This was a rare week, as we had a full Premier League schedule in midweek followed by all 20 teams being in action of the weekend.
After the excitement of Premier League matches under the lights, the standard weekend format returns.
A north London derby should make for an intriguing lunchtime kick-off, while Newcastle fans are given another awkward trip as they travel to London for the evening match against West Ham.
These two matches are under the spotlight in this piece, making up a tempting 8/1 Saturday TV double.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs ARSENAL (12:30pm)
Just a few days ago, Arsenal were on the brink of crisis and Spurs were in the title race. The teams’ paths have switched since then.
Arsenal are in the top four, made it past BATE Borisov in the Europa League and are only four points behind their north London rivals, who are out of the title contention and looking over their shoulders at the top four contest.
Tottenham were poor against Burnley and Chelsea. Harry Kane’s return to the side has not had the expected impact.
Kane’s 10/11 price to score anytime at Wembley on Saturday is what we expect from one of the world’s best, but it’s a difficult price to back considering his ineffectiveness against Chelsea.
Arsenal, in stark contrast, have Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette fit and blew Bournemouth away in midweek. Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan played and performed, giving Unai Emery a welcome selection dilemma.
It is unlikely Ozil and Mkhitaryan start, and possible that neither do, however, as Emery will favour industry in the midfield and look to pair his star strikers.
Emery’s side look a good bet at 10/13 to avoid defeat considering recent form. Their away record this season makes it more questionable, though – the Gunners have only picked up 18 points from their 13 away league matches.
Jan Vertonghen is likely to return for Spurs, which gives Mauricio Pochettino a crucial boost. Reverting to the back three is likely after playing 4-2-3-1 against Chelsea.
The midfield matchup will be decisive, particularly Lucas Torreira’s efforts to limit Christian Eriksen’s effectiveness. Eriksen has not been at his best of late – Spurs need a good performance from him in this huge Premier League fixture.
Goals always feel like a good way to go in a north London derby. Both teams are good going forward but can be shaky at the back. It should be an entertaining 90 minutes. This one could go either way.
TIP: Over 3.5 goals @ 33/20
PREDICTED SCORE: Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal (Priced at 19/2 with 888sport)
WEST HAM UNITED vs NEWCASTLE UNITED (5:30pm)
West Ham have made mid-table home under Manuel Pellegrini, avoiding the drama that is so often associated with the club.
A 3-1 thumping of Fulham last weekend was a fair demonstration of their quality, and they made things difficult for Manchester City in midweek, despite falling to a 1-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium.
Newcastle are on a superb run, winning four of their last six in the league. Rafa Benitez’s side still have work to do, but the six-point cushion to the relegation zone is looking pretty good with 10 matches to go.
The Magpies are only five points behind West Ham and could yet finish in the top half, which they are 9/1 to do.
A win here would as good as seal another Premier League campaign for Newcastle. Benitez has worked his magic again. Their away form, though, makes it hard to back them even at 11/4.
Two points from their last five on the road does not give bettors much confidence, though they were unfortunate not to beat Wolves at Molineux in their last away outing.
West Ham have been solid at home, including a draw with Liverpool and win over Arsenal recently. The 2/7 to avoid defeat is on the short side. The 49/20 on a draw is one of the best sports betting options this weekend.
January signing Miguel Almiron has hit the ground running for Newcastle. The former Atlanta United star was brilliant against Burnley on Tuesday, creating chances and providing support to Salomon Rondon.
Almiron is 4/1 to score anytime at the London Stadium on Saturday evening. There will be plenty of talent on display. A moment of individual brilliance could win it for either side, but Benitez will set up to be solid, making the draw a good bet.
TIP: Match to end as a draw @ 49/20
PREDICTED SCORE: West Ham 1-1 Newcastle (Priced at 21/4 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
