Liverpool failed to make the most of their game-in-hand on Manchester City but the Reds should take positives from their goalless draw at Manchester United. Securing a point at Old Trafford is never easy and Jurgen Klopp’s men look back at that draw as a very good point.
With Tottenham Hotspur falling short against Burnley on Saturday afternoon, most fans are now calling it a two-horse race for the Premier League title. Liverpool are a point clear at the top of the table but both challengers are in action on Wednesday evening.
The Reds are hunting their first domestic title in 29 years but momentum is back with the defending champions. Without further ado, let’s take a look at a few of Wednesday’s games – the four-fold is available at just over 6/1 in the sports betting odds...
ARSENAL vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH (7:45pm)
Arsenal have picked up 35 points from a possible 42 on home soil this campaign – a record bettered only by that of Liverpool and Manchester City. The Gunners have won seven on the spin at the Emirates Stadium and will be quietly confident of victory here.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth have slipped down to 10th in the table after a torrid run of form. On the road, the Cherries have failed to inspire confidence – scoring just one goal in their last six away matches. Eddie Howe will be demanding an improved effort on Wednesday.
Despite Bournemouth’s struggles in front of goal, I like the 4/6 available for both teams to score on Wednesday night. Arsenal’s defence is inconsistent at best and the Cherries could spring a shock if the Gunners are off colour.
TIP: Both teams to score @ 4/6
PREDICTED SCORE: Arsenal 2-1 Bournemouth (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)
CRYSTAL PALACE vs Manchester United (7:45pm)
Roy Hodgson’s side are unbeaten in their previous four top flight games – Crystal Palace are now up to 13th. The Eagles will fancy their chances under the Selhurst Park floodlights and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Palace nick a positive result.
Given the circumstances, Manchester United will have been satisfied with a draw at home to Liverpool on Sunday. With injuries plaguing the squad, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may have to turn to a few of his fringe players ahead of this contest.
The 8/13 on offer for Palace to avoid defeat should be snapped up. Taking United’s injury woes into account, the Eagles have enough quality to hold their own on home soil. It might not be the prettiest game of the night but it should be entertaining nonetheless.
TIP: Crystal Palace to win OR draw @ 8/13
PREDICTED SCORE: Crystal Palace 1-1 Man United (Priced at 5/1 with 888sport)
LIVERPOOL vs Watford (8pm)
Liverpool will want to get back to winning ways here after a run of four draws in the space of five games. Klopp’s men have been sublime on home soil this season and Anfield will be expecting a big performance on Wednesday night.
But Watford are no slouches and predicting a landslide Liverpool victory would be foolish. The Hornets put five goals past Cardiff City on Friday night and Javi Gracia’s men will have a go at Anfield. Watford will not roll over and let Liverpool have everything their own way.
However, I’m expecting Liverpool’s class to shine through. The Reds are well priced at 3/4 to score in both halves here – Watford will give a decent account but Liverpool should prove too strong over the course of 90 minutes.
TIP: Liverpool to score in both halves @ 3/4
PREDICTED SCORE: Liverpool 3-1 Watford (Priced at 9/1 with 888sport)
MANCHESTER CITY vs West Ham United (8pm)
Pep Guardiola’s side needed penalties to get past Chelsea in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final but the Blues got the job done. Their attention now turns back to the Premier League ahead of a huge clash with West Ham at the Etihad Stadium.
The Hammers have struggled away from home in recent weeks, picking up just one point in their last four games. Manuel Pellegrini led West Ham to a 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool at the start of February but securing a positive result here is a much harder task.
Manchester City will smell blood and this one could get ugly for the Hammers. 1/2 is a solid enough price for Pep’s men to score in both halves – City could run up a cricket score if West Ham aren’t careful.
TIP: Man City to score in both halves @ 1/2
PREDICTED SCORE: Man City 3-0 West Ham (Priced at 13/2 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
