Just the 4 matches to play in the Premier League this weekend with a number of FA Cup fixtures taking place as well. As a result, there really isn’t really any significant matches this week in terms of affecting the race for the title or even that of the relegation zone. Everton hosting West Brom should be a pretty good contest between 7th & 8th respectively and with both sides losing last time out they’ll both be keen on a win. Liverpool hosting Burnley too will be an interesting match given Liverpool’s recent inconsistencies, Burnley’s 2-0 win against Liverpool the last time they met, and Burnley’s knack of causing an upset (albeit mostly at home)
**Odds from Sportsbet as at 11th March
Everton vs West Brom
Despite the scoreboard showing a 3-2 loss, Everton were well beaten at Tottenham last time out. They didn’t really cause Tottenham a lot of problems but will be looking to change that against a West Brom side who had been on a similar run of form to Everton this week. The Baggies too lost last time out but against a side much lower down the table in Crystal Palace. The main issue for this weekend’s match for West Brom is that they just haven’t really been that great on the road. They’ve won 3 times and managed 5 draws which is ok but not great. Everton have a really strong home record where they’ve claimed 8 wins and lost only once in 14 games.
Everton the side to beat here.
Predicted score: Everton 2-1
Best Bet: Both teams to score – Yes at $2 (85%)
Next Best: Over 2.5 goals at $2.08
Hull vs Swansea
Hull have shown a bit of fight lately in their quest for survival, but particularly at home where they’ve lost just once in their last 6. Swansea present a tricky test though as their recent form has surged them up the table out of the relegation zone and into 16th with 4 wins from their last 6. On the road they’ve been in decent form as well. Of their last 4 they have won 2 with the other 2 matches losses to Manchester City 2-1 and then Chelsea 3-1. Their result against Chelsea was a bit closer than the scoreboard suggests and they should make it pretty difficult for Hull to get something from this one. Hull’s main issue is that they are one of those sides that just doesn’t score enough. So far they’ve managed just 24 goals from 27 matches alongside 53 conceded. That really just isn’t good enough. Interestingly Swansea have conceded 59 this season yet are 6 points ahead. For Swansea a lot of that is down to their recent form spurt where they’ve scored 12 in their last 6 where prior to this they managed only 23 in 21 matches. Still expect this to be a close match with Hull to make it pretty difficult but Swansea have that slight edge on form right now.
Predicted score: Swansea 1-0
Best Bet: Double Chance Swansea at $1.53 (85%)
Next Best: Swansea to win either half at $2.06
Bournemouth vs West Ham
The Hammers look in better form of the two right now and have a few less headaches in terms of suspensions and injuries. Of their last 6 matches, West Ham have taken 8 points in comparison to Bournemouth taking just the 2. One of the big concerns for Bournemouth at the moment is the amount of goals they have conceded over their last 6 which amounts to 15. They’re of course scoring a few of their own but against a West Ham side that has plenty to offer up front, this could be a tough day of it trying to keep the goals out and get a point or more out of the match. Right now it’s difficult to go past West Ham given Bournemouth’s struggles for form.
Predicted score: West Ham 2-1
Best Bet: West Ham Draw No Bet at $1.95 (85%)
Next Best: Over 2.5 goals at $1.69
Liverpool vs Burnley
Liverpool will be looking to reverse the result they had at Burnley earlier this season when they lost 2-0. Given Liverpool’s inconsistencies though, that result when you look at it now really isn’t that surprising at all. Liverpool’s recent form has produced losses to Swansea, Hull and Leicester whilst through they same period they also beat Tottenham and Arsenal. That doesn’t make it easy when looking ahead to what this match will end up as. There is the fact though that Burnley still have the worst away record in the league with just 2 draws from 13 matches which doesn’t make for much positivity heading into this one. That is a very telling record and one that Liverpool shouldn’t be troubled by even though they have an inconsistency about them.
Predicted score: Liverpool 2-0
Best Bet: Liverpool to lead at Half-Time at $1.62 (80%)
Next Best: A goal scored in both halves – Yes at $1.45
