2020 started with Brighton and Southampton getting one and three points respectively off of Chelsea and Tottenham. The second Premier League gameweek of the new decade is upon us and it has some crackling matchups for the fans.
Friday night serves up Sheffield United vs West Ham, a fixture which has become memorable after the Carlos Tevez saga. Saturday kicks us off with a London derby featuring Crystal Palace and Arsenal, with the latter one point behind Roy Hodgson’s men as at the moment.
Everton look to continue moving up under Carlo Ancelotti as they host Brighton while Southampton will look to get points from another fixture against a top team when they visit Leicester.
Burnley are in danger of being dragged into the relegation battle and will be looking to inflict some damage on Chelsea’s top four credentials while Manchester United will hope to bounce back from their defeat to Arsenal when they meet Norwich at Old Trafford.
Wolves and Newcastle go head-to-head in an attempt to arrest their respective losing streaks while the Saturday ends with Tottenham hosting Liverpool in a match that could serve the Premier League fans with some excitement in the long-run if Jose Mourinho has his way.
Sunday features just two games – Watford travel to Bournemouth while Aston Villa host a Manchester City side that will be hoping to close the gap between them and Liverpool.
Before we move on to the next matchday and the tips for the matches, let us look at how our tips for the last Matchday fared.
Total Probables Result : 4/8 (60/105)
Total Buckshot Result: 3/3
Outside Chance Result: 3/7
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
Arsenal come into the game on the back of the high of a win over Manchester United and a close victory over Leeds in the FA Cup. Crystal Palace have been one of the most stable teams outside of the top three this season and have a good record against Arsenal in recent matches.
We should see an enticing matchup unfold on Saturday, with Arsenal’s momentum likely to give them the advantage.
Probables:
1. Arsenal to win @ 1.83
2. Both Teams to Score – YES @ 1.75
Outside Chance:
1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to score 2 or more @ 4.33
Manchester United vs Norwich
While there is still a long way to go, one could call this a must-win game for Norwich. 5 points adrift of 19th placed Watford and 7 points away from safety, the Canaries need to string together multiple good results in the coming months to have any chance of surviving.
Manchester United are 5th despite an array of bad results over the last few weeks, which has undone the recent good streak they had. United are going through an injury crisis, but Norwich’s woeful form should ensure a home win for Solskjaer and co.
Probables:
1. Manchester United Clean Sheet – YES @ 2.10
2. Marcus Rashford to score anytime @ 1.80
Outside Chance:
1. Teemu Pukki to score anytime @ 3.10
Chelsea vs Burnley
The Blues have dipped of late, in terms of results and are aware that the chasing pack will not begrudge them any more in the race for top four. Burnley, on the other hand, are being scarily drawn into the relegation debate, something Sean Dyche would not want. Chelsea’s home form though, is one of the poorest and might just give Burnley a chance to get some points off of the Blues.
Probables:
1. Both Teams to Score – YES @ 2.05
Outside Chance:
1. Full Time Result – Draw or Burnley @ 3.50
Tottenham vs Liverpool
Spurs are another team that are going through a bit of an injury crisis, with their main talisman Harry Kane out for a long period. The match couldn’t have come at a worse time for Jose Mourinho, who will still hope to stop Liverpool in their tracks. We should see Spurs go into the game with a defensive mindset, with another Mourinho masterclass looming.
But, Liverpool should have enough quality about them to get the W.
Probables:
1. Liverpool to win @ 1.66
2. Sadio Mane to score anytime @ 2.10
Outside Chance:
1. Liverpool to win to NIL @ 3.25
Aston Villa vs Manchester City
Villa don’t have anywhere near a decent record against Manchester City in recent matches. But, anything can happen. One thing is obvious, though. City have been rampant in recent matches as far as their attack is concerned. All things point to a comfortable win for Manchester City.
Probables:
1. Manchester City Asian Handicap -2.0 @ 1.675
Outside Chance:
1. Raheem Sterling to score 2 or more @ 3.40
Miscellaneous Tips
West Ham will hope to take advantage of Sheffield United’s recent dip in form to secure consecutive wins under David Moyes. Everton should continue their charge under Carlo Ancelotti when they meet Brighton. The relegation six-pointer between Bournemouth and Watford favours the away side.
Leicester will be looking to defend their place on the Premier League table from Manchester City. But, they face a Southampton side that shocked Tottenham last gameweek and will be looking to steer further clear of any talk of relegation in the coming weeks. Elsewhere, Newcastle’s poor away record should favour Wolves in their matchup on Saturday.
Probables:
1. Everton to beat Brighton @ 1.85
2. Leicester vs Southampton – Both Teams to Score – YES @
3. Bournemouth vs Watford – Full Time Result – Draw or Watford @ 1.50
Outside Chance:
1. West Ham to beat Sheffield United @ 4.00