A huge weekend of Premier League action is in store for this weekend, as the Manchester derby is the standout fixture. There are also huge fixtures at the top and bottom of the division, with Liverpool looking to maintain their title challenge against West Ham United, and Norwich and Brentford meeting in an old-fashioned six-pointer.
Manchester Derby Headlines Fixtures
The second meeting of the season between Manchester United and Manchester City is the standout fixture this weekend. City will be looking to do the double over United for the second time during the Pep Guardiola reign, as they last achieved the feat in 2018-19. However, the Red Devils have an excellent record away from home in this fixture, and will be looking to win a fourth straight game at the Etihad.
In fact, no fixture in Premier League history has seen more away wins than the Manchester derby. City’s home record has also been in question this season, as 67% of their defeats have come at the Etihad, including their 3-2 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur last time out. There could be more value in the betting that meets the eye this weekend, and the draw or United in the double change market could be a decent selection at +175.
Relegation Scrap Holds Importance
The most important fixture towards the bottom of the standings this weekend comes from Carrow Road, as Norwich City welcome Brentford. The visitors currently sit just three points outside of the drop zone, and have picked up just one point from their last eight league fixtures. That run of eight games without a win is the longest in the Premier League at present.
Norwich’s first win of the season came in this reverse fixture, but are looking for a first league double against Brentford since the 159-60 season. However, the Bees have a poor record in recent visits to Carrow Road, as they have gone six league visits without a victory. It could be worth sticking with that trend this weekend, as Norwich are decent value at +190.
Leeds Hoping For New Manager Bounce
Leeds United parted company with Marcelo Bielsa earlier this week and Jesse Marsch will take charge of the team for the first time at the King Power on Saturday. The Whites have lost their previous four games in the Premier League and are just two clear of the drop zone. Leicester won their last league fixture, which was the first time that they have picked up maximum points since December.
Leeds have a decent record away from home against Leicester, as they have gone five without a defeat. They won this fixture 3-1 last season. Meanwhile, the Foxes have gone three home fixtures without a win in the Premier League, and have dropped seven points from winning positions in those fixture. Leeds will need to make a strong start though, as the have conceded two goals in the first half in each of their previous five league fixtures. But, we expect a bounce this weekend, and the draw at +300 could be a good play.
Best Premier League Picks:
- Draw or Manchester United @ +175
- Norwich City @ +190
- Draw (Leicester vs Leeds) @ +300
