It’s a short weekend in the Premier League with only seven fixtures being played thanks to the FA Cup Quarter Finals also taking place over the coming days.
League leaders Arsenal are back in action and the Premier League title race has now become their sole focus after their European campaign came to an end on Friday.
All three teams in the relegation zone are in action this weekend as well with the opportunity for each team to temporarily lift themselves out of danger will have them very motivated.
Read on for our previews and predictions for every fixture below.
POSTPONED DUE TO FA CUP FIXTURES
Forest’s winless run has now reached five matches after last weekend’s 3-1 defeat in North London.
As for Newcastle, they arrested their slide by not only scoring a goal for the first time in over a month, but also picking up their first Premier League win since mid-January when they got the better of Wolves.
Realistically this should be a fairly straightforward evening’s work for the Magpies as they look to keep their top four push alive against an out of form opponent.
Last time they met it was a 2-0 win for Newcastle and a similar outcome is what we are going to back to start the weekend off.
Back Newcastle to Win & Over 1.5 Goals @ $2.15
Bournemouth’s quest for survival took a massive step forward last week with a win over Liverpool and up next is a trip to the Midlands to take on a Villa side that is only five points off that magical 40 mark that usually signifies safety.
The Cherries won on opening weekend when these teams faced off, getting the better of the then Steven Gerrard managed Villains and desperation means their $5.00 quote might be worth a flyer.
However we’re going to look for something a bit more on the safe side and there is value to be found backing both teams to score.
That market has hit in three of the last five matches for both clubs and the Cherries have one of the Premier League’s worst defensive records.
Back Both Teams to Score @ $1.83
The Bees bounced back from their shock loss to Everton by comfortably accounting for Southampton in a midweek catch up fixture.
Considering the horrendous form of Leicester, this might just be the best value bet of the week with the Foxes staring down the barrel of a sixth straight loss in all competitions.
They might have drawn 2-2 on the opening day but based on recent performances, only one team is capable of winning this one and that is who we are backing here.
Back Brentford to Win @ $1.91
Spurs were able to bounce back from their Champions League elimination with a clinical win at home against Nottingham Forest.
It’s a bit of a surprise to see their win price as high as it is even when you consider the struggles on their last two trips to St Mary’s which has produced just one point of a possible six.
However as we have said on multiple occasions this season, the Saints luck avoiding the drop appears to have run out and we will happily take the hosts on in this match.
Back Tottenham to Win @ $1.80
Wolves might have felt like they deserved more from their loss to Newcastle but they can take some of their frustrations out on a reeling Leeds side.
It is a relegation six pointer in every sense of the word despite Wolves entering the weekend in 13th place, as they sit just four points clear of Leeds who are one spot above the foot of the table.
At home, you have to like Wolves in this spot because on the balance of the recent evidence both have supplied, they are a better team.
Back Wolves to Win @ $2.25
A week in football is a very long time and Chelsea has the chance to put a horrible start to 2023 behind them with a fourth consecutive win this weekend.
The Blues secured Champions League progression in between back to back Premier League victories over relegation battlers Leeds and Leicester, which bodes well when they face Everton here.
Sean Dyche will find a way to turn this game into a physical scrap as he is wont to do, but the Blues have the capacity to win this arm wrestle by keeping the Toffees limited in attack.
The last five games between the two sides have all gone under the total goals number and we’re going to back that trend to continue as defence rules the day.
Back Under 2.5 Goals @ $1.73
The Gunners European campaign came to a halt, but you get the feeling that the frustration of their elimination at the hands of Sporting Lisbon will dissipate with a convincing win over an out of form Crystal Palace.
With Manchester City out of action in the league, Arsenal have a chance to pad their advantage to eight points (having played an extra match) and the pursuit of their first league title in almost 20 years is their sole focus now.
Palace are very much in a rut with a three match losing streak where they have failed to register a shot on target, adding to a winless run that dates back to the start of the 2023 calendar year.
Their attack has been nothing short of woeful with a grand total of five goals in 12 matches and as long as the Gunners can keep the bulk of their best 11 intact from Friday morning, they should handle their London rivals here.
Back Arsenal to Win to Nil @ $1.87