ENGLAND’S TOP FLIGHT is back underway and it’s another busy evening of action across the water.
We’ve teamed up with William Hill to bring you four big talking points and the latest odds, as champions-elect Liverpool look to take one step closer to finally wrapping up the title.
1. Can Bruno Fernandes continue to excel?
IT IS NO coincidence that Man United have seen an improvement of form since Bruno Fernandes’ mid-season arrival from Sporting.
The Portuguese star’s goal against Tottenham was his 18th in all competitions this season, while in 10 games since joining the Red Devils, he has found the net four times.
After a sluggish start from United, Steven Bergwijn handed Tottenham the lead with an impressive solo goal.
However, as Spurs sat back, their opponents increasingly took control of the game.
They were aided by the introduction of Paul Pogba, who complemented Fernandes well in midfield — a promising sign for the future — and the visitors ultimately deserved the point that was secured by the latter’s spot kick.
On Wednesday, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men face a Sheffield United side that have not enjoyed the best of fortune since the season resumed.
They were denied a clear goal in their draw with Aston Villa, while they also endured a disappointing 3-0 loss to Newcastle.
The Blades have enjoyed an excellent season, though faint hopes of a Champions League spot are beginning to fade owing to recent setbacks.
Travelling to Old Trafford, they will be without some key players. Ireland international John Egan is suspended following his red card against the Magpies, while Dean Henderson — who is on loan at the club from Man United — is ineligible due to the conditions of his temporary deal.
Jack O’Connell (knee) and David McGoldrick (knock) are also doubtful for the game.
So with Sheffield United having to cope with a rather makeshift backline and not coming into the game in the best of form, expect Fernandes to thrive with his fourth Premier League goal for the club and the Red Devils to continue their pursuit of a coveted top-four spot by claiming three points, a bet that’s 9/4 with William Hill.
William Hill odds: Fernandes to score and United to win – 9/4
2. Can Salah spark Liverpool?
Liverpool looked a little rusty as they recommenced their season in Sunday’s Merseyside derby.
Jurgen Klopp’s men had to settle for a point against Everton — just the third game they have dropped points in this season.
Despite having 70% possession, they managed just three shots on target over the course of the 90 minutes.
It is not the first time they have found it difficult to open up Everton, however, with the exact same result occurring in the equivalent fixture last season.
Part of the reason for the Reds’ underwhelming re-start was the absence of two key players.
Mo Salah was an unused substitute at Goodison Park, while Andy Robertson failed to make the matchday squad.
Jurgen Klopp expects both players to be fully fit for Wednesday’s clash with Crystal Palace, as Liverpool aim to take a step closer to a first Premier League title since 1990.
With 16 goals, Salah is Liverpool’s top scorer in the league this season, while he also has six assists to his name.
It won’t be easy against a Crystal Palace side enjoying an encouraging season — they are just four points behind fifth-place Man United in ninth.
William Hill have Salah at 3/1 to score first tonight. There’s no guarantees, but if anyone can break down a Roy Hodgson side that are likely to take their cues from Atletico Madrid and Everton by defending in numbers, then it is surely the Egyptian talisman.
William Hill odds: Mo Salah to score first – 3/1
3. Can Joelinton pick up where he left off against Aston Villa?
Joelinton must have felt very relieved after he finally ended a lengthy goal drought against Sheffield United on Sunday amid a morale-boosting 3-0 win for the Magpies.
The 23-year-old Brazilian joined Newcastle from Hoffenheim for a reported club record fee of £40 million in the summer.
Since then, he has managed a total of four goals in 35 appearances and before last weekend, the attacker had not found the net in the Premier League since a 1-0 victory over Tottenham in August.
Yet Steve Bruce has persisted with the former Brazil underage international, and will hope to see further reward for his faith in the coming weeks, with the club easing their relegation fears thanks to Sunday’s win.
Often, as Ireland’s Shane Long among others have proven in the past, finding the net can be a big confidence boost, with a previously misfiring striker suddenly grabbing a glut of goals.
As they prepare to face an Aston Villa side who have picked up just one point from two games since the-restart and are currently mired in a relegation dogfight, Joelinton will fancy his chances of adding to his meagre tally by scoring the first goal at St James’ Park on Wednesday, which is 7/1 with William Hill.
William Hill odds: Joelinton to score first – 7/1
4. Will Idah be given Norwich chance?
Even before the coronavirus-enforced break, Norwich City appeared doomed to relegation.
Friday’s 3-0 loss to Southampton has consolidated that view, with the Canaries currently six points from safety with eight games to play.
One bright spark though amid a disappointing season has been the emergence of Ireland U21 international Adam Idah.
The 19-year-old Cork native appeared for the final 10 minutes of their clash with the Saints on Friday, and has now featured seven times in all competitions this season for the Premier League outfit.
All but three of those games were late substitute appearances, but an intense schedule of matches as the season approaches its climax will surely see the teenager get more opportunities to impress.
With Norwich in a difficult situation, they may be tempted to experiment, even though main striker Teemu Pukki has had a relatively impressive campaign with 11 goals so far this season.
So don’t be surprised to see Idah make an impact by scoring anytime in Wednesday’s clash at home to Everton, a bet that you can get at 11/4 with William Hill.
The striker showed evidence of his potential back in January, registering an impressive hat-trick as his side saw off Preston in the FA Cup.
William Hill odds: Adam Idah to score anytime – 11/4
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
