United can restrict Reds
Premier League 23rd and 24th
There are only six Premier League games on Saturday and Sunday but still plenty to grab the attention, with Manchester United’s big home clash with title-chasing Liverpool the obvious highlight.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has led United brilliantly since succeeding Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford but he faces another stern test when old rivals Liverpool visit on Sunday afternoon. The Merseysiders used to revel in getting one over their local foes when the roles were reversed when it was United going for the title, and now Solskjaer’s side can put a spanner in Liverpool’s works.
The Reds had been stumbling in their pursuit of a first top-flight success since 1990 but looked much more like the real deal (and their old selves) when easily seeing off Bournemouth 3-0 in their last game. A tough Champions League clash with Bayern Munich ended 0-0 on Tuesday but the bigger match was always against United and on Sunday we will probably learn more about Jurgen Klopp’s side – and if they can stay the pace in the title race.
Expect a tight but intense affair and goals should follow, especially if Solskjaer maintains his free-flowing attacking approach. Those tactics could play into the visitors’ hands but it has the feel of an even game and a draw is advised at 3.55 with 2-2 in the correct score market also appealing at 9.25.
Spurs should still not be discounted
Tottenham fans may be frustrated that they’ve often been overlooked in the title race this season but the fact remains they are only five points behind both Liverpool and Manchester City in third. They can get an early start this weekend and put the pressure on both by seeing off a much-improved Burnley in the 12:30 kick-off on Saturday.
A win at Turf Moor is never straightforward but Spurs should approach the challenge with optimism and come away with the victory, on offer at 1.74. They have won their last four in all competitions and have been carving out results when not at their best.
Heung-min Son has stepped up in Harry Kane’s absence but the England captain could be back on the bench this weekend and the Londoners should have too much for the Clarets, who have looked much better of late but normally struggle against the traditional big-six.
Newcastle seek more vital points
Newcastle entertain rock-bottom Huddersfield on Saturday and this should be a game Rafa Benitez goes full throttle in. The Magpies are still in the relegation mix as they’re only a point clear of Southampton, who occupy third-bottom before this weekend’s games.
Benitez’s side, if they’re up for it, will have more quality than a limited Town outfit, who are heading back to the Championship.
Salomon Rondon is probably Newcastle’s best player and if he’s in the mood he’s likely to inspire the home side to a big three points, on offer at 1.86, while Rondon is 2.85 to score anytime.
Cherries can make point against impressive Wolves
Bournemouth at home to Wolves pits two sides who may have expected relegation battles this season but are instead both chasing a top-half finish. Wolves have been outstanding and are in with a real shout of finishing as ‘best of the rest’ in seventh – wildly surpassing even the most optimistic fans’ pre-season predictions.
However, they will be asked questions by Bournemouth, who are usually difficult to stop at home. Eddie Howe’s men have lost just one of their last five at the Vitality Stadium, winning three, and ended up winners over Chelsea and West Ham of late to nil.
Expect Wolves to score, with the dangerous Ruben Neves tempting at in the anytime market at 7.00, but a draw looks the best bet here at 3.35.
Of the rest of the games, Leicester can get the better of Crystal Palace at the King Power Stadium, although it’s unlikely to be pretty so go with under 1.5 goals at 1.74, while Arsenal (to win by two goals – 3.85) should do more than enough at home to Southampton. Ralf Hasenhuttl has injected some belief into Saints but getting anything from their trip to the Emirates looks too tough an ask.
