EPL 20/21 - Week 33

Crystal Palace v Man City - Away

Brighton v Leeds - Away

Chelsea v Fulham - Home

Everton v Aston Villa - Home

Newcastle v Arsenal - Home

Man Utd v Liverpool - Home

Tottenham v Sheffield Utd - Home

WBA v Wolves - Home

Burnley v West Ham - Draw

Man Utd against Liverpool is one of the biggest matches of any season, if not the biggest. It is quite astonishing how the fortunes of those teams have been ebbing in the past seasons. Man Utd are enjoying their best spell of the post-Ferguson era and seem to have finally found a winning team under Solksjaer. Liverpool reached Nirvana last year after years of drought and while everyone was predicting years of upcoming domination for the Reds, it's more a case of everything un-ravelling and Klopp's men struggling to qualify for a UCL spot. I actually find it somewhat amazing that Liverpool is going into this match as favourites on the exchanges; they might have the greater urgency for the full points and Utd will certainly be feeling the ill-effects of their Europa League match against Roma but both teams are playing at a different tune at the moment. 

Man Utd are simply rocking currently and are able to beat any team, including Man City, over the course of 90 minutes. Solksjaer seems to have found his favoured system and starting eleven. The Red Devils won't win the league but they should be able to comfort their second league position and have an outstanding chance to lift the Europa trophy. The team looks solid all-round.

Liverpool are showing flashes of their old brilliance but not enough to annihilate a match as in previous years. Their main problem since the past months has their decimated backline as well as the profligacy of their forwards starting with Salah. I mean, he's no Tim Werner, but he still misses a lot of chances. Their fragility at the back gives the rest of the team no confidence to rock n roll their way forward. The absence of just one star player in Van Dyke has made a difference to Liverpool's fortunes. 

With their Europa final league spot almost guaranteed after the 6-2 thrashing of Roma in the first leg, the Red Devils should be fully focused on this local derby rather than being distracted by the upcoming second leg. That sets them well to unleash the likes of Cavani, Rashford and Greenwood against the Kop's depleted defence. They put 6 past Roma, they will surely put at least 1 against the visitors, who will realistically go for the jugular given that a draw does them no favours. I cannot see the home side losing this and think it will either end in a draw or home win.

Win: Man Utd

EPL 2020/21 - Week 27

Burnley v Arsenal - Home

Sheffield Utd v Southampton - Draw

Aston Villa v Wolves - Home

Brighton v Leicester - Away

WBA v Newcastle - Home

Liverpool v Fulham - Home

Man City v Man Utd - Draw

Tottenham v Crystal Palace - Home

Chelsea v Everton - Home

West Ham v Leeds - Home

As I see it, the last 3 matches should be home wins. Spurs are being buoyed by the resurgence of Gareth Bale and should have too much for visiting Crystal Palace. The Eagles are just a terrible team without Zaha and Mourinho should be able to exploit its many weaknesses. 

Chelsea surprised me in getting a terrific away win at Anfield last Sunday. Tuchel has them firing on all cylinders and I cannot see Everton, an in-form team, stopping them. Richarlidson has been carrying the goal-scoring load magnificently in the last 4 matches but the Blues defence has tightened lately and the Brazilian might not get the required breakthrough. Everton don't go beaten in advance but Chelsea look strong at the moment. 

Finally, it looks like Leeds is in a need of a breather at this stage. They seem to be scraping by in the last few matches and West Ham is not an easy side to play against. Moyes has done unbelievably well with the Hammers and the addition of Jessie Lingard from Man Utd has given impetus to both club and player. He is the new danger man for the Hammers and I see them exposing the visitors' defensive line which is the main Achilles heel of Biesla's team.

Win: Tottenham/Chelsea/West Ham

EPL 2020/21 - Week 21

Everton v Newcastle - Home

Crystal Palace v Wolves - Draw

Man City v Sheffield Utd - Home

West Brom v Fulham - Home

Arsenal v Man Utd - Draw

Southampton v Aston Villa - Home

Chelsea v Burnley - Away

Leicester v Leeds - Home

West Ham v Liverpool - Home

Brighton v Tottenham - Home

The team with the worst form in the EPL right now is Newcastle and it is a terrific moment for any team playing them. Steve Bruce's team are winless in their last 11 matches and playing some dreadful football at the moment. The return of Saint Maximin back from the sidelines will help improve the team but one cannot do it all alone and the Frenchman will need a few matches to get back in the groove. Carlos Ancelloti and Calvert-Lewin are probably rubbing their hands for this encounter; any less than 3 points will be disappointing for the home team. Surely an easy home win.

