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Premier League Preview: Arsenal host Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool face away trips down south in battle for the title

MAVERICK GAMES

Our soccer expert shares betting tips and previews some of the key games in matchday 34 as Arsenal host Chelsea looking to keep pace with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

 

 

Aston Villa vs Bournemouth (Sunday 15:00 UTC)

Aston Villa hosts Bournemouth in a crucial clash with both teams eyeing different objectives. Sitting 4th in the table, Aston Villa is in the hunt for a Champions League spot and will be eager to secure a win to maintain their position. With 19 wins, six draws, and eight losses, they've been consistent but face stiff competition from Tottenham Hotspur. Their recent 2-0 away win against Arsenal showcased their attacking ability, with goals from in-form players Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins.

Despite injuries to key players like Alex Moreno and Jacob Ramsey, Aston Villa will look to capitalize on their home advantage and secure three vital points against Bournemouth.

On the other hand, Bournemouth finds themselves in mid-table obscurity, currently sitting 13th in the table. With 11 wins, nine draws, and 12 losses, they've had a mixed season but will be boosted by their recent 2-2 away draw against Manchester United. Goals from Dominic Solanke and Justin Kluivert highlighted their attacking threat, but they'll need to be defensively resolute against Aston Villa. Injuries to players like Marcus Tavernier add to their challenges, but Bournemouth will be determined to cause an upset and secure a positive result.

Aston Villa may look to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game, utilising their creative midfielders to unlock Bournemouth's defence. High pressing and quick transitions will be key tactics for Aston Villa, with players like Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins aiming to exploit spaces behind Bournemouth's backline.

Defensively, Aston Villa will need to stay organized and compact to nullify Bournemouth's attacking threats and secure a crucial victory. Meanwhile, Bournemouth may adopt a more cautious approach, looking to absorb pressure and hit Aston Villa on the counter. Staying disciplined defensively and denying Aston Villa space in the final third will be crucial for Bournemouth to frustrate their opponents and snatch a positive result.

 For this game, Aston Villa are 1.862 to win, and Bournemouth to win is priced at 3.770.

 

Fulham vs Liverpool (Sunday 16:30 UTC)

Fulham faces a daunting challenge as they welcome Liverpool in a crucial Premier League encounter. Positioned 12th in the table, Fulham aims to maintain their mid-table status and build on their recent 2-0 away victory over West Ham United. With 12 wins, six draws, and 15 losses, Fulham has displayed moments of quality but inconsistency has plagued their season. The absence of injured players will test their depth, but Fulham will look to their in-form players like Andrea Pereira to provide the spark needed to upset Liverpool.

The match holds significant importance for Liverpool as well, positioned 3rd in the table and trailing league leaders by just two points. Liverpool is determined to keep pace with Manchester City and Arsenal in the title race, despite their recent setback against Crystal Palace. With 21 wins, eight draws, and three losses, Liverpool holds a formidable attacking lineup led by the likes of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nuñez. However, injuries to key players like Thiago Alcantara add an element of uncertainty to their lineup. Both teams have much to play for, making this clash a crucial one in the context of the Premier League title race.

Fulham may opt for a defensive approach, aiming to frustrate Liverpool's attacking threats and limit the space in behind their defensive line. They could deploy a compact midfield block, denying Liverpool's creative players time and space to operate in central areas. Fulham's defensive organization will be key to nullifying Liverpool's potent attacking threats, with a focus on preventing Salah and Mane from exploiting gaps in the defence.

Offensively, Fulham may look to exploit set-piece opportunities, utilising the aerial ability of their forwards to pose a threat from crosses and corners. Quick transitions from defence to attack could catch Liverpool off guard, particularly if Fulham can capitalize on any turnovers in possession. Liverpool, on the other hand, will aim to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game. They may deploy a high-pressing game, looking to win the ball back quickly in advanced areas and launch swift counterattacks.

Liverpool's fullbacks will provide width and attacking impetus, aiming to stretch Fulham's defence and create space for their forwards to exploit. Overall, tactical discipline and execution will be crucial for both teams as they seek to secure a vital victory in this encounter.

 For this game, the home side are priced at 5.380 to win, and Liverpool’s to win is 1.540 the over is at 3.5, priced at 2.000.

