Our soccer expert shares betting tips and previews some of the key games in matchday 27 including the Manchester Derby as City host United, as Liverpool and Arsenal face tricky away trips to teams in the bottom half of the division.

 

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Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool (Saturday 15:00 UTC)

The clash at the City Ground promises high stakes for both Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, although for entirely different reasons. Nottingham Forest, currently sits precariously in 17th place, faces a critical juncture in their bid to avoid relegation.

Following a challenging 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa, where defensive vulnerabilities were evident, manager Nuno Espirito Santo confronts tactical challenges due to the absence of key players such as Chris Wood and Nuno Varela Tavares. The upcoming fixture against the league leaders, Liverpool, presents a formidable challenge, and Forest must improve defensive resilience and exploit set-piece opportunities to secure much-needed points. 

Liverpool, at the top of the table with a one-point lead over Manchester City, enters the contest with a record of 18 wins, six draws, and two losses. The Reds showcase an impeccable blend of attacking prowess and defensive solidity. In their recent triumph over Luton Town, recovering from an initial deficit to secure a 4-1 victory, Virgil Van Dijk, Cory Gakpo, Luis Diaz, and Harvey Elliott all contributed to the scoreline.

Jurgen Klopp's men are also coming off a triumph in the Carabao Cup becoming Champions, underlining their depth and determination. This encounter with Nottingham Forest is not only an opportunity to extend their lead at the top but also a testament to their aspirations of a memorable season.

Nottingham Forest might adopt a compact defensive shape to frustrate Liverpool's free-flowing attacking movements. Exploiting set pieces and counterattacks could be crucial for Forest, given their defensive solidity and Liverpool's occasional vulnerability at the back. For Liverpool, maintaining their high line and pressing intensity is vital to disrupt Forest's offensive transitions. Utilising the width, quick ball circulation, and exploiting set-piece situations can be part of Liverpool's tactical approach.

For this game, Liverpool are 1.537 to win, and Nottingham Forest to win is priced at 5.650.

 

Luton Town vs Aston Villa (Saturday 17:30 UTC)

Kenilworth Road witnesses a duel between Luton Town and Aston Villa, two teams with disparate objectives in the Premier League. Luton is battling in the relegation zone, desperate for points to secure their top-flight status. Meanwhile, Aston Villa, sitting comfortably in 4th place, eyes a return to Champions League football after a prolonged absence. The unique setting of Luton's stadium, coupled with the team's determination to avoid relegation adds an intriguing layer to the fixture.

Luton, positioned 18th in the table, comes off a 4-1 defeat against Liverpool. Despite an initial lead through Chiedozie Ogbene, defensive vulnerabilities led to a second-half collapse. Injuries to key players, including Thomas Lockyer, Marvelous Nakamba, and Elijah Adebayo, compound Luton's challenges. On the other side, Aston Villa boasts a record of 16 wins, four draws, and six losses, securing a 4-2 victory over Nottingham Forest in their previous outing. In-form striker Ollie Watkins, along with Douglas Diaz and Leon Bailey, propelled Villa to victory. However, injuries to key players like Tyrone Mings, Pau Torres, Emiliano Buendia, and Boubacar Kamara pose concerns for manager Unai Emery.

Luton may opt for a compact defensive block and aim to frustrate Aston Villa's attacking rhythm. Quick transitions and exploiting set pieces could be Luton's avenues for counterattacks. Aston Villa, known for their attacking flair, may focus on ball circulation, utilizing the flanks, and exploiting spaces left by Luton's defensive compactness. The battle in midfield could influence the flow of the game.

For this game, the home side are priced at 4.180 to win, and Aston Villa to win is 1.769, the under is at 3.25 and it is priced at 1.909.

 

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Manchester City vs Manchester United (Sunday 16:30 UTC) 

The Etihad Stadium braces itself for another edition of the Manchester derby, a fixture filled with intensity and local pride. Manchester City, trailing Liverpool by a single point, seeks to maintain pressure at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Manchester United, currently sixth and aspiring for Champions League qualification, approaches the fixture with urgency. While both teams have distinct objectives, the shared desire for crucial points and city bragging rights heightens the significance of this encounter.

Manchester City, positioned second in the league with a record of 18 wins, five draws, and three losses, comes from a league victory against Bournemouth and an FA Cup thrashing of Luton Town. The lethal form of Erling Haaland, who scored five goals in the cup tie, underscores City's attacking prowess. Despite injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Jack Grealish, Pep Guardiola's side boasts a near-full squad.

In contrast, Manchester United faces a challenging scenario, sitting 6th in the table with a record of 14 wins, two draws, and ten losses. A recent league defeat to Fulham accentuates their need for a resurgence. Injuries to key players like Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, and Rasmus Hojlund further compound United's situation.

Manchester City may rely on their fluid attacking style, with quick transitions and exploiting spaces behind United's defence. Maintaining possession and pressing high could disrupt United's buildup. For Manchester United, solidifying the defence, especially in the absence of key players, becomes paramount. Quick counters and exploiting set-pieces could be strategic approaches against City's high defensive line.

Manchester City are favoured at 1.268 and Manchester United to win are priced at 10.00, the over is 3.50, priced at 1.980.

 

Sheffield United vs Arsenal (Monday 20:00 UTC)

Bramall Lane hosts a clash between Sheffield United and Arsenal, featuring two teams at contrasting ends of the Premier League spectrum. Sheffield United at the bottom, seeks a miraculous escape from relegation. Meanwhile, Arsenal, just two points behind league leaders Liverpool, aims to sustain their title challenge. The fixture presents a pivotal moment for both teams with vastly different aspirations.

Sheffield United enters the match in a dire situation, occupying the last position with three wins, four draws, and 19 losses. A recent away defeat against Wolves further highlighted their struggles. Injuries to Max Lowe, George Baldock, John Egan, and the suspension of Mason Holgate add to their challenges.

On the other side, Arsenal, with 18 wins, four draws, and four losses, displayed their attacking prowess in a 4-1 victory over Newcastle United. Goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Jakub Kiwior showcased the team's depth. However, injuries to Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Jurrien Timber pose concerns for Mikel Arteta.

Sheffield United may adopt a compact defensive approach, aiming to frustrate Arsenal's attacking transitions. Set pieces and counter-attacks could be avenues for the Blades. Arsenal, with their attacking firepower, may focus on quick ball circulation, exploiting wide areas, and pressing high to disrupt Sheffield United's defensive organization. Defensive solidity, especially in the absence of key defenders, becomes crucial for Arsenal.

Arsenal are priced at 1.164 to win and the home side to win is 16.690.

 

Full list of Premier League fixtures - Matchday 27

Saturday 2nd March

Brentford vs Chelsea

Everton vs West Ham United

Fulham vs Brighton

Newcastle United vs Wolves

Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool 

Tottenham Hotspurs vs Crystal Palace

Luton Town vs Aston Villa

 

Sunday 3rd March

Burnley vs Bournemouth 

Manchester City vs Manchester United

 

Monday 4th March

Sheffield United vs Arsenal

 

**Odds are subject to change. Odds accurate as of 11:00 UTC Friday 1st March**

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