With the Premier League matches coming thick and fast, we’re treated to more midweek action as the fight for the European places heat up, while there’s a massive scramble down at the foot of the table as six teams are still fighting for their lives in England’s top flight. After claiming their first title in 30 years, Liverpool will get their first taste of being honoured by a tunnel of superstars as dethroned champions, Manchester City, host the newly-crowned title winners on Thursday. On the same day, Tottenham travel to Sheffield United, while third and fourth placed, Leicester City and Chelsea, square up against Everton and West Ham. Before that, though, high-flying Manchester United look to get closer to the top four with a tricky test at Brighton.
Standings provided by Sofascore LiveScore
Tuesday 30 June
Brighton 39/10
Draw 26/10
Manchester United 15/20
(21:15)
Stuck in a relegation battle and without a win in 2020, few would have expected Brighton to come out guns blazing since the restart of football, beating Arsenal 2-1, while they also drew at Leicester City, a game they could have won had Neal Maupay converted his penalty kick. Manchester United have looked a completely different side since the arrival of Bruno Fernandes. He plays every game in every competition, and they simply do not lose when he’s on the pitch. He makes them tick and played a huge role in earning Anthony Martial his first Premier League hat-trick in United’s 3-0 win over Sheffield United. Brighton will really give the Red Devils a game and a half here, but its hard backing against Man United in this current form. My money is on the visitors to Win & Both Teams to Score at 11/4.
Wednesday 1 July
Bournemouth 27/20
Draw 43/20
Newcastle United 9/4
(19:00)
Despite being in the relegation zone only by goal difference, its hard to see any way back for Bournemouth during the run-in. They’ve lost both games since their return, which now makes it five losses from their last six matches in total. The Cherries are yet to score since their return and will be without star striker, Callum Wilson, due to suspension, while Josh King is an injury doubt. Newcastle United have been above average since making their comeback, beating Sheffield United 3-0, while they were also pegged back late to draw 1-1 with Aston Villa. Their defence has been rock-solid at times and they’ll strongly fancy their chances against a relatively weak Bournemouth attack. I fancy Steve Bruce’s men at 9/4.
Arsenal 5/10
Draw 34/10
Norwich City 11/2
(19:00)
After a slight blip in form after the restart, Arsenal couldn’t have asked for a better fixture to make it three wins in a row across all competitions when they host Norwich on Wednesday. The Canaries look to have thrown in the towel this campaign and Daniel Farke’s team selection in the last league outing certainly suggests so. He may have had his critics in the past, but since Granit Xhaka’s return, Arsenal have looked like a much better team. Against the worst team in the division, the Gunners should ease to victory – possibly the best bet of the week.
Everton 31/20
Draw 23/10
Leicester City 18/10
(19:00)
From smashing their way into the top four and even challenging Manchester City for second spot at times this season, the wheels have slowly started to dismantle at Leicester City. The Foxes drew at Watford, were lucky to get a point at home to Brighton, while they also got eliminated from the FA Cup, losing 1-0 at home to Chelsea. They simply forgot what it feels like to win a football match and may have to wait longer to get that feeling again. Everton held Liverpool to a goalless draw and then went on to beat Norwich 1-0 away from home as Carlo Ancelotti seems to have stamped his blueprint on the club. The Toffees are free-flowing in attack, and concede very few chances to their opposition. I’m backing the hosts on the Win/Draw Double Chance & Under 2.5 Goals at 27/20.
West Ham 17/4
Draw 31/10
Chelsea 13/20
(21:15)
West Ham look like they may need some more time off as the Hammers have failed to make any impact since returning to action. At the moment, their only positive is that the teams below them look much worse, which could mean yet another season of top flight football for David Moyes’ side. Chelsea decided the title last week with their emphatic 2-1 win over Manchester City, now, the Blues could have a massive say on the relegation battle. Christian Pulisic has scored in both league games since the restart, and alongside Olivier Giroud and Willian, the Blues trio offer a great deal of pace, creativity and experience. The visitors should put a smile on the punters’ face with a fairly comfortable victory over their London rivals.
Thursday 2 July
Sheffield United 28/10
Draw 47/20
Tottenham 21/20
(19:00)
Talk about a reality check! Sheffield United have looked like the side many expected them to be at the start of the season, proving to be just a shadow of themselves without fans in the stadium. The Blades have failed to score in any of their three league games since the restart and have lost 3-0 in both of their last ties. They were also just dumped out of the FA Cup to Tottenham’s fiercest rivals, Arsenal, on the weekend. Spurs have looked hot and cold under Jose Mourinho, and like Sheffield United, you just don’t know what to expect, especially away from home. Despite having Harry Kane now fit and firing, I’m putting my money on these sides to cancel each other out.
Manchester City 23/20
Draw 11/4
Liverpool 22/10
(21:15)
Click here for full match preview!
TREBLE @ 8/1
Man Utd Win & BTTS 11/4
Arsenal Win 5/10
Chelsea Win 13/20
Written by Jesse Nagel