 

 

Arsenal vs Chelsea (Tuesday 20:00 UTC)

Arsenal hosts Chelsea in a high-stakes London derby with significant implications for both teams. Sitting 2nd in the table, Arsenal is in the midst of a title challenge and will be eager to bounce back from a disappointing home defeat against Aston Villa. With 22 wins, seven draws, and three losses, they've shown their quality throughout the season but need to rediscover their form quickly. The absence of key players like Jurrien Timber adds to their challenges, but Arsenal will be motivated to deliver a strong performance against their London rivals.

Meanwhile, Chelsea is battling for a European football spot and will view this game as an opportunity to climb up the table. With 13 wins, eight draws, and ten losses, they've had a mixed season but will be energized by their recent 6-0 home win against Everton. However, internal problems within the squad add an element of uncertainty, and Chelsea will need to be focused and disciplined to overcome Arsenal's challenge.

Arsenal may adopt an attacking approach, looking to exploit Chelsea's defensive vulnerabilities. With players like Martin Odegaard pulling the strings in midfield, Arsenal will aim to create scoring opportunities and press Chelsea high up the pitch. Defensively, they'll need to stay compact and organized to nullify Chelsea's attacking threats and prevent them from finding space in dangerous areas.

On the other hand, Chelsea may opt for a cautious approach, prioritizing defensive solidity and looking to hit Arsenal on the counter. With players like Cole Palmer in fine form, Chelsea will aim to capitalize on any mistakes made by Arsenal's defence and exploit gaps in their backline. Maintaining focus and concentration for the full duration of the game will be crucial for Chelsea to secure a positive result against their London rivals.

 We have Arsenal priced at 1.483 and Chelsea priced at 5.440.

 

Brighton vs Manchester City (Thursday 20:00 UTC)

Brighton welcomes Manchester City in a crucial encounter with contrasting aspirations. Sitting 10th in the table, Brighton is aiming to secure a top half finish and potentially qualify for European football next season. With 11 wins, 11 draws, and 10 losses, they've shown glimpses of quality but need consistency to achieve their goals. Despite injuries to key players like Pervis Estupinan and James Milner, Brighton will be motivated to deliver a strong performance against the league leaders.

A recent 1-1 away draw against Burnley highlighted their resilience, but they'll need to be at their best to overcome the formidable challenge posed by Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Manchester City is at the summit of the Premier League and is determined to maintain their position. With 22 wins, seven draws, and three losses, they've been in imperious form, but a recent defeat in the Champions League quarterfinals serves as a reminder of their vulnerabilities.

The return of Erling Haaland to the scoresheet in their 5-1 home win against Luton Town is a positive sign, but they'll need to be wary of Brighton's threat. Despite injuries to key players like Manuel Akanji and Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City possesses considerable depth and will be favourites heading into this clash.

Brighton may opt for a compact defensive shape, looking to frustrate Manchester City and hit them on the counter. With players like Danny Welbeck providing pace upfront, Brighton will aim to exploit spaces left by Manchester City's attacking fullbacks. Defensively, they'll need to stay disciplined and deny City's creative midfielders time and space on the ball. On the other hand, Manchester City will likely dominate possession and look to break down Brighton's defence through intricate passing and movement.

Quick transitions and exploiting spaces behind Brighton's defensive line could be effective tactics for Manchester City, while their wide players will aim to deliver dangerous crosses into the box for their forwards to capitalize on. Maintaining defensive solidity and concentration will be key for Manchester City to secure another crucial victory in their quest for the Premier League title.

For this game, the home side are priced at 5.670 to win, and Manchester City’s to win is 1.483, the over is at 3.25 and is priced at 1.961.

 

Full list of Premier League fixtures - Matchday 34

Saturday 20th April

Luton Town vs Brentford

Sheffield United vs Burnley

Wolves vs Arsenal

 

Sunday 21st April

Everton vs Nottingham Forest

Aston Villa vs Bournemouth

Crystal Palace vs West Ham

Fulham vs Liverpool

 

Tuesday 23rd April

Arsenal vs Chelsea

 

Wednesday 24th April

Wolves vs Bournemouth

Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United

Everton vs Liverpool

Manchester United vs Sheffield United

 

Thursday 25th April

Brighton vs Manchester City

 

**Odds are subject to change. Odds accurate as of 10:00 UTC Friday 19th April**

To view more expert sports content and previews, view all our latest articles here.

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