The Premier League continues this weekend with the title race alive and well. Saturday’s fixtures, which are the focus in this piece, feature Liverpool and several teams trying to avoid relegation.
Southampton face a huge clash against Cardiff, Huddersfield Town host Arsenal and there’s a London derby in mid-table as Crystal Palace host West Ham.
With a look at 888sport’s Premier League Odds odds, here are a few thoughts and tips on four fascinating 3pm fixtures.
CRYSTAL PALACE vs WEST HAM UNITED
Crystal Palace beat Fulham last weekend to give themselves a four-point cushion from the drop zone.
Roy Hodgson’s team have struggled in front of goal all season but will hope that can change with the January arrival of Michy Batshuayi. The Belgian should start on Saturday, while the Eagles look to add to their measly tally of eight home league goals.
West Ham have had a very West Ham couple of weeks. Poor performances and results against Bournemouth and Wolves were followed by a Monday night draw with Liverpool.
They are not going anywhere this season but will still fancy their chances of an upper-mid-table finish.
There will be plenty of attacking talent on display at Selhurst Park. This could be quite an open match, giving space to the flair players and resulting in a few goals.
TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ EVS
PREDICTED SCORE: Crystal Palace 2-2 West Ham (Priced at 13/1 with 888sport)
Huddersfield Town vs ARSENAL
Huddersfield are the one team in the relegation battle that might be running out of hope.
Jan Siewert took over recently but has suffered with the same issues as David Wagner. The Terriers do not have the quality to compete and need a miracle to even compete for safety.
Having been outplayed at the Etihad last time out, Arsenal have dropped to sixth and are now outsiders for a top four spot. Questions about Unai Emery have resurfaced.
Arsenal have lost their last three away from home, though they will be confident of ending that streak when they head north this weekend.
Despite injuries, the Gunners are a good price at 8/13 to pick up all three points. Their attacking firepower should prove too much.
TIP: Arsenal to win @ 8/13
PREDICTED SCORE: Huddersfield 0-2 Arsenal (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)
LIVERPOOL vs AFC Bournemouth
Depending on Manchester City’s Wednesday night clash with Everton, Liverpool could have relinquished top spot by the time they host Bournemouth.
A draw with West Ham on Monday was hurtful for Jurgen Klopp’s side, who have only won two of their last five league outings.
After beating Chelsea and West Ham convincingly, Bournemouth were poor and lost to Cardiff. Eddie Howe’s team are consistently inconsistent and that shows now signs of changing in the near future.
We don’t know what we will see from the Cherries at Anfield on Saturday.
Bournemouth have been woeful on the road this term, picking up just nine points and scoring once in their last five. Liverpool should return to winning ways.
TIP: Liverpool to win (-1) @ 1/2
PREDICTED SCORE: Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth (Priced at 13/2 with 888sport)
SOUTHAMPTON vs Cardiff City
Ralph Hasenhuttl has led Southampton to a five-match unbeaten streak, having drawn away to Burnley last time out. Saints could drop into the bottom three with defeat in this one, though.
Their last match at St Mary’s ended in disappointment with a draw to Palace. Every point is vital right now, but winning these matches is crucial if Hasenhuttl is to avoid a stressful May.
Cardiff secured an emotional victory at home to Bournemouth last weekend. Neil Warnock’s side are still stuck in the bottom three but are just two points from safety.
Their away form is dreadful, however, meaning anything other than a defeat would be a surprise here.
The visitors have scored seven goals away from home all season. Southampton are a different side under Hasenhuttl and could win this comfortably.
TIP: Southampton to win @ 3/4
PREDICTED SCORE: Southampton 2-0 Cardiff (Priced at 13/2 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