I can see the Gunners and Red Devils playing a drab draw. The latter were oh-so-awful against Sheffield Utd in mid-week; they are not yet the finished article and rely heavily on Fernandes to be in inspired form. Arsenal is starting to pick up some form but are not yet at a level where they can dominate the leading teams. Typically this match would have been the highlight of the season in the Keane v Viera days but not anymore; I would not be surprised it ends in a goal-less draw.

Win: Everton

Draw: Arenal v Man Utd

EPL 2020/21 - Week 12

Wolves v Aston Villa - Away

Newcastle v West Brom - Away

Man Utd v Man City - Home

Everton v Chelsea - Home

Southampton v Sheffield Utd - Home

Crystal Palace v Tottenham - Away

Fulham v Liverpool - Away

Arsenal v Burnley - Home

Leicester v Brighton - Home

There are not many seasons where both Manchester teams are not playing major roles in the title charge but this year seems to be one of those years. Both have missed the start in racing terms and have ground to cover. Man Utd are reeling at the moment even though they have managed to squeeze out wins in their last few EPL matches. They have looked done and dusted at half-time in many of those matches only to roar back in the last 45 minutes. They have goals in them although Martial and Rashford have been excessively profligate in front of goal. Martial, in particular, is an out-of-sorts striker at the moment and the arrival of Cavani will help cover for the Frenchman's non-output. Man City look like they haven't yet hit full stride as well. The prolonged absence of Aguero up front has not helped as the Argentinian has always proven a source of crucial goals. But City will inevitably find their rhythm sooner than later and new players like Ferran are slotting nicely in Guardiola's setup. I feel the Red Devils will be playing with the most urgency here after their unceremonious dumping out of the UCL in mid-week. Manager Ole needs a convincing outing as job security and I expect his team to play a physical game that eventually lands them 3 points.

Spurs are on a roll at the moment and should be able to overcome inconsistent Palace at Selhurst Park. Son and Kane are forming an amazing duo at the moment and under the management of Mourinho, Spurs look set to continue leading the pack past this game week.

Win; Man Utd, Tottenham

EPL 2020/21 - Week 11

Burnley v Everton - Away

Man City v Fulham - Home

West Ham v Man Utd - Home

Chelsea v Leeds - Draw

West Brom v Crystal Palace - Home

Sheffield Utd v Leicester - Away

Tottenham v Arsenal - Home

Liverpool v Wolves - Draw

Brighton v Southampton - Home

The Spurs against Gunners London derby is always an exciting one to follow every season and this year is no different. Tottenham have a few believers that this can finally be the year they lift the elusive Premier League trophy. They are in good form at the moment buoyed by the fantastic duo of Son and Kane. Adding Mourinho and Bale to the mix have added credence to their title tilt. I personally don't think they have the squad to do it, but if Liverpool and Man City keep faltering in the stretch, it might not be far-fetched. The Gunners have been in quite horrific form of late and Arteta's bubble seems to have burst. Much of their misfortunes seem to rest on Aubameyang not firing and no-one else is picking up the pieces. There's even clamour for forgotten man Ozil to make a return to change the fortunes of the club. I just cannot see the Gunners win this one. Mourinho is a master at getting away with at least a draw in those kinds of home encounters and I think they could very well edge this one for good measure. A home win is expected here.

Leicester are another team that looks to be on a rotten form. They were shockingly beaten at home by Fulham in last Monday's match. Then they got beaten in the Europa League in mid-week. However visiting the Blades is something they will welcome. The home team are still winless and have 9 of their 10 matches. I think there's a good reason to believe they will go under if they make no changes at the top. They are a pale reflection of the team they were last year where they had an awesome home record and making it hard for teams to break them down. Not this year, where something clearly has broken in their system. Vardy will relish this match and it should end up in an away win.

