoring almost at will.

Newcastle, on the other hand, are trending in the opposite direction. They’ve struggled badly for momentum and confidence, and whilst it would be remarkable if they were, they do run the risk of being dragged into the relegation battle. 

That European hunt will have Brighton ready to hunt down all three points, and they are in no better place to do so, with their previous record at St James Park proving to be a fruitful hunting ground. 

Brighton to win is my pick here. Hopefully, ‘The Geordie slayer’ Danny Welbeck pops up with a goal or two. 

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Wolves vs Sunderland

Saturday, 2 May (10 AM EST / 15:00 GMT)

Sunderland to win

This is a clash between two sides at very different stages of the season.

Wolves are enduring a difficult campaign and have already slipped into serious trouble, while Sunderland are fighting hard and showing enough quality – well, if you ignore whatever that showing was at the Stadium of Light last Friday. 

Motivation is key here; Sunderland have everything to play for as they still hold an outside chance of clinching a European spot and will most definitely want to put their embarrassing defeat last week behind them.

While Wolves’ season is finished, the only hope they have now is players trying to put themselves in the ‘shop window’ for the summer. 

Sunderland to win is the pick here, although as a Sunderland fan, I’m not expecting it to be by a landslide.

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Brentford vs West Ham 

Saturday, 2 May (10 AM EST / 15:00 GMT)

Match result draw

This one has all the makings of a stalemate; both have something to play for, with Brentford one of the many teams hunting for a European spot. Whilst West Ham are merely hoping for survival.

West Ham do have hope. Brentford have hit a rough patch, struggling to turn performances into wins, while West Ham themselves are doing just enough to stay competitive without ever looking fully convincing.

It’s the kind of game where both teams will have chances, neither will take enough of them, and everyone walks away slightly unsatisfied – unless you back the draw like I am here.

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Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace

Sunday, 3 May (9 AM EST / 14:00 GMT)

Bournemouth to draw

Bournemouth have quietly become one of the most in-form teams in the league. They’re putting together results, playing with confidence, and look like a side that genuinely believes it belongs in the European conversation.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency, particularly away from home, where performances tend to wobble. Add into the mix that they just played an away Conference League Semi-Final on Thursday, and I think they might struggle or have their focus elsewhere. 

With Bournemouth’s confidence high and home advantage in their favour, they look well placed to keep things rolling.

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