We’ve got another huge weekend ahead in the Premier League with all 20 teams taking to the pitch between Saturday and Monday. There are plenty of interesting matches too including relegation dogfights and battles within the European positions. Here are my five best bets before the action begins!
Manchester City vs. Everton (Saturday, February 10)
Manchester City come into this match second in the Premier League table, just two points behind Liverpool. However, they’ll be strongly motivated on Saturday knowing a win will allow them to leapfrog Liverpool, for a few hours at least.
Man City are the Premier League’s top form team, winning their last nine in all competitions, including six in the EPL. Just as importantly, they’ve been winning at halftime in all 10 of their home games in the league this season. They have more than enough quality to win a game against an Everton team who are still in the relegation zone.
Pick: Man City/Man City – Halftime/Fulltime (-139)
Luton vs. Sheffield United (Saturday, February 10)
We have a real relegation battle at Kenilworth Road on Saturday with Luton hosting Sheffield United. The hosts are 17th and one point clear of the relegation zone and they know it’s essential they beat the Blades, who are the Premier League’s bottom team.
Despite some improved performances since Chris Wilder re-joined as manager, this Sheffield United team are terrible, as evidenced by having picked up just 10 points so far this season. Luton have over double the amount of wins this season (five to two), and have been in great form, losing just one of their last five in the Premier League. They should win here.
Pick: Luton to win (-133)
Nottingham Forest vs. Newcastle (Saturday, February 10)
Neither ninth placed Newcastle or 16th placed Nottingham Forest are having seasons to remember. Newcastle is on the outside looking in and Forest are just two points clear of the relegation zone.
I’m backing both teams to score here. Forest are averaging more than a goal per game and letting in plenty, with Newcastle also scoring and conceding plenty. Both teams to score has landed in Forest’s past six Premier League games and 72.7% of all their league games at the City Ground this season. Meanwhile three of Newcastle’s past four league games on the road have seen both teams find the back of the net.
Pick: Both teams to score YES (-159)
Aston Villa vs. Manchester United (Sunday, February 11)
You can get odds of +225 on Man Utd winning at Villa Park, which feels a little too big. Villa have won just two of their past five games, with two defeats. Meanwhile, Man Utd have three wins, including two in a row, and just the one defeat. Man Utd looked impressive against West Ham and there’s renewed hope at Old Trafford that the team may have turned the corner.
There have been plenty of false dawns at Man Utd in recent years but with a young, exciting core of players there is every chance that Erik ten Hag’s team could be about to go on a strong run. They also benefit hugely from having a week off, while Aston Villa had a midweek FA Cup replay which may have sapped their players.
Pick: Manchester United to win (+225)
Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea (Monday, February 12)
This is less of an endorsement of Crystal Palace as it is a criticism of Chelsea. The home side have had some very poor results lately, but at home they’ve generally looked strong. Palace have lost just one of their past four at home, with two wins and a draw too.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have won just one of their previous four Premier League games on the road. There’s increased pressure on Mauricio Pochettino, who has seen his Chelsea team give up four goals in each of their previous two Premier League games. We’ll take Palace or Draw on the double chance, which should be a winner if Chelsea continue to struggle.
Pick: Crystal Palace or draw – double chance (-111)
