Predictions
Norwich 0-2 Leicester
Brighton 1-1 Crystal Palace
Bournemouth 1-2 Chelsea
Newcastle 1-0 Burnley
West Ham 2-1 Southampton
Watford 0-1 Liverpool
Everton 1-1 Manchester United
Tottenham 1-1 Wolves
Summary
We have two less games this weekend due to the League Cup Final, where I’m expecting to Villa to suffer a convincing defeat at the hands of Manchester City. The race for the top 4 has become the top 5, with City’s European, thus, making this weekend – namely Sunday – far more interesting, with Everton hosting Manchester United and Tottenham hosting Wolves, as all 4 eye a spot in the top 5 and sub-sequential qualification to the champions League.
Liverpool will break the consecutive wins record if they beat Watford on Saturday. I expect Watford to set up for a point and contain Liverpool for long periods – much like the reserve fixture – however, I expect the Reds to inevitably breakthrough. This won’t do Watford’s survival hopes any favours, however, Watford will be hoping the teams around them pick up minimal points. I have West Ham winning against Southampton, but this require West Ham to perform the same way they did at Anfield on Monday.
Game of the Week: Everton vs Manchester United (Sunday)
Everton are the favourites to win this game and have solid credentials to support that. • Everton are unbeaten at home in the Premier League since Marco Silva’s last game in charge in 23rd November 2019, while Manchester United have lost six of their 13 Premier League away games this season, winning just four. Everton have also won four of their last six at home in the league and four of their last seven at home against Man Utd.
My combined XI factors in the absence of Martial, Rashford and Pogba, otherwise Mina would be the sole Everton representative. Ironically, Mina was a player once strongly linked to United, during the infamous summer of Mourinho vs the Board.
Prediction
Manchester United are in the midst of a seven match unbeaten streak in all competitions, and they would be very disappointed to lose here, despite the various trends that support an Everton. I think there is a value on the draw here at around 12/5, but if you like a safer bet, take United on the Double Chance market at around 8/13.