Premier League Matchday 16 Preview
The Premier League has delivered some unexpected, but exciting games in the past couple of matchdays. Here`s what we`ve picked to keep an eye on this weekend!
Player of the month, manager of the month, and goal of the month – the Devils` week got even better after a dominant 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Wednesday. United has recently looked like a decent side in the Premier League, having lost just 1 of their last 5 games in English topflight. Although their home form has not been the most convincing, having already lost 3 of their 8 PL games at Old Trafford this season, they go into the game on a 2-game winning streak at Old Trafford. Overall, it seems like Ten Hag`s outfit is starting to find its rhythm and is going to be a major problem for Bournemouth if they repeat Wednesday`s performance.
Surprisingly, Bournemouth have played 4 consecutive Premier League games without a defeat and go into the game on the back of a 2-0 victory at Selhurst – a fairly tough venue to visit. Although their recent form looks promising, it does mask a poor run of form up until the Newcastle victory – as they`ve 9 of their 10 topflight games prior to that. Looking at H2H, the Red Devils have won 4 of their last 5 meetings against the Cherries and 3 of the 5 ended in o.2.5 goals. Although Bournemouth are seemingly on an upward run, going to Old Trafford will still be a challenge, and if ten Hag does not make too many team changes, we expect Manchester United to win and over 2.5 goals.
An unexpected Top 4 contender, Aston Villa have made their mark on the Top 4 race as they now sit 4th on the table. Unai Emery will certainly be confident in his chances on Saturday, having won all 7 of his side`s home fixtures in the Premier League, with the latest mid-week victory over Manchester City. Although they`ve only won by 1 goal, in the previous 6 games at Villa Park the hosts managed to score at least 3 goals in each and considering Arsenal`s leaking backline the room for opportunities is large, and the Villains are certainly not to be disregarded in this clash.
A last-minute goal for Declan Rice secured Arsenal`s spot at the summit at Kenilworth Road, where they secured a 4-3 victory over Luton in their mid-week clash. Although Villa Park has been a nightmare for many teams this season, Arteta`s men go into the game having lost just 1 of their 7 away games in the Premier League this season, which was to Newcastle. Unfortunately for Villa, looking at the H2H, the Gunners have won 4 of their last 5 meetings against the Birmingham side, with 4 consecutive victories as of the latest form. Still, seeing Villa`s performance against City, it is hard to write them off. Therefore, we are expecting a high-scoring game but will go for both teams to score and over 2.5 goals.
Things are heating up for Postecoglou as Tottenham have failed to record a win in their last 5 Premier League game, with 4 resulting in a loss. Spurs` home record has been good, until the 4-1 defeat to Chelsea, and they`ve not lost 3 consecutive fixtures at home. Their defensive abilities are also a concern, as they`ve conceded 13 goals in just 5 games. The 2-1 defeat against West Ham did them no favours and the London outfit are not looking too convincing going into Sunday`s game.
Newcastle will be eager to bounce back after a shocking 3-0 defeat to Everton. However, their away form suggests that the task might be more difficult than expected – the Magpies have won just 1 of their 7 away fixtures in the Premier League this season and are playing on the back of 4 consecutive games without a win. It was a historical moment when the 2 sides met last time, as Newcastle netted 6 past Spurs and St. James` Park. Although Newcastle have been shaky on the road, Tottenham have not shown any positives in their recent form, and therefore, we expect Newcastle to win and scrape a win and over 2.5 goals in the game.
We wish you a profitable betting weekend!