Win: Leicester, Tottenham

EPL 20/21 - Week 10

 

Brighton v Liverpool - Home

Man City v Burnley - Home

Everton v Leeds - Draw

WBA v Sheffield Utd - Home

Southampton v Man Utd - Home

Chelsea v Tottenham - Home

Arsenal v Wolves - Home

Leicester v Fulham - Home

West Ham v Aston Villa - Away

I see lots of home wins over the week-end. Man City and Leicester are obvious bankers. I think Chelsea will overcome Spurs. The Blues will have the benefit of an extra couple of days of rest from their European exertions than their opponents and this might give them the edge in what promises to be a physically demanding encounter. Spurs have done well of late and leading the charge at the top but I don't expect them to carry the form for long. At current odds, the hosts can be favoured to edge this match.

I also think it might be worth taking a flutter on Southampton as they entertain Man Utd. The hosts have good form and have a fighting spirit in them. They never give in until the final whistle. The problem with Man Utd is an over-reliance on Bruno Fernandes. If the Portuguese goes missing, hard to see who can pick up the pieces as Martial, Greenwood and Rashford are in terible form at the moment. The Red Devils can still nick this on their day but at current market prices, Southampon look good value to have a good go for the win.

Win: Southampton, Chelsea

EP 2020/21 - Week 5

Everton v Liverpool - Home

Chelsea v Southampton - Draw

Man City v Arsenal - Home

Newcastle v Man Utd - Draw

Sheffield Utd v Fulham - Home

Crystal Palace v Brighton - Away

Tottenham v West Ham - Home

Leicester v Aston Villa - Home

West Brom v Burnley - Home

Leeds v Wolves - Home

If there is one team that I think will do terrible in the coming weeks, at least before the January transfer window, is Burnley. The Clarets are 0-3 so far and things don't look to be improving soon following a rash of injuries and more importantly because of their ineptitude in the last transfer window. This is a seriously banged up team at the moment and other teams will relish to play them as they stand. West Brom have just garnered a point so far, albeit in a rather sensational match where they were leading 3-nil against Chelsea at half-time. Clearly the Baggies can score but they also have one of the most porous defences in the league. It's a big opportunity for them to bag up 3 full points against Sam Dyche's ailing team and I think they will take it.

Liverpool have crushed the life out of their Merseyside rivals Everton in recent years but tomorrow's derby might prove a different storyline. The Toffees are leading at the top of the table thanks to an unbeaten 4-game run. The turnaround in Everton's fortunes can be boiled down to 2 main factors; the arrival of Ancelloti and the renewed confidence up-front of Calvert-Lewin. The hosts won't be fazed by all the usual razzmatazz from rivals Liverpool who have been used to rolling over all lately. I can see an Everton win here, considering that the Kops are not in full gear yet.

Win: Everton, WBA

EPL 2017/18 - Week 26

Burnley v/s Man City - Away win
Bournemouth v/s Stoke - Home win
Brighton v/s West Ham - Draw
Leicester v/s Swansea - Draw
Man Utd v/s Huddersfield - Home win
WBA v/s Southampton - Home win
Arsenal v/s Everton - Home win
Crystal Palace v/s Newcastle - Home win
Liverpool v/s Tottenham - Home win
Watford v/s Chelsea - Away win

After the severe debacle at Wembley a few days ago, Man Utd should pick up the pieces as they host Huddersfield. Conceding a goal after 11 seconds doomed their bid very early indeed. Sanchez will take a few matches to get in the zone with his new teammates and he will be for the better with matches under his belt. They should handily beat Huddersfield on Saturday.

I like West Brom's chances against visiting Southampton. Pardew has his players playing with confidence at the moment. Even in their 0-3 loss at Man City in mid-week, the Potters contained the Citizens for large parts of the match and only the magic of De Bruyne and silky touches of Sterling opened them up. Southampton are hardly in top gear and the hosts should benefit from home advantage. Home win.

Accumulator Win: Man Utd/WBA

EPL 2017/18 - Week 3

Bournemouth v/s Man City - Away win
Crystal Palace v/s Swansea - Away win
Huddersfield v/s Southampton - Draw
Newcastle v/s West Ham - Away win
Watford v/s Brighton - Home win
Man Utd v/s Leicester - Home win
Chelsea v/s Everton - Draw
West Brom v/s Stoke - Home win
Liverpool v/s Arsenal - Home win
Spurs v/s Burnley - Home win


One thing that I don't like with Spurs this year is that they will play all their home matches at Wembley and not at White Hart Lane. As last week's loss to Chelsea demonstrated, not playing on their real home turf could be detrimental to their title chances. They had an impressive record at White Hart Lane over the years, a place where it was tough for any opponent to go gather points. At Wembley, they are certainly less of a threat and they will lose points because of that. That said, against Burnley this week-end, they should be able to pick up full points. The Clarets shocked everyone by beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on opening week-end but it is hard to see them doubling on that. Home win.

