PREMIER LEAGUE - WEEK 23
Manchester City vs Chelsea
Despite an 8-0 win over Ipswich last weekend the signs of inconsistency are still with Manchester City as the fell to a 4-2 loss at the hands of PSG midweek, leaving them with a must-win game against Club Brugge next Wednesday to progress to the Champions League knockout phase.
They face tough opposition this Saturday in a Chelsea side who sit in 4th in the league, 2 points ahead of the hosts. Chelsea’s recent form has been a mixed bag but a 3-1 win over Wolves on Monday has put their league campaign back on track.
In the last meeting at the Etihad Chelsea were excellent in securing a 1-1 draw. While I expect both sides to get on the scoresheet, I find it hard to build a case for them winning, which is why I am tipping a scoring draw. Check our Manchester City vs Chelsea markets here.
Prediction – Draw & Over 1.5 goals @4.20
Tottenham vs Leicester
One of the early Sunday games sees 15th-place Tottenham host 19th-place Leicester. Tottenham’s current season has been a far cry from their usual standards and have accumulated just 1 point in their last 6 league games. They have found the net in 7 of their 8 games so the goals are there but their defence has struggled, conceding 16 goals in their last 6 games.
Leicester’s situation is even more precarious with just 14 points accumulated from 22 games. They have lost their last 7 games and manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy will be desperate to turn things around. They have scored just 2 goals in their last 7 games while conceding 18.
It’s clear to me that Tottenham should win this game. With both teams’ woeful defensive records, I’d expect both sides to score, but ultimately home advantage will play its part in a Tottenham victory. Check our Tottenham vs Leicester markets here.
Prediction – Tottenham 1x2 & Both teams to score @2.29
Aston Villa vs West Ham
After a 1-0 midweek defeat to Monaco, Aston Villa turn their attention back to the Premier League. The hosts who sit in 8th are unbeaten in their last 4 league games and will be looking for a win here to boost their bid for a Champions League spot next season.
For West Ham it has been a mixed bag with 2 wins and 3 losses in their last 5 league games. It’s a tough position for new manager Graham Potter who is unable to call on his first-choice strikers, with Michail Antonio, Niclas Fülkrug and Jarrod Bowen all out injured. The Hammers currently lie in 14th place and will be looking for a result to keep comfortably above the relegation zone.
Both teams scored in four of Aston Villa's last five home games in the league and three of West Ham's last five on the road, so both teams are on the cards to score. With West Ham’s extensive injury list, I feel that Villa will have enough to secure a home win. Check our Aston Villa vs West Ham markets here.
Prediction – Aston Villa 1x2 & Both Teams to Score @2.98
Fulham vs Manchester United
Manchester United will look to continue building under Ruben Amorim. It has been a dismal run for the Red Devils who have lost 4 of their last 6 league games and currently lie in 13th in the league. Their away record season has only produced 2 wins in 10 matches, and they will be looking to improve on that stat here.
They face a Fulham side who have been thriving with success and have been one of the surprise packages of the season. An impressive 2-0 away win to Leicester last time out will fill them with confidence ahead of this game and a win here will continue to consolidate their position in the top half of the table and push for a European spot.
As stated by Amorim in a press conference, this Manchester United team is possibly the worst in recent times. They have conceded 5 more goals than they have scored this season. Marco Silva’s tactical approach has been key to Fulham’s success and I think they are good value to take the spoils again here. Check our Fulham vs Manchester United markets here.
Prediction – Fulham 1x2 @2.34
