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Premier League Preview: North London Derby headlines blockbuster weekend of games

MAVERICK GAMES

Our soccer expert shares betting tips and previews some of the key games in matchday 35 including Tottenham against Arsenal.

 

 

West Ham United vs Liverpool (Saturday 12:30 UTC)

West Ham United hosts Liverpool in a crucial Premier League fixture with both teams having much at stake. Currently sitting 8th, West Ham faces pressure after a heavy 5-2 away defeat against Crystal Palace, with Michael Antonio finding the net. This result has intensified scrutiny on manager David Moyes, with some questioning his future at the club. The Hammers are desperate for a win to maintain their hopes of European football next year, but injuries and doubts over key players like Jarrod Bowen and Nayef Aguerd complicate their preparation.

Liverpool, sitting third, finds itself three points behind league leaders Arsenal, making every match a must-win to sustain their title challenge. The Reds suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat in the Merseyside derby against Everton, a result seen by many as a critical blow to their league aspirations.

With injuries affecting key players like Diogo Jota and Thiago Alcantara, and doubts over Cody Gakpo's fitness, Liverpool faces its challenges head-on. This season being Klopp's last with the club adds an emotional layer to their campaign, with a necessity to bounce back strongly in this match.

West Ham might look to exploit Liverpool's current vulnerabilities, especially in midfield and defence due to their injury woes. Expect West Ham to adopt a robust defensive setup, potentially using a counter-attacking strategy to leverage the pace of their forwards against a possibly unsettled Liverpool backline.

Meanwhile, Liverpool will likely maintain their high-pressing game, aiming to control possession and create pressure through continuous attacking play. The Reds will need to be clinical in front of goal, an area where they've failed recently. Set pieces and quick transitions could be crucial for both teams in a match that promises high stakes and intensity.

For this game, the home side are priced at 5.420 to win, and Liverpool’s to win is 1.534, the over is at 3.25 and it's priced at 2.010.

 

Aston Villa vs Chelsea (Saturday 20:00 UTC)

Aston Villa welcomes Chelsea in a significant clash at Villa Park, with both teams aiming to secure European football for the next season. Villa, currently 4th, is coming off a convincing 3-1 home win against Bournemouth, with contributions from in-form players like Leon Bailey and Morgan Rogers. Despite injuries to key players such as Nicolo Zaniolo and Tyrone Mings, Villa's depth has been a critical factor in their success this season. They need to continue their strong form to fend off competitors for a Champions League spot.

Chelsea, on the other hand, finds themselves in 9th place and comes into this match after a humiliating 5-0 defeat to league leaders Arsenal. The loss exposed significant weaknesses within the squad, compounded by injuries to crucial players like Ben Chilwell and Enzo Fernandez.

Chelsea's season has been inconsistent, and with European qualification hanging in the balance, every game has become a must-win. The doubt surrounding Cole Palmer's availability adds to their challenges, with the team needing to regroup and deliver a response on the pitch.

Aston Villa likely continue their aggressive, attacking approach, utilising the width of the pitch and the pace of their wingers to challenge Chelsea's fullbacks. Villa's ability to transition quickly from defence to attack could exploit Chelsea's recent defensive vulnerabilities.

For Chelsea, tightening up at the back will be a must, and they might opt for a more cautious approach, trying to control the midfield and slow the game to frustrate Villa's attackers. The effectiveness of Chelsea's response to their recent defeat and how they handle Villa's dynamic attack will be critical in shaping the outcome of this match.

We have Aston Villa priced at 2.230 and Chelsea are priced at 2.990.

 

 

Tottenham vs Arsenal (Sunday 14:00 UTC)

Tottenham Hotspur faces a crucial North London derby against Arsenal with significant implications for both teams' seasons. Tottenham, currently 5th and six points behind Aston Villa with two games in hand, desperately needs a win to keep their Champions League aspirations alive. They come off a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Newcastle, a result that has raised questions about their consistency and mental toughness. Injuries to key players like Manor Solomon and Ryan Sessegnon, along with doubts over Richarlison and Pedro Porro, add to Spurs' challenges.

Arsenal, sitting at the top of the Premier League, is in a tight race, holding a slender one-point lead over Manchester City, who have a game in hand. The Gunners come into this derby with high morale following a resounding 5-0 victory over Chelsea, showcasing their attacking ability through goals from players like Ben White and Kai Havertz. Arsenal knows that maintaining momentum is key, especially with the title race so tight. However, injuries to key defender Jurrien Timber could pose defensive concerns that Spurs might look to exploit.

Tottenham may look to apply high pressure early on, trying to unsettle an Arsenal side that has shown vulnerability under physical and intense pressing. Spurs will likely rely on the speed and dribbling ability of their wingers to breach Arsenal's defensive flanks. Arsenal, on the other hand, will aim to dominate possession, utilising their midfield strength to control the tempo and create spaces for their attackers. The Gunners will need to be wary of Spurs' counter-attacking threat, making this derby a potential tactical chess match with high stakes involved.

 For this game, Tottenham’s are 4.360 to win, and Arsenal to win is priced at 1.781.

 

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City (Sunday 16:30 UTC)

Nottingham Forest hosts Manchester City in a critical encounter at the City Ground. Forest, hovering just above the relegation zone in 17th place, faces a formidable challenge against the title contenders. With only one point separating them from the drop zone and a record of seven wins, nine draws, and 18 losses, every point is crucial.

They come off a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Everton, and with uncertainties around key players like Taiwo Awoniyi and Willy Boly, the task doesn't get any easier. Forest will need to increase all their resilience and fighting spirit to secure a result against one of the league's best.

Manchester City, positioned second and trailing Arsenal by a mere point with a game in hand, cannot afford any slip-ups if they are to reclaim the top spot. Following a commanding win against Brighton, City has shown they can bounce back from setbacks, notably their Champions League exit.

The potential absence of key players like Erling Haaland could impact their attacking dynamics, but City's depth with players like Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva ensures they remain a potent threat. The clash at the City Ground is more than just a game for City; it's an opportunity to put pressure on Arsenal in the title race.

Nottingham Forest may opt for a deep defensive line to counter City's formidable attacking play, focusing on denying space and looking to capitalize on any set-piece opportunities. Forest's ability to disrupt City's rhythm with aggressive pressing in midfield could be crucial. Manchester City will likely employ their usual possession-dominant style, patiently building attacks and using the width provided by their fullbacks to stretch Forest's defence.

Quick interplays and movement off the ball will be critical to breaking down a likely compact Forest side. As City pushes for a win, their tactical adaptability and depth will be key factors in navigating a potentially tricky away fixture.

For this game, the home side are priced at 8.660 to win, and Manchester City’s to win is 1.350, the over is at 3 and it's priced at 1.925.

 

Full list of Premier League fixtures - Matchday 35

Saturday 27th April

West Ham United vs Liverpool

Fulham vs Crystal Palace

Manchester United vs Burnley

Newcastle United vs Sheffield United

Wolves vs Luton Town

Everton vs Brentford

Aston Villa vs Chelsea

 

Sunday 28th April

Bournemouth vs Brighton

Tottenham Hotspurs vs Arsenal

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City

 

**Odds are subject to change. Odds accurate as of 10:00 UTC Friday 26th April**

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

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