Premier League Preview: Tough test for Arsenal and two six-pointers
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Tips stats and previews ahead of weekend games
The Premier League season enters matchday 30 this weekend with some scintillating encounters at either end of the table.
Manchester United host Liverpool in the game of the weekend, while Arsenal will be looking to build on their win over AC Milan in midweek with another victory against Watford on Sunday.
The Coral News Team have previewed those games and more as the season meanders towards its climax…
Man United and Liverpool face-off
The weekend’s action gets underway with one of English football’s great rivalries as Manchester United host Liverpool. Victory for either side will give them a significant advantage in the race for second.
Earlier in the season the two clubs played out a dismal 0-0 draw at Anfield. The Red Devils sat behind the ball that day and will likely do the same again to try and counter the Reds’ attacking threat. Mohamed Salah is the main danger for the Merseysiders.
The Egyptian played just 16 minutes against Porto in midweek and should be well-rested for this one. He’s scored eight goals in his last eight games and is 6/4 to Score Anytime.
Liverpool are 33/20 to win the contest, with United available at 13/8. The last four meetings between the pair have been draws. It’s 23/10 for that record to extend to five.
Another tricky test for Arsenal
Arsenal ended their four-match winless run against AC Milan on Thursday night. But Watford at home poses another tricky test. The Gunners have lost their last two matches against the Hornets and two of their last three at the Emirates.
Arsene Wenger’s side are 1/2 to pick up only their third domestic win of 2018. The visitors can be backed at 11/2 to continue their good form against the North Londoners. It’s 7/2 about the draw.
Encounters between these two teams also tend to produce goals. At least three goals have been scored in each of the last 10 iterations of this fixture. Over 2.5 Goals is 1/2, with Both Teams to Score can be had at 8/13.
Two crucial six-pointers
Eight clubs are separated by three points at the bottom of the Premier League. So Huddersfield Town’s clash with Swansea City and Southampton’s trip to Newcastle United are both crucial in the race to avoid relegation.
The Swans will be buoyed by last weekend’s victory over West Ham United. Carlos Carvalhal’s men won 4-1 against the Hammers to make it seven victories in 11 matches. They’re 21/10 beat the Terriers, who are 29/20.
Meanwhile, there should be plenty of net-bulging action at St James’ Park. Newcastle and Southampton have shared 23 goals in their last six meetings. You can back Over 3.5 Goals at 17/5. The Saints are unbeaten in half-a-dozen matches away from home and can be had at 4/9 on the Double Chance or 9/5 outright.
Can Tottenham bounce-back?
Tottenham’s defeat to Juventus on Wednesday night will have hit the players hard. But a trip to the seaside could prove just the tonic. Spurs are unbeaten against AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League, winning four of their five matches.
Harry Kane has plundered six goals in that time and could take another bite out of the Cherries on Sunday. He’s 3/4 to Score Anytime and 14/5 to bag a brace or better.
It’s also worth noting that the North Londoners have kept six clean sheets in their last nine matches in the top-flight. Coral have Tottenham to Win to Nil available at 9/5.
Midlands derby at the King Power
It’s last chance saloon time for West Bromwich Albion and Alan Pardew. The Baggies have lost six in a row in all competitions. They’ve won just a single Premier League game since August.
Another defeat against Leicester City could leave the division’s bottom club 10 points adrift from safety. Unfortunately for the visitors, the signs don’t look good on Saturday either.
The Foxes have lost just twice so far in 2018 and should get plenty of joy against the disorganised Baggies defence. They’re 33/20 to get the job done and condemn WBA to a 16th home defeat of the season.
Riyad Mahrez netted his tenth goal of the season against Bournemouth last weekend and has bagged twice in his last two games v West Brom. He’s 13/5 to Score Anytime.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
