Premier League storylines: Swansea’s six-pointer, Conte test & more
Big weekend of games at both ends
As the Premier League season enters the final stretch, there’s still plenty to play for – especially in the lower reaches.
With a gap of just seven points from Brighton & Hove Albion in 13th to Stoke City in 19th, plenty of sides are still fighting to stave off relegation. Meanwhile, the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United continue to jostle for position in the top four.
The Coral News Team take a look at some of the key storylines from the weekend’s big games, beginning with Swansea City’s trip to the Black Country…
Will Swans’ poor Hawthorns record continue?
Swansea City have improved significantly since Carlos Carvalhal took the job in late December. But the South Wales club aren’t yet safe – sitting three points above the drop zone.
Saturday sees the Portuguese coach take his side to The Hawthorns. Opponents West Bromwich Albion look beatable on paper following their recent struggles, but have had the upper hand in this fixture.
The Baggies have taken seven points from the last three meetings at The Hawthorns, and won last season’s home meeting by a comfortable 3-1 scoreline.
This will be an interesting battle between form and recent history, while both sides are in real need of three points here. A West Brom victory is 27/20, while maximum points for Swansea is a 9/4 shot.
Can Hammers pile the pressure on beleaguered Conte?
As it stands, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is 4/11 to leave before next season begins. And considering the Blues’ miserable recent record against West Ham United, the Irons could strike the knockout blow for the Italian gaffer.
West Ham have won three and drawn one of the last six meetings, including a 1-0 victory in December’s meeting at London Stadium.
And despite a decidedly hit-and-miss campaign, they head to Stamford Bridge on Sunday on the back of an impressive 3-0 rout of Southampton.
Conte’s charges have lost three of their last four Prem games, and Double Chance: West Ham or Draw is 29/10, with an Irons victory at 11/1. If the visitors can take a point or better, Chelsea could soon be interviewing new managerial candidates…
Reds’ form suggests derby day joy could await
This weekend sees plenty of pride at stake in the North-West, with derby day in Manchester and Merseyside. And on the back of their 3-0 Champions League demolition of Manchester City, Liverpool will be looking to boost their delight away at Everton.
The Reds have won four and drawn one of the previous five meetings, and haven’t tasted defeat against their city rivals in any of the last 16 meetings – dating back to January 2011.
While boss Jurgen Klopp could rest players ahead of Tuesday’s UCL second-leg, Reds fans won’t accept a second-string starting for a Merseyside derby. The Toffees sit firmly in mid-table with little to play for, whilst the visitors are battling for position in the top four.
It’s 10/11 for a Liverpool win, while the in-form Sadio Mane is 2/1 to net anytime.
For those wanting the inside track on the Manchester derby, keep your eye out for a Big Match Breakdown on the game tomorrow morning.
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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
