Sheffield United – Everton, Newcastle – Brighton and Wolves – Crystal Palace takes center stage on Monday: The wild and wonderful Premier League summer run continues on Monday with a trio of matches, two of which could shake up European imagery.
The third will see a lower-level team hoping to use their home field to seal another season in the Premier League.
[ MORE: Premier League schedule ]
There are two tilts at 1pm ET on Monday.
He will focus a lot on Bramall Lane, where Sheffield United needs to bounce back from a surprising loss at Leicester City. That we call it a surprise underscores just how wonderful the Blades have been this year, having defeated Wolves and Chelsea in consecutive games. United is four points behind the Spurs, who rank sixth, with a game in hand.
Opponents can be tough. The key word is can. Everton has shown itself capable of looking like world champions or relegation candidates, and they were flat-out miserable in a draw with Aston Villa last time.
On the kickoff at 1 pm ET, the Toffees hope to show manager Carlo Ancelotti that they should continue to be part of their plans next season.
At the same time, Brighton and Newcastle begin. The Seagulls in 16th place will be safe the next time they earn a point or Villa drops one. They would rather manage it themselves against a Newcastle team that has been feasting or starving this season.
To end on Monday, the Lobos host Crystal Palace (start time, 3:15 pm ET).
The wolves have only taken four of the last 12 points available to them, and they sit seventh. While eighth seemed like a possible route to Europa League football for some time, an Arsenal victory in the FA Cup final would mean that seventh is not enough.
Wolves’ 56 points are two behind the Spurs, although of course the Spurs have a game in hand. They will hope to beat a Palace team that has struggled with six consecutive PL losses.
Patchwork
(-112) Brighton v. Newcastle (+340), draw: +240
(+115) Sheffield United v. Everton (+255), tie: +230
(-215) Wolves v. Crystal Palace (+675), tie: +320
Predictions
Brighton’s despair scores a goal, but the Magpies also do so in a 1-1 draw.
The blades are thwarted by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and Everton in a 2-2 draw.
The wolves fuel their hopes for UEL by defeating the Palace 3-1.
How to watch Sheffield United – Everton stream
Start time: 1 pm ET Monday
TV channel: NBCSN
Online: NBCSports.com
How to watch Brighton – Newcastle stream
Start time: 1 pm ET Monday
Online: Peacock and NBC Sports Gold
How to see wolves – Crystal Palace stream
Start time: 3:15 pm ET Monday
TV channel: NBCSN
Online: NBCSports.com
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