After the international break, we’re into the final stretch of the Premier League – and what an exciting couple of months we have ahead.
While Manchester City’s dominance means the title is all-but wrapped up, we face an enticing race for the top four, and a relegation battle where any of the bottom half could yet go down.
Our football betting expert has taken a look at the latest round of fixtures with interest at the top and bottom of the table.
Chelsea v Tottenham
Not just the pick of the matches this weekend, but arguably one of the biggest games of the season, as Chelsea take on Tottenham.
After a run of just five wins in 18 matches in 2018, Chelsea have fallen from second in the table to fifth and face an uphill task to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
This might be as close to must-win as possible for Antonio Conte’s men – defeat would see them fall eight points behind their opponents, all-but ending any hopes of making the top four.
They have won their last two over Tottenham, however, including a dramatic 2-1 victory early in the season.
Chelsea are 7/5 with Grosvenorsport.com to win on Sunday.
Spurs are in the ascendancy, and are unbeaten in 12 in the league.
Harry Kane is out, but there are still plenty of goals in Mauricio Pochettino’s team, and on their day they can beat anyone.
Tottenham are 2/1 to win this one, with the draw at 47/20.
These games usually guarantee two things – goals, and cards.
This fixture two years ago saw the scores level at 2-2, with a record 12 yellow cards between the two teams.
With attack the order of the day, I suggest backing over 3.5 goals at 27/20, and over six yellow cards at 5/1.
West Ham v Southampton
It’s likely to be a nervy one, as 17th takes on 18th at the London Stadium on Saturday.
The last time West Ham played at home, the match was marred by protests by fans, as the toxic atmosphere contributed to a 3-0 defeat to Burnley.
Sitting just one place above the relegation zone, David Moyes’ team desperately needs a win – available at 19/10.
Mark Hughes won his first match as Southampton boss as the Saints beat Wigan to reach the FA Cup semi-final – but his main aim is to save the south coast club from relegation.
Having been victorious in just five matches all season, they need to start winning too, and soon. A Southampton win is 8/5.
There isn’t much inspiration in either side, who have just three goals between them in their last six Premier League games.
I suggest backing a draw at 11/5 – with a 1-1 at 5/1 looking a good bet.
Newcastle v Huddersfield
Another battle at the bottom is between Newcastle and Huddersfield – two clubs looking nervously over their shoulders as we approach the season’s end.
The Magpies picked up a crucial 3-0 win over Southampton last time out, and now enjoy a four point gap to the drop zone.
The addition of Kenedy has added a bit of flair to Rafa Benitez’s defensive organisation, and Newcastle appear to have picked up a bit of momentum at the right time.
Momentum is slipping away from Huddersfield, who have just two wins in their last 13, but their early season form is still just about keeping their heads above water.
The Terriers haven’t scored in their last three, and should find it tough against Jamaal Lascelles and Florian Lejeune.
Huddersfield are 22/5 to win this one.
However, I like the look of Newcastle at 8/11, with a result that could go a long way to preserving their Premier League status.
After netting twice against Southampton, I also think backing Kenedy to find the net first at 7/1 could be a good bet too.
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