After a whirlwind midweek of European fixtures, it’s back to domestic matters this weekend, with plenty of intrigue in the Premier League.
Our football betting expert has taken a look at the best bets for Gameweek 34.
Tottenham v Manchester City
The past 10 days couldn’t have gone much worse for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City – three games, three defeats, and a season threatening to go off the rails.
City were beaten over two legs by Liverpool in the Champions League to end their chances of winning the trophy for the first time – and Guardiola’s men threw away a 2-0 half-time lead in losing a Manchester derby.
Having had one hand on the Premier League trophy, they now face a wait to be crowned champions, though with a 13 points on top in the Premiership leader board, it is still more a question of when, rather than if.
They face a Tottenham side who have won their last six matches, and are unbeaten since defeat at City in December.
Now all-but certain to finish in the top four, Spurs can focus on building momentum for what could a real title tilt next term, and victory here would put down a marker that they mean business.
I think they can do it too – Mousa Dembele has been in imperious form recently, and with Harry Kane fit and back in the goals, I think they can inflict another wound on Guardiola’s wobbling side.
Back a Tottenham win at 6/4 with Grosvenorsport.com.
Southampton v Chelsea
Mark Hughes’ target at Southampton is a simple one – save the Saints from relegation.
Easier said than done, of course, but the former Stoke boss needs wins, fast, to avoid the indignity of taking two teams down in one season.
The Saints sit three points from safety, but games are running out – meaning Saturday’s clash with Chelsea becomes all-important.
The Blues have far less on this game than the hosts – having won only two of their last eight, and sitting 10 points behind Tottenham in fourth, their hopes of reaching the Champions League places are all-but over.
Boss Antonio Conte appears to be going through the motions, and the FA Cup semi-final between these two sides next week is of far more importance to the Italian.
That indifference could represent a chance to get something from the game for Southampton – and I think they could be worth backing here.
Though they fell to defeat at Arsenal last Sunday, they had much more spirit about them as they look to avoid the drop, and in front of their home fans, I think they can take home the points
I suggest backing a Southampton win at 3/1.
Newcastle v Arsenal
Guardiola will rightly clean up all the Manager of the Year awards come the end of the season, but another Spaniard is quietly performing just as well.
Rafa Benitez has taken the Magpies’ Championship-standard squad well clear of relegation and into the top half of the table.
They will take on an Arsenal side, who like Chelsea, don’t have an awful lot to play for – and will be tired from a long Europa League trip to Russia on Thursday.
The Gunners are resting players in the league for their continental exploits, so there could be some unfamiliar faces on display on Sunday – and like Southampton against Chelsea, could provide a chance for the lesser team.
Newcastle are on the crest of a wave after winning each of their last three games, and I think they can make it a fourth here.
Back Newcastle to win at 9/4.
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