United are now chasing a fifth straight league win when they host Fulham, and whilst some might still suggest that talk of a resurgence under Erik ten Hag is premature – the results are difficult to contend with.
The relegation scrap continues to draw our attention – but I maintain that Burnley are all but done…
Anyway, here we go.
Saturday 24 February
9/10 C Palace | Draw 24/10 | Burnley 29/10 (17:00)
I know a lot of people have complemented Burnley after their performances against Liverpool and Arsenal…and for what it’s worth I agree with the sentiment. They were really well organized and created some serious chances, but you don’t win football matches if you are unable to score.
Palace are without their major attacking threats, but I haven’t seen anything about their recent performances to suggest they drop points here. Back the home win.
5/10 Aston Villa | Draw 7/2 | Nottm Forest 48/10 (17:00)
Villa is without Boubacar Kamara and although he is a big miss for Unai Emery’s side, they haven’t shown to have too many issues in his absence. Forest managed to earn a really good victory against West Ham and then consolidated that performance with a respectable runout in midweek.
I can’t really split them; I know Villa are strong favourites, but I still believe that the visitors have been unlucky with their performances. Back over 2.5 goals here.
11/20 Manchester United | Draw 32/10 | Fulham 44/10 (17:00)
Fulham have started to score goals again and that usually suggests they can be quite a handful…but with that being said, United are a superior side at Old Trafford. My only concern with Erik ten Hag’s men is they don’t tend to blow teams away, if Fulham stay in the fight, they could make this a lot closer than it needs to be.
For my money though, back the home side.
17/20 Brighton | Draw 26/10 | Everton 28/10 (17:00)
Everton need this win, but I think Brighton may be just too strong. Teams around the Toffee’s continuing to earn invaluable points which all the while puts pressure on the boys from Merseyside – but I can’t see past a home win here.
I know Brighton aren’t the same team, but they can play at a pace and intensity which might be too much for this Everton side.
5/1 Bournemouth | Draw 38/10 | Manchester City 9/20 (19:30)
I might be guilty of jumping onto bandwagons and counting chickens before they hatch, but I don’t think this game is as straightforward as some might suggest. Bournemouth are playing with a newfound confidence, and it shows in Dominic Solanke. If City allow them to get a foothold in this game, it could be rather prickly.
City are a seriously good team though and counting them out might be naïve and little ludicrous. Nevertheless, I’m far more comfortable backing both teams scoring here.
7/20 Arsenal | Draw 42/10 | Newcastle 6/1 (22:00)
I feel a little for Eddie Howe. I maintain that I think he has done an incredible job at Newcastle, Anthony Gordon is now returning to peak fitness, and he is always a threat and yet the mood at St James’ seems a little frustrated
Arsenal needs to win this game; they continue to just quietly remain relevant in the title race, but these are the games they usually begin to flatter to deceive. I think Arsenal win, their recent performances give us enough confidence for that, but it could be a shrewd bet to include the Magpies getting on the scoresheet.
Back the home win and both teams scoring.
Sunday 25 February
5/10 Wolves | Draw 34/10 | Sheffield 46/10 (15:30)
Sheffield continues to prove that they have no intention of being relegated without putting up a serious fight. They never lack effort or impotence and just continue to give themselves a glimmer of hope.
Wolves on the other hand have just found such a rich vein of form toward the end of this season. They aren’t going to necessarily blow the lights out but are just so clinical in the final third.
Back the home win but do so tentatively.
Monday 26 February
29/10 West Ham | Draw 51/20 | Brentford 16/10 (22:00)
I prefer Brentford at home to be fair, they play with a far superior confidence and show very little respect for their opponents! I know Liverpool went there and dismantled them last week, but I think the score flatters the Reds a little.
West Ham just seem to be going from bad to worse and really need a victory. David Moyes is no doubt under immense pressure, but after being battered by Arsenal and then outclassed by Forest I think they lose this to the Bees!
Written by Ryan Liberty