There were big wins for Huddersfield and Newcastle United in terms of the relegation battle last night, the Terriers shocked in-form Wolves 1-0 and Newcastle were equally impressive seeing off a resurgent Burnley 2-0 at St James Park. There was also much need but surprise wins for Everton who added further pressure on relegation threatened Cardiff 2-0 and Leicester City responded well after their manager was sacked at the weekend beating Brighton 2-1 at the King Power stadium.
Top flight domestic football comes thick and fast this week and we have a feast of more Premier League action tonight with no less than six games to wet the betting appetite. The highlights tonight are a heavyweight clash between leaders Liverpool who face an in form Watford at Anfield and after the Reds lead was reduced to just one point at the weekend, a win tonight would provide a massive boost to their confidence and title winning aspirations.
While the Reds form has dipped and been more inconsistent due to added pressures since Christmas they still pose an impressive record at Anfield having not lost their last ten and drew the other two. They also have an impressive corresponding record at home against the Hornets winning four of the last five and the last four in a row. However, I don’t see it being a walk in the park for the Reds tonight as new Watford manager Garcia is proving to be a formidable foe, he’s only lost one of his last ten away games, winning six and drawing three, and he is certain to get his tactics right, most likely utilising his teams blistering pace and on the counter attack.
From a betting perspective as Liverpool have an historical advantage over the Hornets and comparing their respective last ten home games against Watford’s last ten away I think the Reds should edge this by a goal or two. From a betting perspective you may want to consider backing Liverpool -1 on the Handicap and/or if your searching for a better price a Liverpool Win & Mane To Score in 90 minutes match double is also tempting.
The other blockbuster game tonight features reigning Premier League champions, 2019 League Cup winners and second place Manchester City, who are hitting top form just at the right time and will be hell bent on piling more pressure on Liverpool against the Hammers at the Etihad tonight. If past statistics continue to be an accurate guide, everything points to a rampant City win tonight as they’ve won eleven and drawn two of their last thirteen at the Etihad.
However, City can’t afford to underestimate the Hammers under ex City manager Pellegrino now he has his star man Arnautovic back supported by a dynamic and physical attacking line-up, especially at corners and set pieces. However, their record of one win in their last thirteen encounter suggests it’s going to be a case of damage limitation for the Hammers. From a betting perspective a City win looks like the best strategy but as their win odds are restrictive I’ll opt for a City Win & BTTS match double and/or if you’re searching for a better return why not consider the Score and Win match double of Man City and Sterling.
There’s another mouth-watering top-six clash tonight and it’s a London Derby between heavyweights sixth placed Chelsea and third placed Spurs at Stamford Bridge. Both teams have been unpredictable of late, Chelsea for example being trashed against Manchester City 6-0 and outplayed by Man Utd 2-0 in the league and Spurs lost their last two away games against Burnley 2-1 in the league and Crystal Palace 2-0 in the FA Cup. Stamford Bridge has been a fortress so far this season for the Blues with thirteen wins, six draws and only one defeat and twelve of these games produced over 2.5 goals. They also hold a significant hoe record against Spurs in the league winning fourteen of the last twenty and with Spurs feeling the pressure of the title race and losing their last three I think Chelsea can make up for recent disappointments and controversies and sneak a win tonight.
Fourth place Arsenal and fifth placed Manchester United are also in action tonight, the Gunners face the Cherries at the Emirates and United travel to London to face Crystal Palace. The Gunners have the second best league home record so far this season winning eleven and drawing two but the Cherries have been struggling this season, especially of late winning only two of their last nine, drawing five and lost all five away at current top-six teams scoring only twice and conceding on average over three goals per game.
Bournemouth have a poor record against the Gunners as well only winning one of the last seven encounters, drawing one and five of these games produced over two goals. From a betting perspective you may want to consider backing Arsenal -1 on the handicap and/or if you’re looking for a better return you may want to consider backing Arsenal Win and O2.5 Goals match double or Lacazette to Score First.
Crystal Palace under the stewardship of the vastly experienced Roy Hodgson have put together some very impressive performances this season, the highlight beating reigning Premier league champions Manchester City 3-2 at the Etihad and Spurs 2-0 at home However, past statistics for this fixture are overwhelmingly against them as they’ve not beat United since May 1991 and have only beaten one top-six side this season.
Selections:
None.
