English Premier League: Gameweek 26 Preview

Part two of the English winter break commences, this time, with quite a few humdingers on the menu. We kick-start proceedings at the Molineux Stadium where a fiery Wolves outfit host top-four hopefuls, Leicester City. With Manchester City’s game postponed last weekend, Liverpool could stretch their lead to 25 points at Norwich. Elsewhere, Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham face a stern test at Aston Villa, while Arsenal host Newcastle. Then on Monday, Chelsea lock horns with Manchester United in the biggest showdown of the round.

Standings provided by Sofascore LiveScore

Friday 14 February

Wolves 31/20 
Draw 9/4
Leicester City 37/20 
(22:00)

For the past 18 months, this would be known to many as the battle of the best from the rest as both sides were left in the shadows of the traditional ‘big six’. Now, Leicester City have surpassed expectation, clawing their way to a top four challenge, boasting an eight-point lead over fourth-placed Chelsea. Wolves have punched above their own weight in many ways this term, and should Nuno Espirito Santo’s men win here, they could climb up to sixth spot – at least for 48 hours. Wolves have proven that they’re no one-season wonder in this league and have been consistent throughout the entirety of their stay in the Premier League. The Foxes have won just one of their last four encounters, and have lost two of their last three ties away from home across all competitions. Put your money on Wolves here as a strong value bet for the weekend.

Saturday 15 February

Southampton 15/20
Draw 11/4
Burnley 39/10 
(14:30)

Southampton and Burnley get Saturday’s action underway with both teams now a fair distance from the relegation zone. The Saints were as high as ninth in the standings not so long ago, but now find themselves back in 13th spot. Before the break, Burnley took everybody by surprise. In a run against Leicester City (H), Manchester United (A), and Arsenal (H), the Clarets picked up a massive seven points, keeping clean sheets in their last two encounters. The Away Win/Draw Double Chance looks the best bet here at 21/20.

Norwich 8/1 
Draw 9/2
Liverpool 3/10 
(19:30)

It seems like it’s going to get much worse before it gets better for Norwich, who welcome Liverpool to Carrow Road this Saturday. The Canaries lie rock-bottom of the standings and look destined for the drop, lying seven points deep into the red zone. Punters who placed an outright bet on Liverpool to win the league have already been paid out as early as February. That just proves how great this Reds team have been throughout this season as they still have the crown of Invincibility to compete for. Whether they get it or not remains to be seen, but they’re certainly not losing this one. Take Liverpool to Win to Nil at 11/10.

Sunday 16 February

Aston Villa 31/10
Draw 11/4 
Tottenham 17/20 
(16:00)

It may not look as big on paper, but this is one of my personal humdinger ties of the weekend. Tottenham have turned the corner somewhat so, beating Manchester City 2-0 before the break. Despite that result, Spurs have been far from convincing under Jose Mourinho and are winless in their last three away games in the league, failing to score in their last two. Aston Villa have shown plenty of fight this season, and despite their position on the log table, the Villans have plenty to smile about. Jack Grealish, who was subject of interest to Tottenham in past windows, has been the club’s go-to man this campaign, operating in a number of positions. Aston Villa have won three of their last four home games across all competitions, including a 2-1 win over Leicester City to reach the Carabao Cup final. My money is on the Home/Draw Double Chance & Both Teams to Score at 18/10.

Arsenal 4/10
Draw 15/4 
Newcastle 6/1 
(18:30)

Arsenal look to put their run of four consecutive draws behind them when they welcome Newcastle United to the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta’s side have strengthened in defence over the past two months, but have struggled to score goals. The Gunners have proven hard to beat under Arteta, with Liverpool the only team to have lost less times than Arsenal in the league this term. Newcastle have been draw-specialists as well, holding their opponents to a stalemate in three of their last four ties – although they did beat Chelsea 1-0 in between those results. At 4/10, I’d lean towards Arsenal to come out on top – get on!

Monday 17 February

Chelsea 17/20  
Draw 26/10  
Manchester United 33/10 
(22:00)

Please see featured game with Price Boosts & Specials on page 3.

TREBLE @ 7/1
Liverpool Win to Nil 11/10
Aston Villa Win/Draw & BTTS 18/10
Arsenal Win 4/10

Written by Jesse Nagel