Six games to look forward to this weekend as we conclude Matchday 26 in the Premier League. With the return of the Champions League next week, the games come thick and fast between now and the end of the season.
Wolves to win – draw no bet
Wolves v Leicester City
Wolves entertain Leicester on Friday evening and the hosts will move into the top six with a win against the Foxes. Brendan Rodgers’ side have lost eight points from winning positions in their last four league games, which is a cause for concern although they still sit third in the table and are eight points ahead of Chelsea in fourth.
The reverse fixture at the King Power on the opening weekend of the season finished goalless and I don’t expect to see many goals at Molineux. If there is to be a winner, however, I think Wolves can edge it.
Southampton to win and both teams to score
Southampton v Burnley
Southampton have won 65% of their points so far this season (20 of 31) on the road but I think they will keep all three points against Burnley, even though the Clarets won at Old Trafford in their last away league game.
The Saints played very well at Spurs in their 4th Round FA Cup replay last time and matched Liverpool at Anfield for 45 minutes in their last away game. I expect to see opportunities at both ends but think Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side will keep the points.
Liverpool half-time/full-time
Norwich City v Liverpool
Liverpool have picked up 100 points from the last 102 available in the Premier League and it is hard to see how bottom-of-the-table Norwich can halt their march to the title.
Both teams to score
Aston Villa v Tottenham
Aston Villa have scored in their last nine home league games while Spurs, despite a rare and unlikely shut out of Manchester City last time, are struggling to keep clean sheets and I believe both sides will find the back of the net at Villa Park in what promises to be a close but entertaining game.
Spurs came from a goal down to win the reverse fixture on the opening weekend, but I feel they may have to settle for a point with Dean Smith’s side fighting for their Premier League lives.
Arsenal to win and both teams to score
Arsenal v Newcastle United
Arsenal are unbeaten in seven games in 2020 and, while I acknowledge they have drawn too many of those matches (W3 D4), they have improved under Mikel Arteta in recent weeks. I think they will keep the points when Newcastle visit the Emirates on Sunday.
Newcastle reached the 5th Round of the FA Cup for the first time in 14 years against Oxford in their last game at the Kassam Stadium where Allan Saint-Maximin was sensational, especially in extra-time. Yes, the 22-year-old is still raw and can frustrate, but he is a rare talent and I’m looking forward to seeing much more of the young Frenchman in a Newcastle shirt.
Chelsea to win
Chelsea v Manchester United
Manchester United have failed to score in three successive league games for the first time since 2016 after their goalless draw with Wolves, and I don’t think we will see many opportunities at Stamford Bridge in what is arguably the game of the weekend in the Premier League.
The last time Chelsea beat United was in the 2018 FA Cup Final and United have won on their last couple of visits to Stamford Bridge – in the FA Cup last season and the League Cup earlier in the current campaign.
Chelsea were thrashed 4-0 at Old Trafford on the opening weekend of the season, but that scoreline clearly flattered the hosts with the Blues hitting the post twice in the first half. I expect to see Chelsea take maximum points in a tight, close affair.
