A lot of the betting public may have their eyes on events at Aintree but there is still a full Premier League program this weekend, including three live games today.
First off Chelsea travel to the south coast to take on Southampton. Both teams have found points rather hard to come by of late, with an air of relegation surrounding the home team and lethargy the away side. That said, they also meet in a few days time in the FA Cup semifinal and will be keen to start that game with a physiological advantage.
Chelsea have a very good record at St. Mary’s Stadium, winning seven times there in all competitions. They have also won their last four league games against the Saints, and we think they can rouse themselves to win again.
One of the few players to do himself justice throughout Chelsea’s difficult season has been fullback/wingback Marcos Alonso. We will take a chance on the Spaniard scoring during the game.
The second game sees Champions League semifinalist Liverpool host Bournemouth.
Surely this game depends on how much their European exertions have taken out of the home side. Liverpool were excellent in dispatching Manchester City and if they can match that work rate and clinical finishing then there can be only one winner today. However, if they are unable to maintain their pressing style then Bournemouth may have a chance.
We think Liverpool are on the crest of a wave at the moment and the extra day’s recovery (they played in Europe on Tuesday this week) should mean a more dynamic display than last week’s outing against Everton.
A lot of the focus on this Liverpool side has been on the front three, and mainly Mo Salah. But another player who has been impressive of late has been their new recruit Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The former Southampton player has added pace to the midfield and has started to score goals to his game. We’ll take a punt that he scores today.
The final game is a cracker, Tottenham hosting Manchester City at Wembley. City have had a fantastic season, and will surely clinch the Premier League title, but have had a difficult month, losing their last three games in all competitions.
And they may well find it difficult to break this run today. Spurs have won their last two home games against City (admittedly at White Hart Lane not Wembley) and are now unbeaten in their last 14 league games.
We expect Spurs to cause more heartache for Manchester City, and look for Christian Eriksen to continue his recent scoring form. The Dane has scored in three consecutive games for Spurs, and we look for him to add another.
Recommendations:
Southampton/Chelsea: Alonso to score anytime, 1 pt, at 9/2, Unibet
Liverpool/Bournemouth: Oxlade-Chamberlain to score anytime, 1 pt, at 4/1, Paddy Power
Tottenham/Man City: Eriksen to score anytime, 1 pt, at 3/1, Boyle Sports
All: 0.5 pts on the treble, approximately 84/1, Paddy Power
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