Premier League Preview - Gameweek 26
Manchester City vs West Ham
City simply do not let up. Even when not at their best, they manage to claim all three and enjoy a clean sheet. Arsenal approached the Citizens in the correct way - I would have liked to see them disrespect City a little more.
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 vs Brighton
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 vs Aston Villa
Have Villa peaked? 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, 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.
Over 2.5 at 11/20 is worth the punt.
Newcastle vs Wolves
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.
Crystal Palace vs Fulham
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.
Back both teams to share in the spoils.
Leicester vs Arsenal
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 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 the makings of an absolute humdinger. The draw is the likely outcome.
Tottenham vs Burnley
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 the North London side have what it takes to claim maximum points.
Chelsea vs Manchester United
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 were 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 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.
The draw at 9/4 makes plenty of appeal.
Sheffield United vs Liverpool
This has the potential to be another banana skin game for Liverpool.
The Reds 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’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.
Everton vs Southampton
You might be tempted to have a 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.
Backing Both Teams to Score at 15/20 is a safer route for the multiples.