There is a condensed Premier League fixture list this weekend, with four of the English top-flight sides in FA Cup semi-final action. We can catch our breath following the pulsating clash between Manchester City and Liverpoollast weekend, as neither of the title rivals are in action this weekend. But, it could be a crucial round of fixtures in terms of the battle for Champions League places and fight to avoid relegation.
Huge Weekend For Bottom Three
All three of the sides that occupy the places in the relegation spots are in action this weekend. Norwich City will be looking for a second straight win to keep their feint hopes of survival alive when they visit Manchester United on Saturday. United have been in poor form over recent weeks, but their record against the Canaries is very strong, as they have won 12 of the previous 15. The Red Devils have also won their previous four. Norwich have picked up just one win on their previous 12 visits to Old Trafford, with that success coming back in December 2015. It would certainly give Norwich hope given United’s poor record at Old Trafford this season, and it could be tempting to have a stab at Draw or Norwich on the double chance market.
Watford are also in action on Saturday, as they come up against a Brentford side, who’s survival already looks assured this season. The Bees have won their previous two against the Hornets, but they have failed to do the double over Watford since the 1976-77 season. It also doesn’t held Brentford’s chances that they are without a win in their previous seven visits to Vicarage Road. This is a huge game for Watford, and I could see them taking maximum points.
The final side in relegation danger are in action on Sunday, as Burnley travel to the London Stadium to take on West Ham United. The Clarets need to bounce back after their defeat against Norwich last weekend. West Ham have failed to score in five of their last eight games against Burnley, while the Clarets have picked up two wins from their previous four visits to the Hammers. I certainly fancy Burnley’s chances this weekend, as West Ham could be suffering from a European hangover.
Top Four Race Heats Up
It looks like it is a straight fight between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal to finish fourth in the league standings. Spurs get the Premier League weekend underway on Saturday, as they host Brighton. Tottenham have a 100% record in home fixtures against the Seagulls, as they have won all four previous meetings. Brighton’s away record against Spurs is very poor, as they are winless since a 1-0 victory in 1981. It looks easy to side with the in-form Spurs this weekend.
Arsenal kick off just a couple of hours later, as they look to end a run of two straight defeats in the Premier League. The Gunners could be six points behind Spurs by the time they kick off. Arsenal have won their previous two games at St Mary’s, and have lost just once in their last 12 fixtures against the Saints in the Premier League. But, the last time that the Gunners did the double over Southampton came back in the 2016-17 season. However, it’s hard to oppose them this weekend.
Premier League Matchday 33 Picks:
- Draw or Norwich @ +275
- Watford @ +170
- Burnley @ +400
- Tottenham Hotspur @ -188
- Arsenal @ -106
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