Who’s excited for a Premier League double header on Saturday then? The weekend kicks off with the M23 derby between Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace. It might not be the most glamorous early game on paper but a feisty atmosphere awaits at the Amex Stadium.
Manchester City can go four points clear at the top of the table with a victory over Watford on Saturday evening. The Hornets conceded five to Liverpool less than two weeks ago and Pep Guardiola’s side will be quietly confident of extending their advantage in the title race.
Let’s get down to the tipping then. We’ve found a tasty 7/2 double ahead of Saturday’s two televised matches and Premier League fans will be keeping a close eye on proceedings at both ends of the table. Without further ado, scroll down to check out my best bets…
CRYSTAL PALACE vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (12:30pm)
Crystal Palace have lost just one of their last eight games in all competitions – and that was against an in-form Manchester United. Roy Hodgson has the Eagles on the cusp of safety and a win here might be enough to keep Palace in the Premier League for another season.
The 4/5 for a home success offers value. Palace edged a five-goal thriller against Brighton back in April and it could be another nail biter for the hosts. Hodgson’s side are a tough nut to crack at Selhurst Park, with just one home defeat against a bottom-half side in 2018/19.
A win for Brighton will see them draw level on 33 points with Palace in the battle to avoid relegation. On paper, the Seagulls are stronger than most of their rivals but Chris Hughton’s side will be wary of getting sucked into the bottom three.
Punters fancying an away win may be tempted by the EVENS for Brighton to avoid defeat on Saturday afternoon. A 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town last weekend has lifted the mood somewhat and back-to-back wins would go a long way to cementing their top flight status.
The selection has landed in each of the last three meetings between these two sides – that makes the 59/50 in 888sport's Premier League Odds odds very appealing indeed. Neutrals could be in for a Selhurst Park treat on Saturday lunchtime.
TIP: Over 2.5 goals @ 59/50
PREDICTED SCORE: Crystal Palace 2-1 Brighton (Priced at 6/1 with 888sport)
MANCHESTER CITY vs Watford (5:30pm)
Manchester City were seven points behind Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at one stage but the Blues are back on top after an incredible run. Victory at Bournemouth was enough to take City to the summit and the defending champions are well placed to retain the crown.
The injury to Kevin de Bruyne won’t help their chances but City have had to play most of the 2018/19 campaign without the talismanic Belgian. Expect David Silva to pull the strings and he is well priced at 11/5 to record an assist on Saturday evening.
Watford got back to winning ways at the first time of asking after that 5-0 drubbing against Liverpool. The Hornets were below their best against Leicester City but Javi Gracia’s men snatched an injury-time winner, much to the delight of the Vicarage Road faithful.
Their record in this fixture is poor though; City have won the last nine meetings between the two sides. A repeat of the 3-1 result from January 2018 could be on the cards – there is some value in backing both teams to score at 19/20.
I’m expecting City to get the job done but they might not have everything their own way. Watford are inconsistent but that makes predicting results difficult. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Gracia’s men nick a goal – that brings the 33/20 for the selection into play.
TIP: Manchester City to win & both teams to score @ 33/20
PREDICTED SCORE: Man City 3-1 Watford (Priced at 10/1 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
