It’s been three weeks since there was a full programme of football games in England’s top flight.
So it’s a welcome return to the drama that EPL and Premier League betting brings.
And while the battle for top spot may be turning into a procession, there’s no doubt betting odds on the relegation scrap provide many a thought-provoking punt.
WEEK 27 SATURDAY:
Manchester United vs Bournemouth
If Man Utd fans have this week been camped outside Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s home – as Jose Mourinho suggested they should to urge him to extend his contract – it would be to laud him with the praise he deserves after he almost single-handedly ensured United clinched the first major silverware of the new season.
Fresh from collecting the 32nd trophy of his career, Mourinho could be forgiven for resting the Swede as their busy schedule continues with three cup matches in eight days following this.
Fat chance!
The Cherries are without a win in eight games and now too close for comfort to the bottom three.
Leicester City vs Hull City
I was in touch with a Leicester City supporting-friend of mine in midweek and, to quote, she described her heroes as a ‘bunch of snakes’.
Whatever the rights and wrongs – and there is no doubt sacked championship-winning manager Claudio Ranieri was let down by many of his charges – the champions produced a fitting tribute to their favourite son by seeing off Liverpool 3-1.
Now, can caretaker manager Craig Shakespeare put himself in pole position for the job with another home win, this time against fellow strugglers Hull?
Stoke City vs Middlesbrough
I was in touch with a Stoke City-supporting friend of mine this week as well (yes, I only have two friends!) who can’t wait for the season to be over and feels boss Mark Hughes has taken the team as far as he can.
He may well be right. Hughes and Stoke’s progress certainly seems to have slowed over the past 18 months.
Yet they remain tough to beat, as do Boro who are organised and determined. If only they could score goals as regularly as Hughes used to in his playing days.
Swansea City vs Burnley
Swansea have been unrecognisable from the side which so struggled under Bob Bradley and, to a slightly lesser extent, Francesco Guidolin.
Burnley have been unrecognisable away from home from the side that have made Turf Moor something of a fortress.
Yet, they collected only their second away point of the season last weekend so they will not fear a trip to Wales.
Watford vs Southampton
After their superb display in the League Cup Final, how can the Saints react in a mundane mid-table league clash with little to play for on either side?
If they play anything like as well as they did at Wembley, it could be a long afternoon for Watford.
Ahead of this mid-table clash, the Hornets have already used 36 players, more than any other top-flight side. They have also suffered a blow with the loss of Mauro Zarate with ligament damage.
West Bromwich Albion vs Crystal Palace
With the 40-point mark now reached, West Brom will hope to avoid a repeat of last season.
Then, once the tally deemed enough to secure Premier League safety was reached, the Baggies took their foot off the accelerator and failed to win any of their final nine league games.
How Palace, still in the relegation zone on goal difference despite their victory over Boro, could do with back-to-back victories.
WEEK 27 SUNDAY:
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
After notching his 60th goal in the Premier League for Everton – level with Duncan Ferguson – Romelu Lukaku would love to make the record his own.
After becoming the first Tottenham player since Jimmy Greaves to net 20 goals or more in three successive seasons, Harry Kane would also like to add to his hat-trick which downed Stoke.
Two bright sides clash at White Hart Lane, and most eyes will be on the strikers.
WEEK 27 MONDAY:
Sunderland vs Manchester City
The truth is that Sunderland, while occasionally disorganised, are not lacking in effort – they just don’t have the quality to survive.
We’ve heard this before haven’t we? That is before Paolo Di Canio, Gus Poyet, Dick Advocaat and Sam Allardyce worked their wonders.
If David Moyes is going to do the same, a positive result against Man City arguably will be the Wearsiders’ best escape of all.
WEEK 27 TUESDAY:
West Ham United vs Chelsea
When these sides met in the League Cup in October, West Ham turned on the style to send Antonio Conte’s men – albeit with a slightly weaker side – crashing out.
There’s something about Chelsea that brings out the best in the Hammers – they also defeated them last season.
However, without the suspended Michail Antonio and, probably, the injured Andy Carroll, a repeat victory is unlikely.
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