One match has already been played and one has been postponed as a result of a conflicting fixture, but there’s still eight quality fixtures on this week’s Premier League slate.
The action resumes early Saturday morning when West Ham and Fulham lock horns in another Derby, while Spurs are offered another great opportunity to win when they travel to Burnley.
The best match of the season is every chance of materialising when the in-form Manchester United and Liverpool renew their bitter rivalry at Old Trafford early on Monday morning.
West Ham
Last 5 Matches: WLLDD
Ladder Position: 10th
Goal Difference: -7 (GF 32, GA 39)
Fulham
Last 5 Matches: LLWLL
Ladder Position: 19th
Goal Difference: -33 (GF 25, GA 58)
A London Derby kicks off the action early on Saturday morning, but hardly the kind of match that we’d be treated to if Arsenal and Spurs went head to head. Fulham have looked out of their depth all season and will also certainly return to the Championship at the end of the campaign, while West Ham are winless through their last four. The Hammers don’t deserve odds-on favouritism and I’m happy to take the value on offer for a draw.
Cardiff
Last 5 Matches: DLLWW
Ladder Position: 17th
Goal Difference: -23 (GF 24, GA 47)
Watford
Last 5 Matches: WDLDW
Ladder Position: 8th
Goal Difference: 0 (GF 34, GA 34)
Cardiff City are seeking a third-consecutive win for the first time in a long time but will need to bring their best to overcome last-start winners Watford. The Bluebirds franked a smart win over Bournemouth with a tough away win over Southampton last week and while this does loom as their toughest task to date, I think they’ll do it front of the Welsh faithful.
Burnley
Last 5 Matches: WDDDW
Ladder Position: 15th
Goal Difference: -18 (GF 29, GA 47)
Spurs
Last 5 Matches: LWWWW
Ladder Position: 3rd
Goal Difference: +29 (GF 54, GA 25)
One of the bigger mismatches of the week and tough imagining any result other than a comfortable Spurs win. Burnley are undefeated through their five most-recent matches, but this is arguably their toughest task since Christmas, and I can’t imagine their defence will be able to hold Spurs for the full 90 minutes.
Bournemouth
Last 5 Matches: LWWLL
Ladder Position: 11th
Goal Difference: -10 (GF 37, GA 47)
Wolves
Last 5 Matches: LWWWD
Ladder Position: 7th
Goal Difference: +1 (GF 34, GA 33)
A genuine case to be made for both of these clubs, particularly given this match will take place at Dean Court. Wolves were held to a draw by the enigmatic Newcastle last weekend, but their three performances prior to that were outstanding and if they are any chance of claiming a European berth this season, they need to be winning matches like this one.
Newcastle
Last 5 Matches: LWWLD
Ladder Position: 16th
Goal Difference: -12 (GF 22, GA 34)
Huddersfield
Last 5 Matches: DLLLL
Ladder Position: 20th
Goal Difference: -34 (GF 14, GA 48)
If one thing is for sure, it’s that Huddersfield won’t be playing Premier League football in 2019/20. In theory there is still time for them to climb out of the drop zone, but realistically their focus should be on building a credible Championship squad for next year. There’s still plenty of meat on the bone in head-to-head betting and I am happy to take the $1.85 on offer for the Magpies.
Leicester
Last 5 Matches: LLDLL
Ladder Position: 12th
Goal Difference: -3 (GF 31, GA 34)
Palace
Last 5 Matches: LLDWL
Ladder Position: 13th
Goal Difference: -7 (GF 27, GA 34)
Leicester have slipped into a worryingly poor run of form and face another stern task in the form of Crystal Palace this week, who themselves have been the thorn in the side of several big clubs this season. The Eagles are definitely overs to win this and I think that they will only add to the Foxes’ woes.
United
Last 5 Matches: WWDWW
Ladder Position: 4th
Goal Difference: +17 (GF 52, GA 35)
Liverpool
Last 5 Matches: WWDDW
Ladder Position: 2nd
Goal Difference: +44 (GF 59, GA 15)
Head and shoulders above any other match this weekend and realistically, the result of this match could have a huge bearing on who wins the Premier League. This is the game in hand that Liverpool have on Manchester City, but they probably couldn’t have drawn a worse team to be facing from both a form and historical perspective. Nothing separates these two clubs when they face off and I am happy to sit on the fence once more.
Arsenal
Last 5 Matches: LWWLW
Ladder Position: 5th
Goal Difference: +17 (GF 52, GA 35)
Southampton
Last 5 Matches: WWDDL
Ladder Position: 18th
Goal Difference: -16 (GF 28, GA 44)
Probably not the best way to end a matchday of football and Arsenal should be winning this one with ease. I say should because with Arsenal, you’re never 100% confident – they bottle matches against lowly opposition more than any other ‘big’ club in the league. They’re too short for me in head-to-head betting but it’s tough imagining Southampton having much, if anything of an impact in front of goal.