With the schedule showing no signs of slowing down, BestOfBets looks ahead to the Premier League’s weekend action and picks out three eye-catching games worthy of your attention…
Chelsea vs Leeds, Saturday 4 March @ 3pm
How long can Graham Potter last as a losing manager at Chelsea before Todd Boehly’s patience is tested to the limit? Last weekend’s meek 2-0 surrender to Tottenham Hotspur turned the tide against Potter, in terms of the Chelsea fanbase. Many had wanted to stay behind the former Brighton manager, but a run of just two wins from 15 matches is bordering on the ridiculous. They’ve seen enough.
Chelsea simply have to earn all three points at home to Leeds on Saturday afternoon. But they’ll be facing a side who enjoyed a new manager bounce last weekend, with Javi Gracia winning his first game in charge against Southampton. The Whites will make it difficult for Chelsea’s multi-million pound squad and the visitors’ 9/2 odds (with most bookmakers) are quite appealing. It’s surely not worth backing Chelsea at 8/13, although the draw at 14/5 is a better value bet.
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Our tip: Draw (14/5)
Nottingham Forest vs Everton, Sunday 5 March @ 2pm
You never know what you’re going to get with Forest, although one thing is certain – they’re a much better side at the City Ground compared to when they’re on the road. Steve Cooper’s side haven’t tasted defeat at home since September 16 and, although they’ve been horrific away of late – smashed 4-0 by West Ham last time out – it’s back to creature comforts on Sunday.
Sean Dyche, however, will see this as the perfect chance to set up a smash and grab victory for Everton. The Toffees have won two and lost two since his appointment, showing off a much-improved defence. But goals are a problem for them, with main striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin out injured.
This game screams ‘Forest to win to nil’, which is better value than the 17/10 being offered for a home win, or even a draw at 2/1. Everton are out at 7/4.
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Our tip: Forest to win to nil (3/1)
Liverpool vs Manchester United, Sunday 5 March @ 4.30pm
In recent years it’s been difficult to consider Manchester United as favourites for any game against Liverpool. But Erik ten Hag’s brilliant revival at Old Trafford, combined with the wretched form of Jurgen Klopp’s side, means that is pretty much the case ahead of this Anfield Sunday showdown.
It’s hard to believe it was only last season when Liverpool beat United by a 9-0 aggregate scoreline over their two Premier League games. United were massive underdogs at Old Trafford earlier in the season when they stunned Klopp’s men with a 2-1 win.
The bookies are still a little sceptical, despite United’s Carabao Cup win and their superior position in the table. Liverpool are as short as 6/4 for the win on Sunday afternoon, with the draw 12/5 and United 7/4. In short, they believe all three results are pretty much as likely as each other. The formbook says different, though – so the value bet is on United.
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Our tip: United to win (7/4)
