Drama in Scotland is what we’ve wanted for decades and now we have it in spades
Weekend Preview 15 May – FA Cup Final and Hearts to win the title?
Welcome to the Football4Cast Weekend Preview 15 May. It’s FA Cup Final weekend, but strangely, that may be overshadowed by events north of the border. It has transpired that Celtic have a chance to snatch the title from Hearts’ grasp as they meet at Celtic Park on Saturday lunchtime, in what may be an injustice of the ages. Then at 3pm we have the FA Cup Final between Man City, in great form, against managerless, rudderless Chelsea. Oh, and Arsenal might go 5 points clear in the Premier League with only one game to go (two for City).
FA Cup Final: Chelsea v Manchester City, Saturday 3pm
Manchester City are looking to complete the domestic trophy double following on from their League Cup win earlier in the season. It could also be a very special treble if Arsenal were to falter crossing the finish line in the league. Meanwhile, Chelsea are on the other end of the positivity spectrum. Dire results have led to them being managerless and essentially rudderless as they look likely to miss out on Champions League and possibly all European football. Chelsea do have an uncanny knack of turning up for finals though, so this could be closer than expected. Cole Palmer is one who will be desperate to show those watching that he can do it on the big stage and should go to the World Cup. City do just look too strong with Doku in scintillating form, Haaland in the goals and Cherki being brilliant. Chelsea have had injury issues in attack, and even when fully fit, Garnacho and Pedro Neto don’t exactly cause opponents to quake in their boots. Reece James should be back which will be a boost.
Prediction: The algo doesn’t like the FA Cup, probably because the competition is too traditional and romantic, so we have no real prediction for this one. I imagine it would say something like City 3-1 though. However, there’s no value in the market so best to stay clear of this one.
Premier League Preview
The Premier League doesn’t stop, despite the FA Cup Final taking place. Arsenal can go 5 points clear if they manage to defeat the mighty Burnley at the Emirates on Monday evening. It seems likely, though you just never know with Arsenal. Aston Villa host Liverpool on Friday evening in the battle for 4th. A defeat for either could leave them being very slightly anxious on the last day of the season about missing out on Champions League football.
On Sunday, Manchester United should beat Forest, who are now safe. Brentford should also beat Palace at home to confirm European football of some colour. Everton host Sunderland as both teams look to squeak into a Conference League position. Leeds host Brighton, who are looking to also confirm a European position, as Wolves host Fulham, another team looking to sneak into Europe (like at least half the league).
At the other end of the table, West Ham go to Newcastle desperate for points as VAR contrived to deny them a crucial draw with Arsenal last weekend. They are two points down on Spurs, who play Chelsea away on Tuesday. If West Ham lose to Newcastle, they would have to hope Chelsea beat Spurs, then it would come down to the final day. In that instance, West Ham would need to beat Leeds at home and hope Spurs lose at home to Everton. If West Ham win and Spurs draw, then West Ham will go down on goal difference.
Man City also play in the league on Tuesday as they have a very tricky fixture away at Bournemouth who are chasing Champions League football. However, if Arsenal have stumbled, this could be an absolute must watch.
Premier League Fixtures
Friday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Scotland – A Scottish Scandal As The Title Goes To The Final Day
Wednesday night, 95th minute of injury time, Hearts have won 3-0 against Falkirk, and Motherwell are holding Celtic to a 2-2 draw. Hearts know they will just have to avoid losing by more than two goals at Celtic on Saturday to be crowned the most unlikely champions since possibly Leicester, but possibly ever, considering the financial gulf between Celtic, Rangers and the rest. Celtic have a throw in, and look to launch it into the box. The throw isn’t a great one and just reaches the penalty area. A Motherwell defender battles with a Celtic attacker but climbs higher like a proud salmon to power the ball away with a header and clear the lines. The ref looks at his whistle, there’s no time for another throw, and it’s all over. Hearts know they have the smallest step remaining to be champions…
Except…we need more drama. The throw comes in, the salmon rises and heads the ball away, the ref blows the whistle and instead of picking up the ball he’s off to a TV to watch a couple of super slow motion clips and decides the defender smashed the ball 20 yards with a hand and not a head, and awards a penalty. Celtic dispatch it and, barely believing their luck, the whole scenario is turned on its head.
Well, drama in Scotland is what we’ve wanted for decades and has been absent, so now we have it in spades. Hearts head to fortress Celtic Park looking to avoid defeat to take the title. Celtic, meanwhile, know that a win at home and they are champions, which they would have taken an innumerable number of times this season when it was looking a complete disaster. The model does not go in for fairytales and gives Celtic a 65% chance of getting the win.
There’s no value in the market for this match, it’s correctly priced, so just sit back and enjoy the drama.
Top Tip of the Weekend
Rangers are good value to beat Falkirk away. Look for value at 1.90+
That’s it for the weekend preview. Sign up to get all the analysis across all leagues and the value opportunities which emerge daily, across thousands of games worldwide.
Premium Members – Bet Grading
For Premium members, we now have Bet Grading
Our upgraded Bet Grading system now rates each recommended bet for clarity and confidence:
- Grade A: Strongest edges, highest confidence
- Grade B: Moderate value and stable confidence
- Grade C: Smaller or high-variance plays
It’s designed to help you prioritise opportunities, manage risk, and track edge consistency across the season.
Sign up here: https://sports4cast.com/betting-analysis/football-betting-analysis-premium/
For all the betting analysis of every game in the Football Leagues and abroad, and plenty of picks identified to grow your betting pot, sign up for a free trial. https://sports4cast.com/4casts/football4cast/