Man Utd are firing on all cylinders and Leicester are visiting Old Trafford at an in-auspicious time. Zlatan is coming back for the Red Devils but it remains to be seen whether he will enhance and not hamper the growing team chemistry under development at the club. Leicester gave a ton of trouble in their visit to Arsenal a couple of weeks ago and are a team that never goes down without a fight. Vardy, in particular, can score any time. But it's hard to go against the home team here; they are playing with full confidence and will need the full points if they are to be taken seriously as title contenders. Home win.

For a value punt, I am again turning to West Ham.They almost got something out of their visit to Southampton last week and were it not for the Arnatauvic red card, they could well have sprung an upset. With Chicharito already proving his mark, their chances against newly-promoted Newcastle look good. I see the match ending either in a Hammers victory or a draw and it might be rewarding to go all out for the visitors to prevail. Away win.

Win: Spurs, Man Utd, West Ham

EPL 2016/17 - Week 34

Tottenham v/s Bournemouth - Home win
Crystal Palace v/s Leicester - Home win
Everton v/s Burnley - Home win
Stoke v/s Hull - Home win
Sunderland v/s West Ham - Draw
Watford v/s Swansea - Away win
Southampton v/s Man City - Home win
WBA v/s Liverpool - Home win
Man Utd v/s Chelsea - Home win
Middlesbrough v/s Arsenal - Draw

Spurs have a great opportunity to close the gap with Chelsea this week-end. I see lots of goals in their match against Bournemouth, a team they should over-power to snatch the 3 points. The Cherries can give back a battle of their own and have goal scoring abilities but their weak defence will give Ali, Kane and Son nothing to fret about.

I can see Swansea getting a shocker result at Watford. The Swans are still in the bottom three but they have produced combative matches lately and they have a sense of urgency about them. The same cannot be said of the Hornets who basically have nothing to play for and that has been translated in their recent matches.

Another shocker in the cards could be West Brom against Liverpool. The Kops were oh-so-lucky to come away with a win at Stoke thanks to 2 glorious minutes from their Brazilian superstars. I doubt lightning strikes twice for Klopp's men who are certainly not firing on all cylinders. West Brom are a tough nut to crack at home and it would not surprise me a bit if they overcome the favoured Kops.

Finally, I see Man Utd putting a brake to Chelsea's run to the title on Sunday. It is clear that there is a deep animosity between Mourinho towards Conte and Chelsea. The Red Devils are playing for the 4th UCL spot and although they don't win enough, they are a tough team to beat. If they were less profligate at the net, this team should be in second place right now. Chelsea are not plain-sailing at the moment; they are overly reliant on Hazard to turn matches around while striker Costa seems to be stuck in some lull on and off the field. I don't see the hosts losing this and their odds of a win look very enticing. At the very least, they will get a draw.

Win: Tottenham, Man Utd, West Brom, Swansea

EPL 2016/17 - Week 33

Tottenham v/s Watford - Home win
Man City v/s Hull - Home win
Middlesbrough v/s Burnley - Draw
Stoke v/s Liverpool - Home win
WBA v/s Southampton - Home win
West Ham v/s Swansea - Draw
Bournemouth v/s Chelsea - Home win
Sunderland v/s Man Utd - Away win
Everton v/s Leicester - Home win
Crystal Palace v/s Arsenal - Away win

What Spurs achieved last week against Swansea was not short of spectacular; banging in 3 goals from the 85th minute when a goal down, and reigniting their title hopes in the process. Without Kane, they are less of a goal-scoring threat but the likes of Son, Eriksen and Ali have shown that they have goals in them as well. Spurs' confidence will be sky-high as they host Watford and I can see the three above carrying them again to victory. The visitors are a mid-table team that are safe from relegation and too far for a European spot; in other words, they don't have much to play for and their form has been rather indifferent. Spurs' urgency towards catching Chelsea should give them the necessary boost to bag the important 3 points here.

