The Premier League doesn’t offer us a full complement this weekend – due to the oldest Cup in England playing out the quarter-finals for those who have earned it – but if your club hasn’t managed to compete at such a level, worry not! There are four fixtures been contested in the league and with it comes enough excitement and potential value.
Ryan Liberty returns to his prediction chair to provide his insight and betting tips for the weekend’s Premier League fixtures.
Friday 19 March
Fulham 29/20
Draw 49/20
Leeds United 37/20
(22:00)
You can’t read too much into Fulham’s game with City, they simply couldn’t get a break. Pep Guardiola’s men just constantly played through the lines and experienced hospitable greeting in-behind Fulham’s wide players.
Leeds, on the other hand, come away from their encounter with Chelsea with a well-deserved point. They successfully applied pressure and certainly asked questions of Thomas Tuchel’s well-put-together defensive wall.
If Leeds can replicate that performance, they will certainly come away from Craven Cottage with a positive result. Back Leeds on the Win/Draw Double Chance at a decent 5/10.
Saturday 13 March
Brighton 6/10
Draw 29/10
Newcastle United 48/10
(22:00)
Brighton are a strange side, they never quite look as though they are imposing themselves on the game and yet they always seem to grind out important (and impressive) results.
They earned themselves a first league win at St. Mary’s, which went a long way in their quest to avoid the drop, and will come into this one with a jolt of confidence.
Speaking of avoiding the drop, the Seagulls host a rather limp-looking Newcastle side. Yes, yes, I know – I’ve told you to back Newcastle to lose every game for the last couple of weeks and since I said that they have earned two draws…but third time is a charm, empty the bank on Brighton! Interesting side note, Graham Potter’s side have kept only three clean sheets in their last 10 outings, I back them to keep another. Back the home side to Win to Nil at 14/10.
Sunday 21 March
Aston Villa 2/1
Draw 2/1
Tottenham 13/10
(21:30)
I’ll be man enough to admit, Spurs didn’t deserve to come away with anything from the North London Derby. Yes, the penalty was an embarrassing display of officiating on the part of Michael Oliver and Paul Tierney, but Spurs were rancid.
Nevertheless, Arsenal didn’t ask enough questions of their defence and I doubt Aston Villa will either. Villa were flat against Newcastle and simply flattered to deceive. It’s incredible what one player (Jack Grealish) does for the side, but without him they just don’t look like a team capable of scoring – let alone a side who could humble the champions with a 7-2 demolition back in October.
That isn’t to say they lack quality, just they seem to lack confidence. And sometimes that is far more valuable to a football side. Anyway, at 13/10 I’m all over Tottenham.
West Ham United 37/20
Draw 32/10
Arsenal 14/10
(17:00)
If I’m being honest, West Ham probably deserved something from their game against Manchester United. United were pedestrian at best and lacked any sort of attacking threat, but their defensive stability is something that is largely underrated in the league.
Arsenal would obviously be flying after their derby victory. Their attacking prowess was evident and the tactical thinking happening on their bench played out clearly in the game. Mikel Arteta isn’t afraid to make massive decisions, such as leaving out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the captain, for arriving late to a team meeting – fair play and well done Arteta. Nobody is bigger than the club.
Nevertheless, I’m yet to grow a deep degree of confidence in Arsenal’s defence (notwithstanding the fact that they did indeed limit the likes of Harry Kane – one of the best strikers in the league – and Gareth Bale who is beginning to find that special form again) and I think the best bet on offer here is Arsenal on the Win/Draw Double Chance & Both Teams to Score at 13/10.
QUAD @ 12/1
Leeds Win/Draw 5/10
Brighton Win 6/10
Tottenham Win 13/10
Arsenal Win/Draw & BTTS 13/10
Written by Ryan Liberty