PREMIER LEAGUE - WEEK 16
Arsenal vs Everton
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal lock horns with Sean Dyche’s Everton in a game where both sides need the win for different reasons.
For Arsenal, a 1-1 draw against Fulham last week saw them drop to 3rd place in the league, and they will need to get back to winning ways if they are to keep in touch with league leaders Liverpool. A comfortable 3-0 win mid-week against Monaco in the Champions League will boost their confidence ahead of this clash.
Everton will be raring to go since their game against Liverpool was called off last week, and it will be 10 days since they last played a game. They will be hoping to find similar form that saw them beat Wolves 4-0 last time out. The Toffees are currently 5 points clear of relegation and will be looking to move further up the table here.
This fixture has not been kind to Everton, who have won only one of their last 28 matches away from home against Arsenal in the Premier League. We think they will lose this one, too, but not without a fight. Check our Arsenal vs Everton markets here.
Prediction – Arsenal 1x2 @ Both Teams to Score @ 3.15
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa
The late kick-off on Saturday pits two sides who are in very good form against each other. Not many would have predicted Nottingham Forest would be in 5th place in the league this season, winning two of their most recent three games. A 3-2 away win over Manchester United last time out will fill them with confidence ahead of this clash.
Aston Villa have continued their impressive run in Europe with a 3-2 away win of their own over Leipzig. That makes it three consecutive wins for the Villains as they look to overtake Forest in the league with a win here.
While there is an argument to be had for both teams, I feel that Aston Villa’s more congested schedule may eventually take its toll, which is why we see the value in a home win. Check our Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa markets here.
Prediction – Nottingham Forest 1x2 @2.64
Brighton vs Crystal Palace
Brighton and Crystal Palace face off at the Amex Stadium on Sunday, with the hosts aiming for a third consecutive home league win against their fierce rivals. Brighton’s confidence may have taken a hit after conceding two late goals in a 2-2 draw with Leicester, extending their current winless run under Fabian Hürzeler to three matches (D2, L1).
Despite this, Brighton remains unbeaten at home this season (W3, D4), though they’ve struggled to secure wins against bottom-four teams, drawing their last five such encounters. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are looking to solidify their position above the relegation zone after a four-match unbeaten run (W1, D3), including an impressive 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
Palace's road form is encouraging, with a three-match unbeaten streak (W1, D2), but their six-game winless H2H record against Brighton (D4, L2) poses a challenge.
We will side with history on this one and advise taking Brighton on the 1X2. Check our Brighton vs Crystal Palace markets here.
Prediction – Brighton 1x2 @ 1.87
Manchester City vs Manchester Utd
Manchester City welcome Manchester United to the Etihad on Sunday, both eager to reverse recent struggles. City's form has taken a nosedive, winning only once in their last ten games across all competitions since losing Ballon d'Or winner Rodri to an ACL injury. Their midweek defeat to Juventus leaves them struggling in both the Champions & Premier League.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have faltered under new manager Ruben Amorim, suffering back-to-back losses against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, which sees them languishing in 13th place. This Manchester derby is unusually unpredictable, with neither side exhibiting any serious consistency, setting up a potentially dramatic clash.
We fancy Utd to get something here and will take a chance on them on the handicap. Check our Manchester City vs Manchester Utd markets here.
Prediction – Manchester United +1.0 @ 1.98
Bournemouth vs West Ham
Bournemouth host West Ham at the Vitality Stadium on Monday night, aiming to extend their winning streak to four games and strengthen their push for European football. Andoni Iraola’s side has impressed with a collective effort in front of goal, with eight different players scoring in their last six matches. Bournemouth’s ability to generate high-quality chances, coupled with notable home wins over Arsenal, City, and Tottenham, make them formidable on their own turf.
West Ham are looking to string together consecutive Premier League victories for the first time this season, but defensive frailties remain a significant issue. They have conceded nine goals in their last three matches and will be without Michael Antonio for an extended period
We are happy to be with Bournemouth here at the prices. Check our West Ham vs Wolves markets here.
Prediction – Bournemouth 1X2 @ 1.75