I like Man Utd's chances as they visit Sunderland. The Red Devils have been draw-match specialists under Mourinho but they have the ability to make the difference by the odd goal on the road. Having Ibrahimovic up front definitely gives them more confidence and chances to score. On the other hand, Sunderland seem to be going on the way down and Moyes' mid-week off-field antics haven't helped with the drama with the Black Cats. The Red Devils are very much in the hunt for a UCL spot and they need full points here. I think they will.

Win: Man Utd, Tottenham

EPL 2016/17 - Week 27

Chelsea v/s Swansea - Home win
Crystal Palace v/s Middlesbrough - Draw
Everton v/s Sunderland - Home win
Hull v/s Burnley - Home win
West Brom v/s Bournemouth - Home win
Watford v/s West Ham - Draw
Tottenham v/s Stoke - Home win
Leicester v/s Liverpool - Away win

I like Hull's chances when they host Burnley on Saturday. Marco Silva is bringing a different continental approach to the Tigers and the players seem to be responding well with some honorable performances since his appointment. There is more fight in them and they can find ways to score as well. Burnley are coming into this match on the shock of a defeat to Lincoln at home in the FA Cup. They have an absolutely terrible away form and although I think they will win one of these days on a road trip, I cannot see it happening this week-end. I see it rewarding to go for Hull for the outright win.

Champions Leicester are in turmoil and the sacking of Ranieri in mid-week won't appease things, at least in the short term. This team is terribly missing Kante in the middle and with the likes of Mahrez and Vardy not reproducing last year's irresistible form, they are more a bottom than top-level team this year; however, as a whole, they are surely better than being a relegation team which is why their current standing baffles and has seen their Italian manager sacked. Liverpool will be visiting the Foxes like hungry wolves. The Kops have had their poor run of their own lately but I see them picking things up from now on. Coutinho is too good to remain quiet and once he starts firing, the whole team will dance to his tune. They have a great chance of grabbing full points against a deeply-wounded and manager-less Leicester team.

Win: Hull, Liverpool

EPL 2016/17 - Week 26

Arsenal v/s Hull - Home win
Man Utd v/s Watford - Home win
Middlesbrough v/s Everton - Away win
Stoke v/s Crystal Palace - Home win
Sunderland v/s Southampton - Home win
West Ham v/s West Brom - Away win
Liverpool v/s Tottenham - Home win
Burnley v/s Chelsea - Away win
Swansea v/s Leicester - Home win
Bournemouth v/s Man City - Away win

It seems best to side with the Manchester teams this game week. I will again go against Watford knowing fully well that I was on the wrong side of their last 2 wins. Against Arsenal they were arguably lucky to get 2 quick goals against an uncharacteristically poor opponent. Against Burnley, they played with one extra man for the most part of the match. The problem with Man Utd at the moment is their profligacy in front of goal. Besides Zlatan, everyone else is finding it hard to be clean in front of goal. Once they rectify their shot to goal ratio, they will be more lethal. The Red Devils are on a good run and I just cannot see Watford doing another Arsenal shocker here. Home team win.

I think Man City are also turning the corner. The arrival of Gabriel Jesus has given this team a second life. They should have too much against a Cherries team that are conceding goals by the bucket load. If Man City take their chances, they could be hammering at least 3 goals on this road trip. This should be a comfortable City win.

Win: Man Utd, Man City

EPL 2016/17 - Week 23

Liverpool v/s Swansea - Home win
Bournemouth v/s Watford - Home win
Crystal Palace v/s Everton - Away win
Middlesbrough v/s West Ham - Home win
Stoke v/s Man Utd - Away win
WBA v/s Sunderland - Home win
Man City v/s Tottenham - Away win
Southampton v/s Leicester - Home win
Arsenal v/s Burnley - Home win
Chelsea - Hull - Home win

There are 3 bankers I can see; Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. I cannot see these 3 top teams leaving any scrums of points given their feeble opposition. The big match is between Man City and Spurs. The result can swing either way, so predicting it would be pure speculation.

It's probably worth chancing on Bournemouth as they host Watford. The Cherries have an admirable home record and Watford are not coming in with suspect form. Mixing Bournemouth with the 3 bankers mentioned above seems to be the best value play of the week-end.


