Given the tough week I had last time out I might consider killing a black fowl, but nevertheless, here are my predictions and insight ahead of the latest round of Premier League action.
The weekend is headlined by the massive clash between Chelsea and United but there is excitement and value aplenty, and with an 11/1 treble, you just simply have to have a dabble!
Saturday 27 February
Manchester City 2/9
Draw 5/1
West Ham United 10/1
(14:30)
Is it time yet? Do we call City the Champions elect? They simply do not let up, victory at the ‘carpet’ – heaven help us all – was Pep Guardiola’s 18th straight win as City coach this season in all competition and their 13th in the Premier League.
Even when City aren’t at their best, they manage to claim all three and enjoy a clean sheet. Arsenal approached the game in the correct way, I would just have loved to see them disrespect City a little more and actually give themselves a chance.
West Ham have been awesome, but I’ve learnt my lesson. City will win, but at even money getting on Both Teams to Score makes plenty of appeal.
West Brom 3/1
Draw 47/20
Brighton 19/20
(17:00)
This game could wind up being relatively open, West Brom under Big Sam have been relatively free flowing against the so-called lesser sides, and I think with the attacking prowess both sides pose here, coupled with their defensive fragility; Both Teams to Score + Over 2.5 could be the way to go.
Leeds United 1/1
Draw 23/10
Aston Villa 29/10
(19:30)
I must be honest; I didn’t subscribe to the notion that Aston Villa had peaked…I guess in hindsight you could argue that I was in denial. Dean Smith’s side have become somewhat laboured, dropping vital points and, to some extent, quelling the notion that top four was a tangible goal for the season.
Without Jack Grealish in the side, they lack any real attacking threat and while I acknowledge that against Leeds chances will be created, I can’t put hard earned money on the Villains.
One the other hand, Leeds will not change. They will welcome the duel in midfield and inevitably offer Villa chances. But for my money, Over 2.5 at 11/20 is worth the punt.
Newcastle United 5/10
Draw 7/2
Wolves 5/1
(22:00)
Wolves seem to have turned a corner – something I’d love to have happen with my predictions!
They still miss Raul Jiminez but their young side are beginning to play a real exciting brand of football.
Newcastle lack any real attacking potency and I just can’t see past the away win in this one.
Sunday 28 February
Crystal Palace 23/10
Draw 43/20
Fulham 13/10
(14:00)
Palace need a massive response against Brighton. Their players seem to have somewhat given up and are just coasting toward the end of the season. At such a rate they might very well be playing Championship football.
Fulham at times have blown hot and cold. I don’t think there is anything particularly special about Scott Parkers men, but they seem to just always get the job done. Games in the league are beginning to come thick and fast and I would have assumed that the Potters would begin to struggle as the season went on, given their rather ‘thin’ squad, but they always seem to surprise me.
I think this London derby ends in a draw, back both teams to share in the spoils on offer.
Leicester City 29/20
Draw 47/20
Arsenal 37/20
(14:00)
I was impressed with Arsenal against City, I said they had the capabilities to get a result against City and but for a bit of hard luck I would suggest a draw would have been a fair result.
That being said, the poise, class and clinical approach with which Leicester have gone about their work has been exemplary. Brendan Rodgers can take a lot of the plaudits – and credit to his management – but they have just been a joy to watch this season.
Could Caglar Soyuncu be one of the most underrated defenders in the league? And if he is, Wesley Fofana isn’t too far back in second!
This has all the makings of an absolute humdinger, but I think it ends all level. At 44/10, there is plenty of value and I wouldn’t argue against adding that to your weekend multiple.
Tottenham 11/20
Draw 3/1
Burnley 52/10
(16:00)
I’m struggling to constantly find superlatives for Spurs. When Jose Mourinho gives his attacking players license to play, Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son usually find themselves on the scoresheet and Spurs have everything to claim all three.
Gareth Bale was good at the weekend. When he fails to perform, we hear about it but when he shows his quality there isn’t as much noise – but this is England after all.
Burnley will want to slow the game down and try to drag Spurs into a scrap, but I think the North London side have what it takes to claim maximum points. Simply put, dropping further points might put Jose and co in a precarious situation if it hasn’t already.
Chelsea 12/10
Draw 9/4
Manchester United 24/10
(18:30)
This is obviously the game of the weekend, but I’m not sure it will live up to the title. Thomas Tuchel’s side come into the game off the back of a 1-1 draw with Southampton.
Chelsea was lackluster in that encounter and a repeat could see them easily dispatched by a United side who are starting to again purr.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are finding a fluidity and consistency to their game which isn’t always necessarily the most pretty but is certainly effective. A fast start at the Bridge will be vital and if the weapons United have upfront start on the front foot, they could cause Chelsea problems early on.
For the brave punter I would suggest considering getting behind United to score first and the game to end in a draw, otherwise the straight draw at 9/4 makes plenty of appeal.
Sheffield United 6/1
Draw 39/10
Liverpool 4/10
(21:15)
I can’t help but think this could potentially be a banana skin game for Liverpool. I’ve spoken a lot about the Sheffield fight, the attempts to turn games into scraps and why I believe they will survive the drop.
They have made it tough to stick to those opinions and if you called me stubborn, I wouldn’t have much to argue against you… But I still subscribe to such an opinion.
Liverpool are currently having the worst title defence of any champion in England, yes, they are worse than David Moyes’ United. The Reds lack an attacking edge and in defence they are vulnerable.
I have absolutely no reason to have confidence in Jurgen Klopp’s side and even at the risk of continuing a tough patch of predictions I’m going to put my head on the block and say Sheffield will get a result.
Back the Blades on the Win/Draw Double Chance at 33/20.
Monday 15 February
Everton 11/10
Draw 49/20
Southampton 23/10
(22:00)
You might be tempted to have a sizeable bet on Everton here, but I would caution against such thoughts.
The inconsistency of the Toffees this season has hurt the punters and even though Southampton are on a downward trajectory do not be fooled. The Saints earned a fantastic point against a Chelsea side who probably deserved all three. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side managed to get numbers behind the ball and with the pace they have available upfront, they took their chances well.
Everton should dominate this game and to be honest should win here, I would just suggest that backing Both Teams to Score at 15/20 is a safer route for the multiples.
TREBLE @ 11/1
Wolves Win 11/10
Leicester vs Arsenal – Draw 47/20
Everton vs Southampton BTTS 15/20
Written by Ryan Liberty
