Liverpool and Everton vie with relegation rivals QPR and Villa

With just four games to go in what has been an enthralling Premier League season, there is still all to play for in the top four race and relegation ruckus.

Liverpool will be aiming to chip away at Manchester United’s seven point lead against second-bottom QPR, who are still clinging to top tier existence, while fellow Merseyside men Everton encounter relegation risks Aston Villa.

Liverpool v QPR
In the reverse earlier this term, when the Hoops (15/2 with Coral to win) hosted Liverpool at Loftus Road, two QPR own goals saw them come undone 3-2.

If a result could be used to sum up the stugglers’ season it would probably be that one, but now the London club could stand a chance of saving their campaign should they snatch victory here.

Brendan Rodgers’ Reds (odds-on at 1/3 to be victors) may have triumphed in all of their past three battles against their guests, but are in a worryingly poor patch of form after claiming no wins in their last three outings across all competitions.

The quality of Raheem Sterling (5/1 to nab the opener), Philippe Coutinho (15/8 in the anytime market) and Jordan Henderson (5/1) should pose any team troubles, yet Hull City managed to stifle the star trio last time out.

Can QPR pull off something similar? Striking sensation Charlie Austin will certainly fancy his chances against the Reds’ rearguard and is an excellent 8/1 to fire home the first, or 11/4 to score anytime, while poaching partner Bobby Zamora is 10/1 to strike the final blow.

Aston Villa v Everton
Villa, still not assured of their Premier League safety, have only lost one of their last five home games across all competitions under Tim Sherwood’s superb stewardship and are 7/4 to secure the spoils against Everton.

The Toffees have also been in tremendous form of late too, though, with four triumphs from their past five tussles, and visit Villa Park, where they have not been defeated since 2010.

Roberto Martinez’s men are favourites at 6/4 to take all three points but have little but pride to play for, so the Villans’ determination should see them at least sneak a draw at 23/10.

Under Sherwood, the Midlands side seem to have a penchant for late fightbacks, so odds of 12/5 for both teams to score in the second half are generously priced.

Youngster Jack Grealish has delighted fans with his flair recently and is a tempting 10/3 chance in the anytime market. Back in-form Belgian forward Christian Benteke will be Villa’s biggest threat, however, and is 9/2 to net the first.

Benteke’s compatriot Romelu Lukaku, meanwhile, is a princely punt at 7/1 to bag a brace or better, while it may be wise to back another Belgium international in Kevin Mirallas, who has two in his last two and is 2/1 in the anytime market.