Both ends of the Premier League will be impacted by Sunday’s three matches. Manchester United and Arsenal are in the middle of the battle for a top four spot. Liverpool need to keep the pressure on Manchester City.
Cardiff will be looking to upset the odds and could climb out of the bottom three with victory. Everton and Crystal Palace have little to play for other than the extra prize money associated with a higher league position.
Here are a few thoughts and Premier League tips on Sunday's triple header.
EVERTON vs MANCHESTER UNITED
Everton were in good form and eyeing up seventh. Then they went to Fulham last week and lost 2-0.
It was a puzzling result considering the relative situations at the two clubs, and it puts Everton in a tricky position as they try to keep pace with Wolves (who have a game in hand) and Leicester.
It’s been a troubled start to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s permanent reign. Patchy league form was joined by Champions League elimination as Manchester United were thoroughly outplayed by Barcelona in the Camp Nou on Tuesday.
With matches against Manchester City and Chelsea to follow, United are in desperate need of a victory here as they chase a top four spot.
United are 7/20 to avoid defeat. They have lost their last four in all competitions away from Old Trafford, however. The 9/4 on a home victory looks great value.
The joy of Solskjaer’s early days as manager faded as the defence faltered. The attack, partly because of niggling injuries, is not as fluent, but the talent is there to cause Everton problems.
United have not kept a clean sheet since February – goals are a certainty, and 10/11 on over 2.5 goals is the pick of the options.
TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 10/11
PREDICTED SCORE: Everton 2-1 Manchester United (Priced at 19/2 with 888sport)
ARSENAL vs Crystal Palace
Arsenal returned to the top four with their first away league clean sheet of the season as they beat 10-man Watford at Vicarage Road on Monday.
The Gunners were unimpressive, however, and rode their luck to win against Javi Gracia’s side. With Manchester United kicking off a couple of hours earlier on Sunday, Arsenal could be down in fifth by the time this match starts.
Crystal Palace are comfortable in mid-table. The Eagles aren’t going to finish in the top half and are well clear of the relegation zone.
Three defeats and three losses in their last six sums up their situation – there’s not much to get excited about at Selhurst Park, though this has been another solid Premier League season.
Palace have been effective on the road all season, thriving with the opportunity to counter-attack, giving Wilfried Zaha space to take on opponents.
Arsenal, though, haven’t lost a home Premier League match since they hosted Manchester City on opening day. Despite that record, the 1/2 on an Arsenal win is too short.
Both teams to score at 7/10 is a good price, even though Arsenal have been decent defensively of late. Combining the two at 39/20 is the best bet available.
TIP: Arsenal to win and both teams to score @ 39/20
PREDICTED SCORE: Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)
Cardiff City vs LIVERPOOL
The great escape is still on for Neil Warnock’s Cardiff. They picked up just their third away win of the season on Wednesday, beating Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
That result closed the gap to two points, though Cardiff’s difficult remaining fixtures leaves them up against it. They are still 33/100 to be relegated.
Liverpool scored two wonderful goals to beat Chelsea last weekend and maintain their position at the top of the table.
They will be back down in second by the time this match kicks off if Manchester City win on Saturday, however. Jurgen Klopp’s side cannot afford to drop any points, as they are already requiring a slip up from City.
The league leaders are 2/9 to win on Sunday afternoon. The price is too short to attract much interest, but the -1 handicap provides better value at 3/5.
Cardiff have put in some impressive home performances, facing this Liverpool side is a step too far and the gap in quality is too much.
Sadio Mane to score anytime in a Liverpool win is another way to boost Liverpool’s odds. The Evens price is worth considering.
TIP: Liverpool to win (-1) @ 3/5
PREDICTED SCORE: Cardiff 0-3 Liverpool (Priced at 6/1 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
