Frank Lampard brings his Chelsea side to West Ham. Tim Keeton
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Blues to claim local bragging rights: 4 tips for tonight's Premier League action

Johnny Ward shares his selections, plus the latest odds from William Hill.

IT’S A BUSY evening for Premier League fans with four matches vying for your attention. Soccer journalist Johnny Ward brings you his tips, along with the latest odds from William Hill…

This has been a tricky period for punters, as they have had to speculate as to whether squads can perform to the same level they did pre-lockdown but, as the weeks go on, it should get pretty much back to normal.

The significance of home advantage with games being played behind closed doors is a matter for debate but arguably it should make little difference where the match is: pitches will be in excellent nick, the climate is all the one and the best team should be sent off favourites.

Bournemouth v Newcastle, 6pm

Johnny’s tip: Take a chance on Newcastle to win at 11-5 with William Hill

Bournemouth go into their game against a safely-out-of-danger Newcastle with major worries of their own. United could not match Manchester City at St James’ Park but they have been in excellent form, whereas the hosts have one point from their last five and are struggling for goals.

At the prices, it looks worth taking a chance on Newcastle at 11-5. Those who predicted that the Geordies would find it very tough after Rafa Benitez, and there were many of them, have been proven wrong, with Phil Neville opining that they are a better team under Steve Bruce.

Motivation is a factor in matches like this. While Bruce has said that Newcastle are not safe yet, they are far more likely to finish in the top 10 than bottom three, and there is enough juice in the price to take a chance that Newcastle will have the hunger to get the three points. If this game were played behind closed doors earlier in the season, this would be an outstanding price about a side now 12 points ahead of another.

Arsenal v Norwich, 6pm

Johnny’s tip: Arsenal to win to nil is a fairly safe bet, at 13-10 with William Hill

It is hard to believe that Arsenal are only four points ahead of Newcastle. Norwich, who have scored just three goals in their last nine games, travel to London knowing that a win would give them some sort of hope in the fight against the drop. They leaked 36 shots against Man United, much of that with 10 men.

Teemu Puuki has gone nine games without a goal and has looked a bit rusty post-lockdown. After four successive matches on the road Arsenal will be happy to be playing at home again and they should be comfortable enough against the Canaries.

With Norwich so toothless in front of goal, Arsenal should be able to win without conceding, and you can back that at 13-10. Eddie Nketiah’s goals markets are worth exploring but the Hills traders seem wise to this and are keeping him on side.

Leicester v Everton, 6pm

Johnny’s tip: Take a punt on Leicester to win at 9-5 with William Hill

Leicester are in danger of missing out on a Champions League spot and have been laboured since the break, struggling to score goals. They are still tempting as outsiders away to Everton as they are a superior team and the Toffees have nothing to play for. Back the Foxes at 9-5, a top price on the high street.

West Ham v Chelsea, 8.15pm

Johnny’s tip: Back visitors Chelsea to win at 4-7 with William Hill

Wednesday evening’s other game, the London derby, sees diffident West Ham United welcome Chelsea. The form of these two could hardly be more different and Chelsea should have too much for a home team low on confidence and less convincing under David Moyes as the season has gone on.

Odds of 4-7 look backable about the visitors. Finishing in the top four is a major priority for Frank Lampard’s men and three points here will help them along their way against West Ham, who were toothless against Tottenham and seem to have forgotten how to win.

William Hill odds above correct at the time of writing. New online customers get €30 in free bets when they bet €10 with William Hill. Just use the promo code P30. For all the latest prices, visit williamhill.com. 18+, always gamble responsibly. For more information, see BeGambleAware.org

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