After a rather strange week last time out, Ryan Liberty is back with his tips and predictions for all 10 EPL games this weekend.
Friday 7 May
9/20 Leicester | Draw 7/2 | Newcastle 56/10 (21:00)
This could be a rather interesting game, Newcastle struggled against Arsenal –but Mikel Arteta’s men were always going to play a tight game. Against West Ham, the game was a little more free-flowing and somewhat open and that looked to suit the Magpies.
I would suggest that this game might be very similar and as a result, I’m not sure I’m all in on Leicester.
Back both teams to find the back of the net at 9/10.
Saturday 8 May
22/10 Leeds | 26/10 | Tottenham 11/10 (13:30)
Spurs, under Ryan Mason, have been rather impressive. I am a big fan of a young and passionate coach coming into a club and getting a chance, and this is another example.
It’s no surprise that I am a big fan and have a great respect for Jose Mourinho, but since his departure, Spurs look like a side playing without any shackles! Leeds will have a go and ask Spurs questions but I’m happy to back the North London outfit at 11/10.
19/10 Sheffield United | 22/10 | Crystal Palace 15/10 (16:00)
I must be honest and say I might have disrespected Palace recently. Yes, they lack clarity and certainty in terms of their future with management and certain players’ contracts but the lads on the pitch have just got on with it really and at times look like a real threat.
Sheffield United won’t have too much to play for but I can’t see them causing too many problems for this Palace side.
9/10 Manchester City | 47/20 | Chelsea 31/10 (18:30)
Obviously, this is the game of the weekend! And what a cracker this might be, I don’t think it’ll be end-to-end with goals aplenty but tactically this could be a 90 minute or so slice of heaven.
Truly, an irresistible force will meet an immoveable object. Pep Guardiola is a holistic coach, with a dynamic approach to both his side’s attack and defence but in Thomas Tuchel you find (at least in my opinion) one of the world’s foremost defensive masterminds.
I don’t think Chelsea have the most glamorous star-studded squad, but in every area of the field, they play as though they have an extra man which again only speaks to their defensive prowess.
I don’t think there’ll be too many goals in this one, for the brave punter I would side with Chelsea on the Win/Draw Double Chance + Under 3.5 at 12/10. Otherwise just back Chelsea to get a result at 15/20.
3/10 Liverpool | 6/10 | Southampton 7/1 (21:15)
Is this a must-win game for Liverpool? I think so, at least as far as their European ambitions are concerned; it certainly is. The Champions of England are currently languishing in 7th place, but as I was once told by an ardent Liverpool fan: “Respect the champions!”
Southampton come into this game with no confidence or any real claim to suggest a positive result – Back the Reds if you must, but I wouldn’t add this to any multiples.
Sunday 9 May
21/10 Wolves | 9/4 | Brighton 27/20 (13:00)
Wolves were absolutely hammered against Burnley and then consolidated that result with a draw against West Brom. They have had a regrettable season and are likely looking forward to the next already with a clean slate.
Brighton, on the other hand, have shown an ability to get a result when you least expect it, but I can’t back them on the road – you’d have to go back six gameweeks to find their last away win, and it was Southampton…
Wolves on the Win/Draw Double Chance at 11/20 is the way to go for me.
33/10 Aston Villa | 29/10 | Manchester United 15/20 (15:05)
This could produce a cracker of a game, United are flying and Villa are finding some sort of quality in the form of Ollie Watkins and Anwaar El Ghazi.
The only questionmark is whether or not the protests and anger from the United fans against the Glazer family ownership might affect the preparations this week and have a role to play on the weekend.
Nonetheless, you would be foolish to go against United currently. Villa park looks to once become the Old Trafford on the road.
13/10 West Ham | 24/10 | Everton 2/1 (17:30)
Everton flatter to deceive, West Ham look as though they are leaving those who refused to consider their impact on European places with egg on their face. I’m not sure what’s going wrong at Everton, when you look at their team sheet, it’s quality all over the place but then on the pitch they emulate a championship outfit.
At 13/10 I’m having a good punt on West Ham, that provident fund might even be set up for a healthy return as we near the end of the season.
9/20 Arsenal | 34/10 | West Brom 52/10 (20:00)
Do we call the Arsenal victory against Newcastle an upset? Now before you get defensive, I’m not sure too many people backed the Gooners last time out…
I wish I could have written this piece after Arsenal face a massive clash in the Europa on Thursday evening, because as history suggests that will play a major role in their approach to this game.
West Brom look to be all but dead and buried, but if they have any belief left at all, this will be a massive clash for them.
Arsenal on the Win/Draw Double Chance + Both Teams To Score might be a shrewd bet at 11/10.
Monday 10 May
11/10 Fulham | 23/10 | Burnley 24/10 (21:00)
The round comes to an end when Fulham entertain a rather sporadic Burnley side. I was rather critical of the Clarets recently but they seem to have turned things around for themselves, they’ve been a lot more direct and intentional about their play – something of a change in their style which might explain the little teething process they went through.
Fulham are without a win since they last played Liverpool six gameweeks ago and they don’t exactly stir too much confidence up inside of me – Burnley should be a banker.
TREBLE @ 18/1
Crystal Palace Win 15/10
West Ham Win 13/10
Burnley Win 24/10
