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Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano Preview & Tips - Palace tipped for Conference League triumph
26 May 2026
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English Football Best Bets - May 16, 17 & 18
- Best bets for the English football matches played on May 16, 17 & 18
- Featured competitions include the FA Cup and Premier League
- Preview, stats & head to head
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Erling Haaland of Manchester City (Getty Images)
Chelsea vs Manchester City
Chelsea come into the FA Cup final knowing it is now or never when it comes to finishing the season on a high. Currently trophyless and wayward, Chelsea have lost eight of their last 11 across competitions, with a 7-0 win over Port Vale and a 1-0 win over Leeds in the FA Cup their only performances of note.
A 1-1 draw with Liverpool in the Premier League last week saw the Blues put in an improved defensive display, but they still lack that killer instinct going forward. I predict that this will hurt them this weekend as their winless run against Manchester City is extended to 15 matches.
Manchester City will take their eyes off the Premier League title race for the day as they head to Wembley to take on Chelsea. Across competitions, City are uneaten in their last nine, winning eight of these games. Meanwhile, their last outing in the FA Cup saw City edge past a spirited Southampton side in a 2-1 win.
City may arrive for this one as the favourites but they have found consistently breaking down deep-lying defences tough of late. I predict that Chelsea will look to sit deep and hit City on the break resulting in a cagey match that see less than 3.5 goals as City lift the trophy.
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest
With two games of the season left to come, Manchester United need a single point to assure themselves of a third placed finish. Considering their start to the season and their mid-term managerial change, finishing third would be an excellent return for United.
At home, United have won 12 of their 18 matches, while they are unbeaten in their last four, winning three times and drawing once. With Nottingham Forest now safe from the threat of relegation, I am backing United to take advantage of their opponents likely drop off in intensity.
Nottingham Forest made it eight without defeat in the league as they battled to a season defining draw with Newcastle. The point they picked up means they have moved onto 43 points. With Tottenham drawing their last game as West Ham were beaten, Forest find themselves seven clear of the Hammers in 18th with six points left on offer.
Forest's current run is very impressive, but with nothing to play for other than finishing higher in the standings, I am backing the travelling side to slump to their first league defeat since March 1.
Arsenal vs Burnley
This is the game that Arsenal will feel is their big chance to seriously swell their goal difference in the title run-in. Currently sat at the summit with 79 points and a +42 goal difference, the Gunners are looking to edge further clear of Manchester City in second. Pep Guardiola's side have 77 points and a goal difference of +43. Against a Burnley outfit that have lost 23 of their 36 matches whilst conceding 73 goals, Arsenal have to win big in this one.
The last two meetings between the sides have seen the Gunners win to nil, while they have won by two goals or more in their last three. With the Gunners all too aware of how close the title race is, I back them to fill their boots and hammer Burnley.
It has been another Premier League campaign to forget for Burnley, with the side already having to prepare for a season in the Championship. The 21 points they have picked up means they are 17 short of Tottenham and safety, with the side incredibly poor across the season.
On the road, Burnley have lost 13 of their 18 matches, winning twice and drawing three games. With 20 goals scored and 45 conceded, Burnley have been outscored time and time again. Burnley have seen over 3.5 goals scored in 13 of their 18 away games this season, and I predict another heavy defeat for the travelling side this week.
Verdict
I am backing City, United and Arsenal all to secure crucial wins this weekend as the top sides in England triumph.
City Win & Under 3.5
Chelsea vs Manchester City Match Winner & Total Goals
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Manchester United
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest Match Winner
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Home Win & Over 3.5
Arsenal vs Burnley Match Winner & Total Goals
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