Win: Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Bournemouth

EPL 2016/17 - Week 21

Middlesbrough v/s Leicester - Home win
Everton v/s Southampton - Home win
Man City v/s Burnley - Home win
Sunderland v/s Liverpool - Away win
WBA v/s Hull - Home win
West Ham v/s Man Utd - Away win
Bournemouth v/s Arsenal - Draw
Crystal Palace v/s Swansea - Home win
Stoke v/s Watford - Home win
Tottenham v/s Chelsea - Home win

Happy New Year 2017! All the best with your punting for this coming year!

I see quite a few bankers from this coming fixture list. Man City, Liverpool and West Brom look sure winners and have to be in any accumulators. As a riskier tier, I see Man Utd, Palace and Stoke having slightly more difficult matches but still winning as well. Finally, Chelsea's good run should come to an end as they visit Tottenham. At current odds, I really like Spurs as a draw-no-bet option here as I cannot see them losing this match.


Win: Man City, Liverpool, West Brom, Man Utd, Crystal Palace, Stoke
Draw-no-bet: Tottenham

EPL 2016/17 - Week 13

Man Utd v/s Arsenal - Home win
Crystal Palace v/s Man City - Away win
Everton v/s Swansea - Home win
Southampton v/s Liverpool - Home win
Stoke v/s Bournemouth - Home win
Sunderland v/s Hull - Draw
Watford v/s Leicester - Draw
Tottenham v/s West Ham - Draw
Middlesbrough v/s Chelsea - Away win
WBA v/s Burnley - Home win

The big match this week-end, without doubt, is at Old Trafford for yet another Mourinho - Wenger showdown. The Portuguese near-flawless record against his nemesis is well documented and I see the pattern staying unchanged after this match. It's true that the Gunners have been flying of late, but a view of their recent outings suggests that their good streak is about to end sooner than later. Mourinho will be pumped up not to lose against a despised rival and will resort to whatever means, including parking the bus, to stutter the potent of the Gunners attack. Another piece of bad news for the Gunners is the potential absence of Alexis Sanchez. I cannot see the Red Devils losing this one; they either will win or draw.

I also see Liverpool dropping points as they visit Southampton. I mentioned a couple of weeks back that it would be difficult for them to maintain the form and tempo they have been enthralling the league since the start. The St Mary's is a tough place to go to and the Kops can expect a serious fight until the final whistle. I like the home team's odds here for an outright win but a draw-no-bet looks reasonable as well.

Win or draw-no-bet: Man Utd, Southampton

EPL 2016/17 - Week 4

Man Utd v/s Man City - Home win
Bournemouth v/s West Brom - Away win
Arsenal v/s Southampton - Home win
Burnley v/s Hull - Draw
Middlesbrough v/s Crystal Palace - Home win
Stoke v/s Tottenham - Draw
West Ham v/s Watford - Home win
Liverpool v/s Leicester - Home win
Swansea v/s Chelsea - Draw
Sunderland v/s Everton - Away win

The Manchester Derby easily dominates this game week. Although it's too early in the season to gauge the significance of a win or defeat for both, this is a 6-pointer match that will impact the confidence of the winner and loser going forward, not least right to bragging rights in the city of Manchester!  I give home advantage to the Red Devils here. First, Mourinho rarely loses a home fixture, so Old Trafford will definitely be made a formidable fortress for the occasion. Second, it is obvious that this City team is not a finished product under Guardiola and will find the hosts as different material to the lesser teams they have overcome through sheer class in the opening fixtures. The Red Devils defence will be relieved not to face Aguero with the Argentinian striker missing the next few games through suspension. It all points towards either a draw or a win for the hosts and a draw-no-bet on them looks great value.

For a value bet, I like the chances of Everton as they visit Sunderland. Koeman is a top coach and I see better things for the Toffees compared to last year. He will inject tight defence and dynamic play into this talented Everton team and I see them getting better as the season progresses. I certainly think they won't lose this match and for some risk it might be worth going with them winning outright, or have them as a safer draw-no-bet.

