We are in for an action-packed weekend with some top-tier clashes coming from the Premier League! We`ve picked out some of the best games of the weekend for a match preview and best bets!
West Ham vs Chelsea [Saturday]
West Ham seem to be finally heading in the right direction – having gone 3 games unbeaten in all competitions. Still, there`s a ton of pressure on Moyes as his side go into this fixture sitting in 17th place on the Premier League table, with just 1 point separating them from the drop-zone. Considering their position, their last Premier League outing could be considered as a positive performance as they held a dangerous Newcastle United side to a 1-1 draw at St. James` Park. Considering this result, it is not unlikely that the Hammers will cause problems for Chelsea.
Although the club broke the bank in January, Chelsea is still failing to deliver the right results. Sitting in 9th place and 10 points from ‘Top 4’, the Blues have dropped points in their last 2 PL games with goalless draws against Liverpool & Fulham. Their last win came almost a month ago against Crystal Palace, with a mere 1-0 victory. To their advantage, the Blues have gotten the best of their neighbors in 4 of the last 5 games these 2 sides met. However, considering that Potter is struggling to get this team going, it is not unlikely that they can drop points yet again. We expect Chelsea to win or draw, with over 2.5 goals.
Arsenal vs Brentford [Saturday]
Arsenal will be looking to bounce-back from an unexpected 1-0 defeat to Everton in their last Premier League outing. Although still at the Premier League summit with a 5-point lead, the Gunners have now lost 2 consecutive games in all competition having crashed out of the FA Cup prior to the Everton trip. They still have a game in hand on the Citizens and a victory against Brentford is a must if they are to stay the favorites in the title race. Although the 2 sides have only met 4 times, the Gunners have won all 4 including a 3-0 victory this season.
Brentford has surprised many this season as they now sit 7th on the EPL table with 6 points from the ‘Top 5’. The Bees have now gone 9 Premier League games without a defeat, with the last loss coming against Aston Villa back in October. Thomas Frank has managed to instill a clear & direct style of play within his squad which has been a problem for some big sides this season. Although the odds are not in their favor, we think Brentford will still give Arsenal a run for their money and we expect a high-scoring game with over 2.5 goals, but still Arsenal to win.
Leeds vs Manchester United [Sunday]
Leeds will be looking to repeat their impressive display against the Red Devils, but this time hold on to their lead if it is to go that way. Leeds took a 2-goal lead in their meeting on Wednesday night, but let their guard slip and salvaged just 1 point against United. Going into the reverse fixture, Leeds sit just 1 point from relegation and 3 points at home will do them the world of good. However, Manchester United has won 3 of their last 5 meetings and considering that they`re still the favorites, it is unlikely that Leeds will catch the Devils out again.
The loaded schedule could be considered having a large impact on the Red Devils as they looked sluggish in both halves against Leeds, leading to the concession of the 2 goals. Nevertheless, the Red Devils are still very much in the title race as they sit in 3rd place with just 2 points from Manchester City. Considering their recent run of form, a draw against Leeds is unlikely to crush United`s momentum and although we do think we are in for a high-scoring blockbuster repeat, we expect Manchester United to win on the day. Over 3.5 goals could also be a possibility, but slightly risky.
Olimpians, we hope you have a great weekend ahead of you!