Action from the Premier League returns this weekend – and expect drama as the season conclusion draws closer and closer with 10 games left.
Friday 17 March
Nottingham Forest 9/2 | Draw 11/4 | Newcastle 4/6 (20:00)
Forest has the worst away record in the league, their home form is a slight improvement (two draws and a win from their last three) but I’m still doubtful over giving them too much confidence.
There have been a few suggestions about Newcastle recently, to the extent that even I’ve jumped on the bandwagon and accused them of starting to stutter. In fact, that should be the greatest compliment to them – a team who beats those around them, competes with those at the summit and is still in contention for a return to Europe with just 10 games left to play…They win here.
Saturday 18 March
Brentford 10/11 | Draw 13/5 | Leicester 11/4 (15:00)
I think there is great value about Brentford here – they have been on a brilliant run of results (but for a few bumps in the road) and their home form is vastly impressive. They are well organized and consistent – a combination often not seen even at the very best in England.
Leicester is struggling but I don’t think their performances have been as bad as their results might suggest. Brentford win, but I think both score. Get on at 29/10.
Southampton 10/3 | Draw 13/5 | Tottenham 4/5 (15:00)
Southampton have started to put together noticeable performances recently; they aren’t an easy team to breakdown and playing at home might prove to be a handful for a Spurs team devoid of consistency.
Spurs have not turned a corner. Yes, we saw a reaction last time out, but I don’t think we should be reading into that. I suspect the Saints might get something out of this one – back the home win/draw Double Chance at 20/21.
Aston Villa 7/10 |/ Draw 11/4 | Bournemouth 4/1 (15:00)
Aston Villa play some good football; they’re sort of quietly going about their business and I’m not sure those connected to the club would be too disappointed. I don’t think they have the killer instinct necessary for three points consistently – but they aren’t an easy team to go through.
Bournemouth were tactically superb against Liverpool; they used their pace and space identification to absolute perfection…defended with pride and so were rewarded. This is a tough one to call – but I think Villa win.
Wolves 5/4 | Draw 85/40 | Leeds United 23/10 (15:00)
Leeds is becoming more and more desperate for wins; they aren’t playing particularly badly – but their run of results is a worry. Wolves aren’t out of trouble either though, they can make life difficult for their hosts here and earn a win – but I think it’ll be close. Back the home win tentatively.
Chelsea 12/25 | Draw 3/1 | Everton 13/2 (17:30)
Everton, under Sean Dyche, is once again a team characterized by their propensity to ‘scrap’ it out. No, not many will enjoy it, but its working for the Toffees and long may it continue!
Chelsea’s win over Dortmund in Europe has proven to be massive for the Blues, they have a ton of confidence from that win and Graham Potter’s side showed how devastating they can be going forward against Leicester. I can’t see past the home win here, but for more value add under 2.5 goals to the matchbet for odds of 17/10.
Sunday 19 March
Arsenal 24/100 | Draw 9/2 | Crystal Palace 10/1 (14:00)
I’m probably guilty of this myself, but the current narrative would probably have you believe that Palace are sort of just going about their season with a degree of normality…this couldn’t be further from the truth! Whist they may sit in 12th position, I would suggest that they are certainly in a relegation scrap.
Arsenal, on the other hand, is flying – and really don’t require much more from me. Back the hosts and throw in over 2.5 goals to get even money.
