This weekend’s Premier League matches cover four days, starting on Friday night in Southampton and ending on Monday at Stamford Bridge.
Friday night’s clash at St Mary’s and the three Saturday matches – all kicking off at 3pm – are the focus of our attention for this piece.
Southampton vs LIVERPOOL
Three wins in four outings has given Southampton a bit of a cushion from the bottom three, but Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side still have work to do if they are to avoid the drop.
Saints have been very good at home of late and are looking to make it three wins on the bounce at St Mary’s.
Liverpool could be second by the time this match kicks off, but they have a chance to return to the top of the table for a few days with Manchester City in FA Cup action this weekend.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have not been at their best away from home recently, but the visitors are strong favourites to pick up three points here.
Even at a short price of 21/50, it’s hard to bet against a Liverpool victory. Klopp’s side will be full of confidence having snatched a dramatic win at home to Tottenham on Sunday.
TIP: Liverpool to win @ 21/50
PREDICTED SCORE: Southampton 0-3 Liverpool (Priced at 8/1 with 888sport)
AFC BOURNEMOUTH vs Burnley
Bournemouth are playing like many a mid-table side do in spring. You can tell they have nothing to play for, and it’s impacting their results.
A limp display saw defeat to Leicester last time out, making it five points picked up of the last 24 available. The Cherries have still proven hard to defeat at home, however, losing just four times at the Vitality Stadium this term.
Burnley got a surprising and hugely important win at home to Wolves last time out. The victory ended a three-match losing streak and gave Sean Dyche’s side some much needed breathing space from 18th-placed Cardiff City.
Their away record is not great, though, with only already relegated Fulham and Huddersfield having conceded more goals on the road this campaign.
The 21/20 on Bournemouth to win is one of the standout prices in 888sport’s Premier League odds. Eddie Howe will fancy his team’s chances of a positive result at home.
TIP: Bournemouth to win @ 21/20
PREDICTED SCORE: Bournemouth 2-1 Burnley (Priced at 15/2 with 888sport)
Huddersfield Town vs LEICESTER CITY
The inevitable was confirmed last weekend. Huddersfield became the second-earliest team in Premier League history to be relegated, having won just three matches and scored a measly 18 goals.
There are rumours of unrest at the club and Jan Siewert’s future is already uncertain.
Leicester, in stark contrast, have won three straight and are enjoying the early days of the Brendan Rodgers era.
The Foxes are eyeing up a Europa League spot after their upturn in form and will leap up to seventh with a comfortable victory this weekend while Watford and Wolves are in FA Cup action.
It’s impossible to see past an away win here. Huddersfield have struggled all season, scoring just seven goals at home. This is a mismatch – Leicester could win this emphatically.
TIP: Leicester to win @ 8/11
PREDICTED SCORE: Huddersfield 0-4 Leicester (Priced at 24/1 with 888sport)
NEWCASTLE UNITED vs Crystal Palace
Newcastle fell to Monday Night Football defeat away to Arsenal. Rafa Benitez’s side are as good as safe now but will be keen to make it six home wins in a row.
After a cruel schedule at the start of the Premier League season, the Magpies have performed admirably, picking up points consistently since the turn of the year.
Roy Hodgson’s Palace are in a near-identical situation, though they sit one place and one point above Newcastle at the moment.
Away form has been the key for the Eagles, notching 20 points in 15 matches on the road so far this campaign. Like Newcastle, though, they do not have a great deal to play for in the rest of the season.
This has the makings of an entertaining match. Both teams can relax a little now and there will be plenty of talent on the pitch. Newcastle’s home form gives the edge to Benitez’s side, and the 31/20 represents good value.
TIP: Newcastle to win @ 31/20
PREDICTED SCORE: Newcastle 2-1 Crystal Palace (Priced at 17/2 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
