After all the excitement of the World Cup qualifiers, it’s back to the Premier League this weekend. There are plenty of important games, here’s a look at the best of them and some betting tips too.
Arsenal v Liverpool – Saturday April 3 (8pm KO)
With Chelsea fully expecting to beat West Brom earlier in the day, this is a vital game for Liverpool. The seventh placed side could be eight points behind fourth placed Chelsea and with an inferior goal difference. Their chances of a top four finish could be reduced dramatically if not winning this match.
A form guide for the last ten league games has Liverpool down in 13th place. Just 12 points earned and it may be they have to win the Champions League to be in it next season. All 12 of those points earned have come on their travels. Four of their last five away league games have been won.
Arsenal might also need to win a European competition to qualify for next season’s Champions League. They are ninth and four points behind Liverpool. Only two of their last four home league games have been won and two of the last three have seen both teams score. A bet on that stat coming up in this game has odds of 8/13 at William Hill.
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur – Sunday April 4 (2.05pm)
Steve Bruce kept his job during the international break, but his team need something from this game. A win would take them five points above Fulham in the safety zone from level games. The problem is that United have gone six league games without a win. Three of the last four have been drawn but it is wins they need to ensure safety. Only one of the last eight at home have been won but eight of the last nine have seen both teams score.
Tottenham could climb into the top four if winning this game. They’d need Chelsea to lose at home to West Brom though, so probably not. A draw will take them fifth with West Ham not playing until Monday. Four of their last six away league games have been lost, including a 2-1 loss at Arsenal. There have been recent wins at Fulham and Aston Villa. An away win is possible here and Paddy Power will give you odds of 4/7 on that but trusting Tottenham is never an easy job.
Aston Villa v Fulham – Sunday April 4 (4.30pm)
Fulham will be checking on the Newcastle result, that is for sure. With Brighton away at Manchester United later in the evening, the Londoners will hope to make up some ground this weekend. A defeat for Newcastle would mean they can climb out of the bottom three with a win at Villa Park. They would have played a game more than United though.
They have lost three of their last four league games. All were at home though (it’s called the Liverpool syndrome) and they are unbeaten in their last eight on their travels. Six have been drawn though and they need to get some wins to survive. 11 of their last 13 away Premier League matches have had under 2.5 goals scored in them.
Aston Villa’s hopes of European football are fading fast. They have two points from their last four fixtures and their only goal was scored by a Newcastle player. The absence of Jack Grealish is the main reason of course. He may play some part in this match and that’s not good news for Fulham. A bet on under 2.5 goals looks a winner here. That’s 4/6 if your bet is placed at 888sport.
