The title pendulum swing in Manchester City’s favour over the previous round of games in the Premier League, as Pep Guardiola’s side have been able to open up a three-point lead over Liverpool at the top of the standings. Both sides are in action again in midweek, while there is a huge fixture at the bottom of the standings, as Everton look for a big win on the road against Watford.
Must-Win Game For Liverpool
The pressure will be on Liverpool this week, as defeat could allow Manchester City to wrap up the title over their next two fixtures. The Reds come up against Aston Villa on Tuesday night, as they look to bounce back following a draw against Tottenham Hotspur. Villa will have happy memories of this fixture from last season, as they famously beat Liverpool 7-2 at Villa Park.
However, the Midlands side haven’t won back-to-back games against the Reds since 1998. The Reds still have a strong overall record in this fixture, as they have won seven of the last eight. Liverpool have scored in all but one of their away games this season, and have already netted 41 times on the road. The safe bet looks to be for Liverpool on Tuesday.
Manchester City will have the opportunity to respond on Wednesday evening, as they are also in the Midlands to take on Wolves. City won this fixture 3-1 last season, but they haven’t won back-to-back away games against Wolves since 1981.
However, their recent record against Wolves is very strong, as City have picked up victories in the previous three meetings between the sides. It would be extremely hard to see past City maintaining that run given that they are unbeaten in their last 16 on the road.
Everton & Leeds Face Huge Showdowns
Also on Wednesday, it could be a pivotal weekend at the bottom of the Premier League standings. Everton take on Watford, as they look for a second straight victory on the road. Prior to their win at Leicester on Sunday, the Toffees had won just once away from Goodison Park this season.
This could be a very good fixture for Frank Lampard’s side, as Watford’s relegation to the Championship was confirmed on Saturday afternoon following defeat against Crystal Palace. Watford have a poor home record, and an away win for the Toffees could be the good value play here.
Leeds United face a more testing fixture on Wednesday, as they come up against Chelsea. The Whites have lost their last two and currently sit in the relegation places in the Premier League. Chelsea are still fighting for their Champions League position this season, but their focus ahead of this game may already be on the FA Cup final against Liverpool on Saturday.
But, Leeds are without a win in their last seven games against Chelsea, which means that a draw could be the most likely outcome.
Premier League Midweek Picks:
- Liverpool @ -250
- Manchester City @ -400
- Everton @ -120
- Leeds vs Chelsea- Draw @ +320
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