The spotlight has been somewhat removed from the Premier League in recent weeks, with all eyes firmly focused on the international scene. England made a perfect start to life under Thomas Tuchel with a resounding if unspectacular 2-0 win against Albania at Wembley. While the Three Lions certainly got the job done, the German boss will certainly know that there is plenty of room for improvement. 

 

Most right now though are waiting for international duty to end, and when it does, all attention will be back on the English top flight and a frantic run into the end of the season gets underway. At both ends of the table, it seems as though we will be witnessing predictable conclusions. At the summit, Liverpool are a mighty 12 points clear of Arsenal with just nine games remaining, while at the opposite end of the table, the bottom three look cut adrift and like surefire bets for relegation. 

 

However, there may well be more to it than what meets the eye. Here are two trends to watch out for throughout the season's closing stages. 

 

 

Liverpool Title Bid Set To Falter?

 

All season long, Liverpool have been the dominant force in the Premier League. They were supposed to struggle in their first campaign without Jurgen Klopp at the helm, but his replacement Arne Slot has done a brilliant job of taking the Reds to the next level. They have lost just once in the league all season and are a million miles clear at the top of the division. However, in recent weeks, the wheels have begun to come off somewhat. 

 

The Merseysiders were dumped out of the Champions League after losing on penalties to French champions Paris Saint Germain at Anfield. They were then shockingly beaten in the League Cup final by Newcastle United at Wembley. Online crypto betting sites had made them an overwhelming favorite to claim the trophy under the arch, but their defeat has brought the critics out in force. 

 

Top crypto sports betting outlets such as Thunderpick don't think a catastrophe is on the cards just yet. They make the Reds a 1.40 favorite for their next game against rivals Everton at Anfield. As well as that, similar sites price them as an incredibly short 1/33 to claim the title. But we do think it will be as plain sailing as the bookies make out. 

 

Liverpool has several crunch clashes on the horizon that could scupper their title bid. They will face Spurs, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Brighton all consecutively over the next few weeks. We're not saying that they're going to lose all four games and throw away the title, but don't expect them to steamroll through each game either. There could be plenty of value in backing Liverpool's opponents in the latter weeks of the campaign - especially with a goal or two handicap - as The Reds could deliver some nervy displays following their shocking losses both in continental action and in that League Cup final. 

 

 

Twists and Turns in the Race For Champions League Qualification 

 

Thanks to the performances of English teams on the continental stage this season, it's looking like the Premier League will receive five places in the Champions League next season, rather than the usual four. And the race for the top five is a riveting one. With Liverpool and Arsenal having somewhat pulled away from the rest of the league, no fewer than eight teams are gunning for the three remaining UCL qualifying spots. 

 

Nottingham Forest look well positioned. Despite being a relegation candidate in preseason, they are currently in third place and five points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea. But the Blues and Bournemouth down in tenth are separated by just five points, and each team in between will have genuine hopes of securing their spot at the most elite dining table in European football next season. 

 

What we can expect when these teams are playing throughout the last few weeks of the season is drama, goals, and upsets. Manchester City are usually a shoo-in for a spot in the Champions League, especially as they have won the Premier League in each of the last four seasons. But they won't be winning the league this term and there is no guarantee they'll even qualify for the showcase tournament next season. 

 

Pep Guardiola's side is currently in fifth place, and any further slip-ups could leave them at the mercy of the likes of Newcastle and Brighton who head up the chasing pack. City is usually such a reliable pick on any bet slip, but they have struggled badly this season. They have already lost as many games this term as in both of the last two combined, and further defeats could be on the horizon. Don't be scared to bet against them, even at the Etihad. 

 

The likes of Brighton and Bournemouth have both reveled in their role as the underdog this season. Now, the bookies have cottoned on and are slashing prices on both teams winning whenever they play. Still, does it matter what odds they are if they get the job done? Keep your eyes on these two throughout April and May. 

 

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