It has been one of those weeks - a joyous one for sports fans across the globe. We have had football every single night of the week, we have the first Ashes Test, we have autumn internationals this weekend, and the final Grand Prix for the Formula One season.
The cherry on top of that delightful gateaux is, of course, the Premier League this weekend. You can find plenty of other previews on our site, but here we are giving the 3pm kick-offs the once over.
CRYSTAL PALACE vs STOKE CITY
Performances have improved dramatically for Crystal Palace under Roy Hodgson. Results, though, have not been ideal.
Still only on five points, the Eagles are rooted to the bottom of the table. An eventful – and controversial – draw with Everton last weekend was handy, but Hodgson needs to start picking up wins if Palace are to have any chance of safety.
Stoke battled to a 2-2 draw of their own with Brighton on Monday night. An unbeaten run of three has helped to reduce some of the pressure on Mark Hughes, while giving the Potters a bit of breathing space.
Goals have been common in Stoke matches this season. There have been 39 in their 12 matches to date, in fact, including over 2.5 in eight of their last nine.
I can’t pick a winner here. Two flawed defences are likely to provide goals, though.
TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 11/10
NEWCASTLE UNITED vs WATFORD
Newcastle have slipped into the beginnings of a rut. Three league defeats in a row have seen them score just the one goal, which came in a 4-1 defeat to Manchester United last weekend.
Rafa Benitez has everything under control, but the Magpies will be keen to stunt this slide in front of their home crowd.
Watford ended their own losing streak last weekend with a win over West Ham. The club have rejected advances from Everton for Marco Silva, and are set for a solid top half finish this season. Currently sitting in eighth, the gap to seventh placed Burnley could close to one point this weekend.
This is a tricky match to predict. Watford have seen over 2.5 in their last four on the road, but there have been under 2.5 in Newcastle’s last four at St James’ Park. The Hornets’ defence should not be too troubled by a struggling Newcastle attack, though, and should just have enough to snatch a win.
TIP: Watford to win @ 12/5
SWANSEA CITY vs BOURNEMOUTH
Back-to-back wins have given a completely different feeling to Bournemouth’s campaign. What was a concerning few months is now a solid enough beginning, as they sit on 13 points from 12 Premier League matches. Plenty of punters will be backing the Cherries to win in 888sport's football betting odds this weekend...
Their hosts this weekend have not been in such form. Languishing in 18th, the Swans have lost four in a row and this match has become as good as a must-win for Paul Clement.
The five points that separates the two teams seems like a vast chasm with Swansea’s form. Their dependence on Tammy Abraham in attack has been paired with defensive errors for a pointless cocktail. Abraham is a doubt this weekend, too.
With Callum Wilson coming off the back of a brilliant hat-trick last weekend, Bournemouth might just have hit their rhythm in the final third. It could be another painful afternoon for Swansea.
TIP: Bournemouth to win @ 17/10
Tottenham vs West Bromwich Albion
Tony Pulis’ departure was inevitable after defeat to Chelsea last weekend. West Brom will be hoping that can shock them out of this dire run that has seem them go winless since August.
Unfortunately, they face a Tottenham side who return to Wembley off the back of an impressive win at Borussia Dortmund. North London derby defeat will still sting, but the Lilywhites are hardly the perfect opponent for a struggling team.
Fatigue for the hosts is the Baggies’ best chance. Harry Kane looked leggy last weekend, but played again in midweek. Injuries have limited Mauricio Pochettino’s rotation options.
Despite the talk of Wembley woe, Spurs have a very solid home record, winning their last three under the arch. Anything else this weekend would be one of the shocks of the season.
TIP: Tottenham to win @ 6/25
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
