Get the Ostrich out of here! Only in Leicester…
Although the talk this weekend should be of Chelsea all but claiming the Premier League title after beating Leicester 3-1 it is Nigel Pearson’s argument with a journalist that has taken the headlines after calling the member of the media an ostrich. This weekend Leicester can go one step closer to safety by beating a Newcastle side without a point in seven, but can they do so? Other big games involve the fight for Europe and the relegation battle and we review all of Saturday’s EPL action plus EPL picks with WilliamHill.com here.
Leicester v Newcastle: 1.91 – 3.50 – 4.00
Despite the fact that they were playing on Wednesday night against Chelsea in a match that saw them lead before losing 3-1 to have their four match winning run ended by the champions elect and their manager Nigel Pearson have a rant at journalists after the match where he called one an ostrich Leicester will still fancy their chances at another three point haul this weekend. They face a Newcastle side that has lost all of its last seven games and they have not scored a goal away from home in almost three months.
Leicester will be the more tired of the two sides and they have Robert Huth and Andy King doubts after limping out of the Chelsea game while striker David Nugent is still out injured so if they are to win it will not be easy despite Newcastle’s shocking form. However, the home side in this clash have the confidence and momentum for this match and we can see them defeating their guests to strengthen their position in the league. Back Leicester to beat Newcastle at 1.91 with WilliamHill.com.
West Ham v Burnley: 2.05 – 3.40 – 3.50
This match is a must win game for the away side at the Boleyn Ground as Burnley have slipped to bottom of the Premier League in recent times as their fellow relegation strugglers Leicester and QPR have picked up points in recent weeks. They’re now five points and eight goals away from safety but with their recent form seeing them lose four and draw one of their last five games, all without scoring a single goal, things are looking ominous for Sean Dyche’s men.
Things are not much better for Sam Allardyce’s men either as they are without a win in four matches as all of their excellent early season form is long buried in the past. However, with them having lost only to Chelsea and Crystal Palace on home soil in 2015 while the visitors in the East End of London this weekend have lost five and drawn two of seven games on the road this year we can only see this match ending one way. Back a narrow home win for West Ham at odds of 2.05 in the William Hill Sportsbook!
Aston Villa v Everton: 2.62 – 3.25 – 2.70
The FA Cup finalists and home side in this Aston Villa v Everton game will see the match as a must win game as they sit just two points above the drop zone with just four fixtures remaining. Tim Sherwood has doubts over the fitness of Alan Hutton, while Gabby Agbonlahor remains out injured. He is boosted by the return of Scott Sinclair at Villa Park this weekend, but with three defeats and just a single victory in their last five Premier League matches are the Midlands side good enough to win this match?
Everton are unbeaten in eight against this weekend’s opposition having won all of the last three meetings as well as both of the last two at Villa Park. They thumped Villa 3-0 earlier this season and with 16 points claimed from a possible 18 in their last six EPL clashes they are one of the form sides in the league right now. The 3-0 demolition of a resurgent Manchester United last weekend will give them confidence for this game. However, with Villa playing for their survival in the league we feel that this could be a close one and with Christian Benteke in fine form right now we feel that there is goals from both these sides. Back both Aston Villa and Everton to score at 1.80.
Swansea v Stoke: 2.30 – 3.10 – 3.30
The Liberty Stadium hosts the clash of eighth versus ninth this Saturday afternoon as two sides that have had fine seasons look to close with more points under their belts. However, with both sides suffering from a number of injuries, especially in attacking areas, will we be able to see a winner in this match?
There have been five home wins, three for Stoke and two for Swansea, as well as two draws in the seven clashes between the sides in the Premier League and with the hosts having lost just one of their last five on home soil while Stoke are without a win in three away from home if one side is to win it we’re going with the William Hill odds of the home side. However, we feel that with both of these sides struggling for clean sheets of late we can see this match being an entertaining and goal filled clash. Back +2.5 goals at the Liberty Stadium at odds of 2.25.
Liverpool v QPR: 1.33 – 5.00 – 8.50
The odds makers believe that this EPL game at Anfield will see a comfortable victory for the hosts as Brendan Rodgers’ men look to maintain position in the fight for the single Europa League spot available against a relegation threatened Queens Park Rangers. The Reds have the edge over the Londoners having won all of the last three meetings between the sides, including the thriller at Loftus Road earlier this season that four goals in the final three minutes of the game to see a 3-2 away win.
They have also won seven and drawn three of their last eleven home Premier League games, losing only to Manchester United since a 2-1 loss to Chelsea in November. QPR have lost 13 of their 16 away league matches this season as they defeated Sunderland and West Brom as well as drawing at Aston Villa although the last two of those results have come in their final two away matches.
Despite this fine home record and poor away record form Liverpool will be fearful as they are missing both Mario Balotelli and Daniel Sturridge up front while QPR have seven away goals in their last pair of matches on the road so we feel that although they’re the outsiders they’ll push the Merseysiders all the way at Anfield. Back QPR not to lose the match (QPR +1) at odds of 3.00 in the QPR with WilliamHill.com
Sunderland v Southampton: 4.20 – 3.10 – 2.00
Both sides involved at the Stadium of Light require at least a single point at the start of this Sunderland v Southampton match in order to move level with their rivals in the battles in the European and relegation battles as they look to claim a place in the Europa League and top flight net season. With Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur a point ahead of 57 point Southampton and both Aston Villa and Leicester (assuming they are defeated) within two points of the home side in this North versus South battle on Tyneside there is plenty at stake for both teams this weekend.
This bottom v top games is really a mismatch despite the fact that the number 26 defines both of their seasons, as it is the amount of goals scored by Sunderland and conceded by Southampton in their respective 33 and 34 EPL games played. These are the joint worse attacking and best defensive records in the English top flight and with Saints striker Graziano Pellé having rediscovered his scoring form we foresee victory for the visitors in this one. Back Southampton to beat Sunderland at 2.00 in the William Hill Sportsbook!
Man United v West Brom: 1.36 – 4.75 – 8.50
The late kick off at Old Trafford is the final game we’re looking at from this Saturday’s Premier League action as Manchester United host West Bromwich Albion looking to go second in the league ahead of Arsenal and their big rivals Manchester City who play Monday and Sunday respectively. United manager Louis van Gaal will be expecting a quick turnaround from his side following a narrow 1-0 loss at Chelsea before being taken apart 3-0 last weekend at Everton. The side have dropped points at home in the league just three times in 17 matches this season and they bring six straight home wins in a row to this match, but with Michael Carrick, Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans all still missing United are struggling defensively.
West Brom have rediscovered their defensive ability in recent weeks with a 2-0 win away at Crystal Palace before drawing 0-0 with Liverpool last weekend following three straight defeats and these four points have lifted them seven clear of the drop zone. They’ll be in confident form, but we cannot see them getting anything in this match despite triumphing at Old Trafford last season as United are a very different side this season. Expect United to put in another fine home performance and see off the Baggies without the concession of a goal. Back United to win to nil at 2.10 with William Hill.