After a flurry of midweek fixtures, the Premier League returns this weekend and as we enter February, every result will start to have a huge influence on both ends of the table.
Manchester City dropped a point in the title race with a shock defeat by Newcastle while at the other end of the table, Fulham showed they’re up for the fight having gone 2-0 down to end up winning 4-2 against Brighton.
With both sides in massive games, our football betting expert runs through a pick of this weekend’s games and gives you some of the best bets to look out for.
Crystal Palace v Fulham
Both sides enter this match needing a win as they bid to avoid relegation. Crystal Palace are in a stronger position with a four-point cushion separating themselves from the drop zone while Fulham, despite their win last week, still remain six points adrift.
Roy Hodgson’s side were unfortunate not to win in midweek following their 1-1 draw to Southampton but aside from the two points dropped, the biggest worry for the Eagles will be Wilfried Zaha’s suspension. His sending off now means he’ll miss Saturday’s game and he’ll be a huge loss for the side.
Fulham’s performances have picked up recently and a 4-2 victory against Brighton could give the Cottagers a huge lift as they fight for their place in the Premier League. Given the quality they’ve got in the side, they’re more than capable of winning this game and at 11/4, they’re a good price.
Aleksandar Mitrovic has been instrumental to Fulham this season and when he’s on form, he can be a handful for any defence. He’s exactly the sort of player you’d want in your side when you’re fighting relegation and I’ll be backing him to score first at 5/1.
Leicester v Man Utd
The last time Leicester beat Manchester United they ended up putting five goals past David de Gea. Such a feat seems very unlikely this time round with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still yet to taste defeat as Manchester United manager but following their 1-1 draw against Liverpool, the Foxes will be confident heading into this match.
Whilst on the outlook, a game against the Red Devils looks like one of the trickier fixtures, Leicester have had a lot of success against the top sides this season. Beating Manchester City and Chelsea whilst drawing against Liverpool all but confirms this, but it’s their home form which is a massive concern having picked up more points on the road this season.
United couldn’t make it nine wins on the bounce in midweek but they showed a lot of character to snatch a draw despite being two goals down to Burnley. I expect them to get back to winning ways this weekend and they’re good value to win this 2-0 at 9/1.
Man City v Arsenal
No-one expected Manchester City to lose to Newcastle in midweek, but Pep Guardiola’s men were let off after Liverpool could only manage a draw. Arsenal grinded out a win against Cardiff and creeped into the top four but with Chelsea and Manchester United hot on their heels, a defeat here could see them slip down to sixth place.
A goal in 24 seconds appeared to be the perfect start for Man City but a resolute Newcastle pegged them back and eventually ended up the victors in their first win in the league over the Citizens since 2005. Complacency may have crept in for Guardiola’s men but I’m certain there won’t be a repeat of that come Sunday.
Unai Emery has an abundance of firepower up top with Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring 29 goals between them but it’s the defence that causes concern for Gunners fans.
Given their loss, I think Man City will come out all guns blazing in this one and I have a feeling we’ll witness a completely one-sided match. 8/11 for the home side to win both halves is a good bet.
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