The end of the Premier League season is fast approaching, and huge games will be played at both ends of the standings this weekend. Liverpool and Manchester City will continue their title battle, while it is a pivotal weekend in the race to finish in the Champions League places in the Premier League, with Arsenal and Manchester United clashing at the Emirates.
Top Four Battle Reaches Next Level
The battle to finish in the Champions League places is the center of attention on Saturday in the Premier League, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur all in action. United and Arsenal clash in the early game at the Emirates, with the Red Devils desperately looking for a response following their 4-0 mauling at Anfield against Liverpool.
The Gunners have an excellent recent record against United, as they are unbeaten in their previous three. They have also kept clean sheets in all three fixtures. However, United did win on their last visit to the Emirates, as they won 3-2 last season. However, that victory ended a six-game winless run against the Gunners. Given the position that United find themselves in, the Arsenal win would be our play.
Also on Saturday, Spurs will be looking to get back to winning ways after their defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend. Spurs have the fourth spot in their own hands at this stage of the season, as wins in their final six games will secure a Champions League return. They come up against Brentford on the road this weekend.
It is the first game that Brentford have hosted Spurs since September 2000, and Spurs will be looking to complete a first ever league double over the Bees after winning the previous game between the sides 2-0 earlier in the campaign. Brentford’s recent form will make them a tough nut to crack, and a draw could be the value play.
Relegation Battle Heats Up
There are also big games at the opposite end of the standings this weekend, with Everton, Norwich, Burnley and Watford in action. The Hornets and Everton face the toughest challenges, as they come up against Manchester City and Liverpool, respectively. It’s hard to make for either of those sides to take anything from their fixtures, and wins for the title chasing sides look extremely likely.
Norwich have a huge fixture against Newcastle, and confidence should be high after a strong showing against Manchester United last weekend. The Canaries are unbeaten in their previous four against the Magpies, and are unbeaten in their last seven played at Carrow Road against Newcastle. The stats certainly point towards a win for the hosts, and it may be worth siding with them this weekend.
Burnley host Wolves in their first home game since the departure of Sean Dyche on Sunday. The Clarets desperately need the points, as they remain three from safety. They have lost just once in their previous three, and a visit from Wolves may not be the most daunting challenge since they have lost two of their previous three. However, another draw could be the result.
Premier League Matchday 34 Picks:
- Arsenal @ +120
- Draw (Brentford vs Spurs) @ +240
- Manchester City @ -1100
- Liverpool @ -500
- Norwich City @ +260
- Draw (Burnley vs Wolves) @ +200