Draw-no-bet: Man Utd.
Win (or draw-no-bet): Everton

EPL 2015/16 - Week 34

Norwich v/s Sunderland - Home win
Everton v/s Southampton - Draw
Man Utd v/s Aston Villa - Home win
Newcastle v/s Swansea - Draw
West Brom v/s Watford - Home win
Chelsea v/s Man City - Home win
Bournemouth v/s Liverpool - Home win
Leicester v/s West Ham - Home win
Arsenal v/s Crystal Palace - Home win
Stoke v/s Tottenham - Away win

Man City are on an absolute high after making their way to the semi-final of the UCL at the expense of PSG in mid-week. Let's put it this way; the return of Belgian superstar De Bruyne has simply lifted this star-studded team to another level. The ex-Chelsea player is a joy to watch; he can make incisive passes as well as score. It is no coincidence that Man City lost pace in the title run-in at the time of his prolonged injury setback. Since his return, he's bagged in important goals and the Citizens definitely need him in their UCL conquest and also for the run-in for the 4th vital EPL spot.

Chelsea definitely will be looking to play spoilers. They have been a transformed team under Hiddink and are a threat to any team. They will have several players back from injury and have the edge fitness-wise as they were idle during the week. I see a case of Man City players short of lasting the full 90 minutes of a high-tempo game and also suffering from their mid-week hangover.  City have shown limits on their travels and even having De Bryune in their ranks might not be enough against the Blues at Stamford Bridge. The hosts just won't lose this one.

Leicester are almost there. West Ham are a tough team to play against but they had a tough FA Cup match against Man Utd on Wednesday. I can't see many goals in this one but it's home advantage to the Foxes who can as ever rely on a stingy defence and one of Vardy or Mahrez to make the difference up front. The home team should just edge this.

EPL 2015/16 - Week 31

Everton v/s Arsenal - Draw
Chelsea v/s West Ham - Draw
Crystal Palace v/s Leicester - Draw
Watford v/s Stoke - Draw
West Brom v/s Norwich - Home win
Swansea v/s Aston Villa - Home win
Newcastle v/s Sunderland - Draw
Southampton v/s Liverpool - Home win
Man City v/s Man Utd - Home win
Tottenham v/s Bournemouth - Home win


Man City have disappointed of late in the title run-in. I think they can get right back into it against bitter rivals Utd. Both Manchester clubs have been involved in Europe this week, albeit with different outcomes. City proceeded to the quarter-finals of the UCL while Utd were dumped out by Liverpool. I just think there is a gulf between the 2 teams at the moment. Man City have proven erratic and irregular but once they are on song, they can score at any time. On the other hand, Man Utd seem to be a glued team that just isn't good enough for big pretenses at this level. In short, Van Gaal made a mess of this team. The FA Cup is their best hope this year and even that looks far-reaching. Man City to edge this one.

I think that Southampton have a card to play against Liverpool. They have enjoyed a good spell lately and will be the fitter team as the Kops had a tough mid-week match at Old Trafford. Koeman usually has his team in good tactical shape against supposedly leading teams and it would not be surprising that he pulls another trick out of the hat again. It might be worth going for an outright win or a draw-no-bet with the home team.

EPL 2015/16 - Week 29

Tottenham v/s Arsenal - Draw
Chelsea v/s Stoke - Draw
Everton v/s West Ham - Home win
Man City v/s Aston Villa - Home win
Newcastle v/s Bournemouth - Away win
Southampton v/s Sunderland - Home win
Swansea v/s Norwich - Draw
Watford v/s Leicester - Draw
Crystal Palace v/s Liverpool - Home win
West Brom v/s Man Utd - Home win

Bournemouth looks like a great value punt on Saturday as they travel to St James Park and face a Newcastle team in disarray. Steve Mc Laren does not seem to find the formula to get his team out of their current rut and face the real prospect of relegation. Bournemouth are a well-organized team that have proven to be more at ease on their travels. I think they will either win or draw this, so a draw-no-bet at current market prices looks very appealing.

This week could prove pivotal in Arsenal's chances of winning the title. They lost a crucial match to Swansea and lost Petr Cech in the process. They just have trouble scoring at the moment and dearly miss a ruthless striker. Giroud is just not good enough. Their season will unravel completely if they lose the London Derby to new title favorites Spurs. The latter definitely are in a great position to pounce on any slip-up from league leaders Leicester as they have a deeper squad. This should be a close one at the Lane and I feel caution will be the premium word from both sides and a draw is a very likely prospect.