The League is back into full swing, another round beckons and with it all the excitement and intrigue pursuant to the Premier League. Ryan Liberty returns with his predictions and insight ahead of a bumper weekend!
Friday 9 April
Fulham 14/10
Draw 2/1
Wolves 43/20
(21:00)
This is a tough game to predict, all three outcomes can be justified and there is plenty of value on offer. Fulham are a dangerous side when on the front foot and will ask questions of Wolves’ back three.
Wolves have become more robust since reverting back to a defensive three, but I’m not too confident they have a killer instinct in front of goal.
At 2/1, I am happy to call this one a draw.
Saturday 10 April
Manchester City 2/7
Draw 48/10
Leeds United 17/2
(13:30)
It’s that time of the season where I’m sure the league – for all intent and purpose – plays second fiddle to the Champions League if you are Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.
Of course, City is still on track to complete a historic quadruple, but Europe’s finest trophy is truly the Holy Grail for City; and I think their season will inevitably reflect how their European campaign plays out.
Nevertheless, City have an exceptional squad and could play a weakened side against Leeds if need be and still come away with points.
Leeds won’t be able to match City’s quality and while I wouldn’t be surprised to see the visitors get on the scoresheet – that defensive line is going to be continuously violated.
Back City to Score in Both Halves at 15/20.
Liverpool 5/10
Draw 36/10
Aston Villa 48/10
(16:00)
I can’t help but hear the famous song December 1963 (Oh, what a night) by The Four Seasons play in my head when I see this fixture – thinking back to their first game earlier this season!
But Aston Villa aren’t the same side we saw dismantle the Champions, the side some saw as a potential top four candidate.
Liverpool seems to have turned a corner, gotten out of their slump or found some sort of form again (call it what you will). I think 5/10 is a gift from our local bookmaker and I would be all over that with Provident Fund confidence.
Crystal Palace 54/10
Draw 3/1
Chelsea 11/20
(18:30)
I wouldn’t read too much into Chelsea’s defeat to West Brom, before that game Thomas Tuchel’s side played 687 minutes of football without conceding a goal, there can be no argument about their defensive stability and incredible approach to games under their new German manager.
Palace got a good result against a rather lackluster Everton side but with all of the uncertainty around Palace staff and players’ contracts, the club could find itself in disarray if they do not get their house in order.
At 11/20, I am happy to back Chelsea to return to winning ways, get on it and add to all multiples.
Sunday 11 April
Burnley 12/10
Draw 43/20
Newcastle 5/2
(13:00)
I must give credit where credit is due – and I suppose nibble on some deserved humble pie…
Newcastle have continued to earn positive results and just refuse to give up and accept relegation. Steve Bruce’s side earned another positive result against Spurs and with the return of some key attacking players in Callum Wilson, Saint-Maximin and Almiron all fit, you get the feeling the Magpies could put in a fair few more strong performances.
Back Newcastle on the Win/Draw Double Chance at 6/10.
West Ham United 37/20
Draw 23/10
Leicester City 15/10
(15:05)
This has all the makings of an absolute humdinger, both these sides will attack with grit, intent and with a strong tactical base. The interesting fact though is that neither really looks to dominate the ball in all areas of the pitch and yet both enjoy counter attacking football at pace.
I wouldn’t want to split them, get on Both Teams to Score at 15/20 and then sit back and enjoy a spectacle.
Tottenham 19/10
Draw 24/10
Manchester United 14/10
(17:30)
The reverse fixture will be remembered for the 6-1 scoreline and less likely the early red card which completely changed the compaction of the encounter.
Irrespective, Tottenham have been pedestrian and simply lacking any quality in recent weeks. As much as I have a great respect for everything Jose Mourinho has achieved in Europe – his ideas seem to have no place in the modern game.
Spurs seem far too happy to just sit deep and invite pressure, but they do not have the players to achieve anything playing in such a way.
Surely United see this as an opportunity and capitalize accordingly. Punt the 14/10 all the way to the bank, and any extra money you might come into this week pile that into the 14/10 away win as well!
Sheffield United 5/1
Draw 29/10
Arsenal 11/20
(20:00)
Arsenal shouldn’t fear anything here, Sheffield is shocking and since losing Chris Wilder their season seems to be imploding.
In our preview last week, I did tip Sheffield to end a run of eight games and get on the score card – which materialized nicely – but that was only because Leeds is a rather open side.
This won’t be a pretty game but back Arsenal to Win to Nil at 14/10.
Monday 12 April
West Brom 49/20
Draw 22/10
Southampton 12/10
(19:00)
West Brom will come into the game brimming with confidence, but with that being said, so will Southampton.
The Saints showed a lot of character to come back from being two goals down to win 3-2 and it’s that sort of relentless forward playing football that will earn Ralph Hasenhuttl’s precious points.
This isn’t going to be a game everyone is clambering to watch after a long day at work on Monday – but it might just offer some excitement as a welcomed night cap. Back the Saints to close out a victory at 12/10.
Brighton 27/20
Draw 23/10
Everton 2/1
(21:15)
I know Everton haven’t been great recently, but the betting markets have got it wrong in my opinion.
Brighton will be a stern test, but the quality Everton have cannot be ignored for much longer. Their attacking threats are largely underrated, in Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin are two classy strikers and once that Toffee side starts to gel, they will turn over teams in this league.
I’m not sure if I have missed something but as much as 11/20 on offer for Everton on the Win/Draw Double Chance is criminal – get on.
TREBLE @ 5/1
Liverpool Win 5/10
Chelsea Win 11/20
Man United Win 14/10
Written by Ryan Liberty