After the league and cup drama of last weekend, this one has a lot to do to match up to the same level. There are just five games now remaining for most teams, with the title, top four and bottom three yet to be decided. This weekend could go a long way to finishing at least one of those things, as in place of a Wembley showpiece (or two), this weekend’s highlight is the clash between second and first at the Emirates.
Sunday evening sees Arsenal host league leaders Chelsea, who know a win here would put them within three points of clinching the title. It’s likely to be a massive game, with the Gunners still under pressure from Manchester United to secure second spot. United are also in action on the same day, as they head to in-form Everton. Here we have previews of those games and more, with betting tips for each.
Saturday 25th April 2015
Southampton v Tottenham (12:45) – Both teams to score (5/6 with BetVictor)
What could well have been billed as a fight for the Champions League is now a battle for the Europa. These two went through a tough run of form, fell off the pace of the top four, and now they’re seventh and sixth respectively, and as things stand only the top six make Europe next term. There’s a whole other debate to be had about the benefits of losing the fight for the Europa League, but it’s unlikely that either side will want to see themselves finish outside the top six.
So, Southampton will be looking for a win here that would take them back into the top six, after they spent so long in the top four this season. They had started to pick their form back up before the defeat at Stoke last weekend. Spurs won 3-1 at Newcastle on Sunday, and they’ll come in to this looking to put breathing space between them and the Saints. It’s hard to pick a winner here, but both teams to score looks like a very good value bet.
Manchester City v Aston Villa (17:30) – Both teams to score (21/20 with BetVictor)
Manchester City went from title challengers to fourth place after a prolonged blip, but with many of their poor results coming away from home, it’s no surprise that they’re heavy favourites to win this one. They may be facing a buoyant Aston Villa side, but it’s hard to see the Villains following up their FA Cup semi final win by toppling the champions on their own turf. City have no room for slip ups, which could let the likes of Liverpool back in with a chance of taking their Champions League spot.
Since Tim Sherwood took over, Villa look a lot more fluid and a lot less fearful. They come to places like White Hart Lane and Wembley semi finals and attack, something which the bigger sides aren’t really used to. City could be the next in line for that, and an on-form Christian Benteke is more than capable of worrying the City backline after their recent performances. Villa know they’re close to safety, with a place in next month’s FA Cup final already secured. They have nothing to lose here, and they’ll attack. With that in mind, both teams to score is a fantastic price at above evens.
Sunday 26th April 2015
Everton v Manchester United (13:30) – United to win (6/5 with Sky Bet)
Sunday’s double header sees four of last season’s top seven in action, with the fight for second swinging into gear. First up are United, who face a tough game away at a much improved Everton side, who are ending a poor season with a late purple patch. United were in great form, until they went down at Stamford Bridge last weekend, handing Arsenal a potential four point lead in second. United can’t afford another slip up this term if they’re to finish as runners up.
The result last weekend only told half the story, as the Red Devils dominated possession at the Bridge, and on another day they could have gone on to win. A repeat performance against Everton should be enough for them to get the three points, no matter how well the Toffees have played of late. Former Everton man Marouane Fellaini returns as a key player for Louis van Gaal, and it seems inevitable that he’ll back that up with a goal at his old stomping ground. Expect United to get back to winning ways this weekend against an Everton side that have been collecting points without wholly convincing.
Arsenal v Chelsea (16:00) – Chelsea to win draw no bet (6/5 with BetVictor)
The big game of the weekend could put Chelsea a game away from the title, or it could end up just delaying them for a little while longer. It’s hard to see a scenario in which the Blues don’t win the league, but finding a way to win it this month looks a little more difficult. They continued their run of winning without performing brilliantly against United last week, but they’ll need a step up to get the result they need against Arsenal. Will Jose Mourinho go in looking for that win, or will he come here just playing for the draw? That will likely depend on the fitness of Loic Remy.
Didier Drogba used to strike fear into the Arsenal defence but he doesn’t look capable of that anymore. With Diego Costa out, Remy is the key for Chelsea, as his pace adds another dimension to their play. Mourinho does have an excellent record against the top four since his return, going unbeaten in every meeting this season and last. That’s got to be worth something, and it does make you want to back them here. With the leaders at 6/5 to win in the draw no bet market, that looks a safe option, as long as Mourinho maintains his impressive big game record.