Tough run beckons in Premier League after break
It seems like an eternity the two weeks that we won’t have Premier League matches, the entertainment and the intrigues. This is after the accelerated run of matches and the television schedule to ensure all matches are aired. All this will hit fever pitch after the international break as teams give a final push going for their specific targets.
There’s very little argument that Manchester City are going to run away with the league title. They are 14 points to the good and with eight games to go, they actually have time to focus on a quadruple, with the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup all looking like good prospects for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Indeed, City have a golden chance to accelerate their run to the title as after the international break, they go straight to an away game against Leicester City, who are in contention for a top-four place. Leicester can play the spoiler role to City’s title chase but their form at home hasn’t been very impressive.
This league is definitely rated among the top in the world and Wincomparator predictions list the best of reviews and Premier League betting tips. Leicester’s rating for this game is well captured in the odds presented, with 1xbet placing 6.85 on a home win while the best odds for a draw are found on Bwin which has 4.5, and 1xBet has the best for a City win at 1.58.
Second-placed Manchester United will be following that game keenly, perhaps for the first time hoping for a Leicester City win, which could boost the Red devil’s slim title hopes. United host Brighton a day later and while it is a must-win game for them, Brighton will also be keen on the three points as they aren’t clear of the relegation threat yet. The hosts are tipped to win this at 1.68 on 1xBet while the best odds for a draw are at 4.22 at 1xBet and Bet365 has the best odds for a Brighton win at 5.75.
Chelsea will also be in another tough match, where both sides can’t do with dropped points as they host West Bromwich Albion. The Blues have been very stable since new manager Thomas Tuchel took charge and they look like a serious top-four contender. Being just two points above fifth-placed West Ham United, Chelsea can afford slip-ups and 1xBet place odds for a Chelsea win at 1.25 and a draw at Unibet is on 6.75. West Brom will be keen on a win too, as they need points to escape from the relegation region and Bet365 places a win for the away side at a massive 15.
Newcastle United suffered a crucial loss at the hands of Brighton leaving them in danger and only above the relegation zone as a result of Fulham’s loss to Leeds United earlier. They can’t afford another loss when they host Tottenham Hotspur after the break, but it will be tough with Spurs having Champions League ambitions of their own.
Aston Villa, coming from a loss to Tottenham Hotspur, will be looking to gain some ground in their push for a top-half finish when they host relegation-threatened Fulham. Villa may even be harbouring Europa League ambitions and to get there they have to win such games but they’ll meet a wounded Fulham coming from a loss to Leeds United. That loss denied Fulham a chance to rise out of the drop zone for the first time this season.
Another high-stakes game will see Arsenal host Liverpool. The Gunners are coming from a 3-3 draw with West Ham United which they had to fight from 3-0 down. Arsenal are currently ninth and after their second-half performance against West Ham, will feel they can push for at least a Europa League slot. Meanwhile, Liverpool haven’t had it easy this season and will be fighting to settle in a Champions League slot from their current seventh place. This is a must-win game for both sides and even the bookies bill it to be a close fight. 1xBet has 3.22 for an Arsenal win, and 2.28 for a Liverpool win while a draw has odds of 3.72.
In other matches lined up after the international break, Everton will be at home to face Crystal Palace as Wolves entertain West Ham United and Leeds United welcome bottom of the log Sheffield United at Elland Road.
