The road to the end of the Premier League season is well and truly engaged. Every point, every goal and every missed opportunity will now feel magnified – much like our betting slips actually!
Of course, the game of the weekend is the massive clash between Manchester City and Liverpool. This is the title battle we hope for each season and these two sides have not disappointed. Elsewhere, the pressures and opportunities of league football is evident and as always, we have you covered!
Friday 8 April
13/10 Newcastle | Draw 21/10 | Wolves 23/10 (21:00)
Wolves were in absolute control of things at Molineux against Villa. At no point did you think they could lose it…and but for a controversial penalty, they didn’t really look like conceding.
Newcastle matched the intensity of Tottenham in the first 45 minutes, before being absolutely blown away. I wouldn’t read too much into that result if I’m honest – so for my money I think a draw might be the play here.
Saturday 9 April
34/10 Everton | Draw 26/10 | Manchester United 15/20 (13:30)
United suffered yet another blow to their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League tournament. They were held to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford by a somewhat laissez-faire Leicester side.
United were fortunate to get a point, this in a game that was slow and dreary until Kelechi Iheanacho opened the scoring in the 63rd minute. Everton have been dreadful; they have incredible players and a manager who has shown himself to be capable – but something is amiss.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Toffee’s get something from this game – but I’ll go with a Draw/United + Under 2.5 goals at 13/10.
17/10 Watford | Draw 47/20 | Leeds 16/10 (16:00)
There were plenty positives on offer for Watford after their encounter with Liverpool at the weekend. Not only did the Hornets have chances they could have converted, but they also had Liverpool in a particularly uncomfortable position until the Reds put the game to bed late on.
Leeds have continued to kick on with their second wind, given to them by the arrival of Jesse Marsch. I think the brilliance of the American is found in the fact that Leeds have stayed true to their identity – they’ve just regained their confidence.
This should be end to end, I don’t think we need to find a winner though. Both teams scoring should see us through. Get on at 6/10.
33/10 Southampton | Draw 26/10 | Chelsea 8/10 (16:00)
I might not make too many friends with this comment, but I’m not sure Chelsea could have too many complaints with the result against Brentford. They were flat, out of character for most of the game and simply got what they deserved. I understand that given the Blues are still competing on multiple fronts they were largely always bound to drop points somewhere – but that was embarrassing.
Southampton were impressive again; they have managed to just stay under the radar this season, but they are quietly going about their business and taking points when they are on offer.
Chelsea has the better team and should win this though – and with the inflated price of 8/10, I’ll happily oblige.
6/10 Arsenal | Draw 29/10 | Brighton 46/10 (16:00)
After their loss on Monday night, Mikel Arteta apologized for his side’s performance – but on behalf of most Mikel, truly you need not apologise!
Palace were exceptional, but I think they took advantage of a good opportunity. Arsenal sat off and invited Palace into the game and the Eagles humbly obliged. Brighton don’t usually play with that sort of bite though so I suspect Arsenal get back to winning ways.
9/4 Aston Villa | Draw 49/20 | Tottenham 11/10 (18:30)
Steven Gerrard was quick to articulate to his players that they are playing for their lives from here on in. Villa have now lost three games on the spin and the mood at Villa Park seems to be shifting – oh how fickle we can often be as supporters!
Antonio Conte must have given a half-time talk fit for a warrior, the way in which Spurs came out of the break and simply manhandled Newcastle was brilliant to watch. The power and intensity associated with the way they won the ball back, coupled with clinical finishing saw them go into the top four for the first time in – well ages!
I hope the hosts can do us all a favour here, but I think Spurs (at the risk of being accused of loving them a little too much…) win this.
Sunday 10 April
5/4 Leicester | Draw 47/20 | Crystal Palace 43/20 (15:00)
Leicester will come into the game with immense confidence after their draw at Old Trafford – but I think that result was more a case of United bottling it as opposed to the Foxes dominating.
Palace were brilliant, I know I’ve said this before but the adage “attitude reflects leadership” is truly personified at Selhurst Park. The fight and commitment so often associated with Patrick Vieira consistently comes through his side.
I think the away win could be a shrewd bet here – considering the price on offer.
18/10 Norwich | Draw 43/20 | Burnley 16/10 (15:00)
Norwich is an incredibly passive team this year. Each time they look as though they are about to go on and get a result they just flatter to deceive. I feel for them though, they work incredibly hard and the commitment from the players to turn things around is evident.
I can’t trust Burnley; their inconsistency is expensive and incredibly frustrating. This isn’t the sort of game I would suggest gets thrown into anything of substance – but under 2.5 goals might be the bet. Get on at 13/20.
7/4 Brentford | Draw 23/10 | West Ham 31/20 (15:00)
This game truly has all the makings of becoming a bonified ‘English’ game of football. Expect to see intensity personified for all 90 minutes, with both teams having a real go.
Christian Eriksen scored his first goal for Brentford as they closed in on league safety with a brilliant display against Chelsea. The effect of the Dane has been immediate and clear for everyone to see. I think having a punt on the home win/draw with both scoring might prove profitable. Get on at 15/10.
TREBLE @ 11/1
Watford vs Leeds: BTTS 6/10
Crystal Palace Win 43/20
Brentford/Draw + BTTS 15/10
