Each weekend in the Premier League seems to be throwing up a twist that changes the look of the table during the run-in. We have a constantly morphing battle for survival, an interesting fight within the top four and the possibility of Southampton and Liverpool pushing Manchester City for fourth place. There is even an outside chance that Arsenal or Man United might just challenge Chelsea for the title. All that is still to be decided, and we only have six match days left in the campaign.
That means each weekend will be a huge one from now on, but few will be able to match this weekend. Not just do we have the latest round of league fixtures, but there’s also the small matter of the FA Cup semi-finals. In a weekend where the Premier League offers us Chelsea versus Manchester United, we also have the two semi-finals from Wembley. It promises to be a huge weekend, and here we have previews for four of the live games, including betting tips for each.
Saturday 18th April 2015
Chelsea v Manchester United (17:30) – Chelsea to win (Evens with Betfred)
The best match of the weekend’s Premier League action comes in the late game on Saturday, with the leaders hosting the third placed side. For some reason, the FA Cup semi-final between Reading and Arsenal takes place at almost exactly the same time, which is likely to split the audience. This is the highlight of the Premier League weekend, which should draw in a lot of fans. United are only eight points behind Chelsea, which makes them one of the sides standing in between the Blues and the title.
Jose Mourinho is usually cautious in these kinds of games, and you’d expect him to be so again given United’s fine recent form. However, given just what a win here could do, Chelsea may go for this one. They’d be 11 points ahead of the Red Devils with a game in hand if they earn the three points, and they’d also be 10 clear of Arsenal. This could be a huge moment for the Blues, should they pick up the three points. Knowing that, Mourinho may well take the shackles off just a little. The Blues are well priced at evens here, while both teams to score is also a very good bet.
Sunday 19th April 2015
Man City v West Ham (13:30) – Man City -1 handicap (4/5 with Sky Bet)
Manchester City haven’t been having the best time of things of late, and they head into this meeting with West Ham knowing that they have work to do to secure a place in next season’s Champions League. They’ve fallen from title contenders to become the target for the teams just outside the top four, and that’s been due to a very poor run of form. Ahead of the visit of West Ham on Sunday, the Citizens know they need to turn things around if they’re to avoid a very embarrassing fall from grace. Given recent performances, that turnaround won’t come easy.
They did have good spells in the Manchester derby last week, and they’ll certainly be buoyed by the Hammer’s own poor recent form. West Ham haven’t been the side they were in the first half of the season, back when they beat City at Upton Park. Manuel Pellegrini’s team should be able to get back to winning ways here, and with Sergio Aguero back amongst the goals we expect to see City hit a few here. City on the -1 handicap seems to be the best value bet.
Liverpool v Aston Villa (15:00) – Both teams to score (10/11 with BetVictor)
In the middle of Super Sunday, BT Sport have an offering of their own, the weekend’s second FA Cup semi-final. Liverpool face a resurgent Aston Villa, with both sides targeting a return to the national stadium for the final in May. Liverpool haven’t been that impressive of late, their Champions League charge has been hit by a few too many defeats, meaning their season rests on winning the FA Cup to have any kind of success. That makes this game even more important for them.
Villa arrive with little expectation, but they’ll not be coming here to roll over. While Tim Sherwood won’t be hammering in a tactical master plan to his side, he’ll be expecting them to put up a fight worthy of the national stadium. The fact that they’re now well clear of relegation should work in their favour, as will their newfound ability to put the ball in the net. This one could go either way, but Villa should at least trouble the Reds’ defence, and both teams to score in this game is very well priced.
Newcastle v Tottenham (16:00) – Draw (12/5 with BetVictor)
Overlapping with the semi-final is this game from Tyneside, as Tottenham make the trip up to Newcastle. Both sides are in awful form, which makes this one a very tough match to call. It’s likely that the broadcasters saw this as a difficult hurdle for Spurs’ Champions League push when they picked it, but it’s actually just a dead rubber at this point. Tottenham’s home defeat to Villa last week ended their hopes of making the top four. As things stand, all they have to fight for is qualifying for the Europa League, which might not be something they want to achieve.
As for Newcastle, they have been on holiday for the past few weeks, with John Carver’s caretaker role in charge being an excuse for a relaxing break until they’re given a permanent coach. They could yet finish just a few points above the drop, given that they don’t look like winning another game under Carver. Their only saving grace here may be that Spurs have been looking just as poor in recent weeks. Together these two could offer up an exciting match full of calamities or a painfully dull encounter, but either way neither look capable of winning. Back the draw in this one, with both sides now looking towards their summer break.