THE PREMIER LEAGUE returns this weekend after a brief break for international football, with the pick of the fixtures being Liverpool’s must-win trip to the Emirates Stadium.
There aren’t many weeks left to win that big bet, so with that in mind, here are a few tips to think about as singles or to throw in your accumulator.
West Brom/QPR to end in a draw – 13/5
This match has a draw written all over it. QPR can’t afford another loss and West Brom are looking to bounce back from a three-nil trouncing against Manchester City. They would both probably take a draw.
If this was earlier in the season I’d fancy West Brom. Under Tony Pulis, there defence has looked solid for the majority of season but they’ve began leaking goals recently — 3 against City, 2 against Villa and I think Charlie Austin will cause them problems.
The QPR players owe Chris Ramsey a big performance and I think they’ll deliver this weekend with a draw.
Liverpool to win away to Arsenal – 10/3
A defeat to the Gunners at the Emirates this weekend would effectively end Liverpool’s bid to qualify for the Champions League, especially with United likely to beat Villa at home.
Liverpool face a tough task against an Arsenal side who have won their last six on the bounce in the league, especially with Martin Skrtel suspended and Daniel Sturridge a doubt.
Raheem Sterling will likely start up front for the Reds. The 20-year-old went missing on the wing against United but his pace and movement in an attacking role against the likes of Per Mertesacker could prove pivotal.
Liverpool were unbeaten in the league in 2015 up until last weekend and have looked particularly solid at the back. An in form Olivier Giroud, who has scored six goals in his last five league appearances, should test them but I think Liverpool can use their pressing style, to close down and counter-attack their way to that all important win.
West Ham to win away to Leicester – 2/1
This match is a tough one to call. Leicester are rooted to the foot of the Premier League table, and, to stand any chance of staying up, they need to kick-start a good run of form.
West Ham have had a good season for Sam Allardyce. They were threatening the upper reaches of the table at one point but have struggled lately, winning only one of their last eight matches. That lone win coming against a poor Sunderland team last time out.
They have Winston Reid and Enner Valencia making possible returns though and should be too strong for Leicester, even away from home. At 2/1, they are a great price.
Harry Kane to score first against Burnley – 9/2
What is there left to say about Harry Kane. He has been in ridiculously prolific form for Spurs in the league and shone for England during the international break.
His goal tally now stands at 19 for the season – not bad for someone that was their third choice striker at the beginning of the campaign. He’s averaging 98.3 minutes per goal, with a 72% pass completion rate to boot.
Burnley are a good side but I don’t think anybody can stop the ‘HurriKane’ at the moment.
Sunderland to come from behind and draw against Newcastle – 6/1
Newcastle’s record in recent Tyne-Wear derbies is less than impressive. In fact, the Magpies have failed to beat their rivals since August 2011.
That being said, Sunderland are just one point above the relegation zone after one win in 13 in the league. The major problem has been goals. Even with the addition of Jermaine Defoe, their season tally of 23 is the second fewest in the league.
The Sunderland fans must be fairly downtrodden after watching their team’s poor display against West Ham in Dick Advocaat’s first game in charge. But, an interesting statistic may point to a positive result on the horizon.
Advocaat’s predecessors—Paolo Di Canio and Gus Poyet—both lost their opening games in charge, ahead of victory against Newcastle in their respective second matches. While I don’t think Sunderland will create enough chances to win the match, I believe they can get something from this game.
Newcastle’s superior quality should count early on but I think Sunderland will come more into it as the game progresses and should nick a point.