Another weekend and yet more crucial games in the English Premier League. From Friday (March 12) to Monday (March 15), teams will be battling it out to get into Europe or just stay in the top flight of English football. Here’s a look at the most important games and some betting tips.
Friday 12 March: Newcastle United v Aston Villa (8pm KO)
Newcastle begin the weekend in 16th a point above the bottom three but with a game in hand. A win over Aston Villa would take them above Burnley on goal difference. They will bid to win this game without the services of Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maxim and Callum Wilson. The Magpies have earned four points from their last two home league games. They need to keep getting home points if they want to stay in the Premier League.
Villa are really missing Grealish and have gone two games without scoring. On their travels, their last four league matches have seen just two goals. The most recent being a 1-0 loss at Sheffield United. A bet on under 2.5 goals looks one to make for this match. That has odds of 4/6 at Bet365.
Saturday 13 March: Fulham v Manchester City (8pm KO)
Manchester City may have lost last weekend but bounced back in midweek beating Southampton. A win at Craven Cottage will take them 17 points clear at the top and that’s virtually game over. They have won their last 12 away games in all competitions. It’s going to be a lucky 13 this weekend.
The teams directly above Fulham will all be cheering City on this weekend. They’ve only won two home league games all season and both against the two sides below them in the table. Of the last nine at home, only one has had over 2.5 goals scored in them. Fulham have only scored three goals in those matches. A bet on City to win and lead at half and full time is 10/11 at Paddy Power.
Sunday 14 March: Southampton v Brighton and Hove Albion (midday KO)
Southampton are edging towards safety and are seven points clear of the bottom three. They won at Sheffield United last weekend but then lost in midweek at Manchester City. Home form has seen them earn just one point from their last four games. They’ve only managed four goals in the last seven home league fixtures. Interesting stat, in home league games they have scored in, the Saints have always scored in the first half.
Brighton had a good run of form but have gone downhill again. If Fulham get a point against City (they won’t), the Seagulls will start this game in the bottom three. Their last three league games have all been lost. The last five away league fixtures have all had under 2.5 goals scored in them. That stat can come up again, so take the 8/13 on offer at Betfair.
Sunday 14 March: Manchester United v West Ham United (7.15pm)
Manchester United aren’t going to win the title but a Champions League place is looking likely. They start the weekend six points clear of fifth placed West Ham United. They’ve already beaten the Hammers twice this season so will expect another win on Sunday.
West Ham are two points behind fourth placed Chelsea and have a game in hand. The pressure is on them here because if Everton beat Burnley and Tottenham win at Arsenal, they’ll start this match in seventh.
It’s been a much improved season but they struggle against the very best in the Premier League. A home win in this game has odds of 17/20 at William Hill.
