The Premier League returns with a full complement of fixtures, we are full steam ahead toward May and the competition at the top of the league is now fully matched by the intriguing scrap developing at the foot of the table.
Saturday 4 March
Manchester City 46/100 | Draw 7/2 | Newcastle 5/1
I think Newcastle gave a commendable account of themselves in Sunday’s EFL Cup against United – Eddie Howe and his side continue to impress, and I doubt their wait for a domestic trophy will go on much longer. City have become ruthless again and it isn’t a great look for the rest of the league. I don’t think the game will be straightforward, but I can’t see City coming up short. Back the hosts to win and both teams scoring at 2/1.
Chelsea 8/13 | Draw 29/10 | Leeds 9/2
This is a dangerous game for Chelsea, the pressure is surely mounting on Graham Potter, and I don’t think it’ll get any easier here. Leeds is better than their current form, their players aren’t producing now, but they might identify the potential for a galvanizing result here. I think the visitors get something out of this game, back them on the Double Chance at 5/4.
Arsenal 21/100 | Draw 11/2 | Bournemouth 12/1
Contrary to popular opinion, I think we all really want to see an out-and-out title race this year. Arsenal have shown that they can roll up their sleeves and get down to the dirty work where it is required. They look like a team who have regained their confidence and with that in mind I think they beat a Cherries outfit who might find this fixture a bridge too far. Back the Gunners to be leading at the break at 5/8.
Aston Villa 1/1 | Draw 9/4 | Crystal Palace 14/5
Aston Villa have been unlucky in some instances and if you ask me, they certainly deserve more this season. Anyway, Palace aren’t the most creative or inspiring side going forward – but they are difficult to break down. I think Villa win though, and at such generous odds, I’d throw them into the multiple.
Brighton 8/11 | Draw 11/4 | West Ham 7/2
Brighton had a bit of a break last week (at least in terms of the league action that is) but I’m not sure it changes much in terms of this game. West Ham have wobbled, stuttered, and stumbled this year but thrashing Forest would have done wonders for the team, the manager and certainly the fans. I wouldn’t want to separate these two though, I think both teams scoring at 5/6 is the safer bet.
Wolves 9/4 | Draw 23/10 | Tottenham 5/4
Wolves have been frustrating to follow this season, Julen Lopetegui’s men give me such confidence and then upon subsequent investment, they fail to deliver! Spurs seem content to remain under the radar, but they keep collecting valuable points. 5/4 is tempting, the visitors can certainly earn a positive result but I’m not terribly confident.
Southampton 7/4 | Draw 11/5 | Leicester City 8/5
There is no doubt about Leicester and the relegation scrap they now find themselves in. For a team with such top attacking talent, they just don’t create enough nor ask enough questions of the opposing defence. Southampton can make life difficult for their hosts and while I’m not terribly confident – I think the home win is the play here.
Sunday 5 March
Nottingham Forest 31/20 | Draw 2/1 | Everton 9/5
Forest are far from safe this season, I know everyone keeps talking about their performance against City – but they aren’t difficult to break down and don’t really give themselves much of a chance. Everton have shown their defensive prowess since Sean Dyche joined; I don’t think they have incredible creativity themselves – but I think they keep a clean sheet here. Under 2.5 goals is trading at 11/20.
Liverpool 13/10 | Draw 5/2 | Manchester United 7/4
Click here for our fill preview
Monday 6 March
Brentford 10/11 | Draw 5/2 | Fulham 13/5
The fact that Fulham find themselves in a position to compete for a European place is simply outstanding. Marco Silva’s men continue to fly, and I suspect they will go into this fixture believing they can leave the Community Stadium with all three points. Brentford won’t make it easy though, especially at home. Brentford on the Win/Draw Double is my pick at 27/100.
