With the Premier League speeding towards the finish line, there are quite a few major issues yet to be resolved. There are only a few weeks to go, and we’re about to get an extra batch of midweek fixtures. After the “weekend’s” games end on Monday night, there are five more midweek fixtures, kicking off on Tuesday and ending on Thursday.
At this stage of the season, three points in a game in hand could make a huge difference. With plenty of Champions League chasers in action, as well as relegation threatened Newcastle, we could be about to see a few season-changing results. Sky have three live midweek games, spread from Tuesday to Thursday night. Here we’re looking ahead to these extra fixtures, picking out our tips for four of the five clashes.
Tuesday 19th April 2016
Newcastle v Manchester City (19:45) – Man City -1 handicap (31/20 with Coral)
Newcastle could desperately do with picking up three points in their game in hand on their rivals. It would certainly be a huge boost to the side who are on course for the Championship next season. The problem for the Magpies is that they face a Manchester City side who have just hit form. The Toon haven’t got the best record against the Citizens, having not won against City in the league since 2005. Can they turn around that awful recent history to pick up a crucial three points, or will they move closer to relegation?
The last few years have seen City dominate at St James’ Park. They’ve won here by two clear goals in their last five league visits. On top of that, the two most recent meetings have seen City run out 11-1 aggregate winners. Given how poorly Newcastle are playing, it’s hard to see them finding a way to turn around their awful record against City. We’re going with a comfortable City win in this one, as Manuel Pellegrini’s side strengthen their grip on fourth place. City with a -1 handicap is priced at 31/20 with Coral.
Wednesday 20th April 2016
West Ham v Watford (19:45) – Both teams to score (10/11 with Bet365)
West Ham were in hot pursuit of City, but now they’ve begun to fall off the pace. After being eliminated from the FA Cup by Manchester United, their strong season has seemingly hit a bump. It would take a huge finish for them to claim a place in the top four, but right now it’s still possible. The Hammers will be looking to end their final season at Upton Park on as high a note as possible, starting with a win over Watford.
They need a victory to take attention away from their Olympic Stadium deal. After those details were published, West Ham will want to get a win given the flak they’ve received in the last few days. Their main problem is that they’re conceding too many soft goals, and this Watford side have plenty of quality up front. While the Hammers are more than capable of getting a win, they don’t look like value at odds on. They could still put in a great display here and claim all three points, but we can’t see them keeping a clean sheet. We’re going with both teams to score as our bet here, at 10/11 with Bet365.
Liverpool v Everton (19:45) – Daniel Sturridge to score anytime (11/10 with Bet365)
The highlight of the midweek fixtures is the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Wednesday night. While neither side has anything left to play for in the league, there will be no half measures here. Both sides will be at their best here, and these clashes are always very fiery affairs. It should be a great match, even if both sides have their eyes elsewhere. They both have some pretty big semi finals to come, as they try to claim silverware after a tough league campaign.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez has come in for plenty of stick in recent weeks and even a derby win might not fix things for him. Given just how his side are struggling in the league, the fans’ outrage is understandable. The Toffees do have a pretty impressive away record, but they’ve only picked up a point from their last two away matches. Given how they’re usually tormented by Liverpool’s attack, we can’t see Everton getting much out of this one. Daniel Sturridge has a good record in derby clashes, and we’re backing him to continue that on Wednesday night.
Thursday 21st April 2016
Arsenal v West Brom (19:45) – Arsenal to win and both teams to score (21/10 with Betfair)
Arsenal’s title hopes are basically over, but they still have plenty to play for. A top four spot is their bare minimum requirement, while they’ll be looking to stave off City and hold on to third place. A win in this game would move them closer to rivals Tottenham, and they’d love to pip their neighbours in the table in the final few weeks of the season. While it’s going to be another disappointing trophyless year for the Gunners, they at least have something to focus on for the final run of matches, starting with West Brom.
The Baggies are now safe from relegation, but they won’t be rolling over for Arsenal here. They’ve faced leaders Leicester and Manchester City in their last few away games, and in both they’ve impressed. They pushed City until the end, suffering a defeat despite opening the scoring. A 2-2 draw at Leicester was a great result, and it shows just how difficult West Brom are to beat. While the Gunners should still claim a win here, they won’t have it all their own way. Given WBA’s recent results, and Arsenal’s poor defensive form, we’re backing a home with both teams scoring.
See also:
- BTTS tips (19th & 20th)