There have been three games in the Premier League in midweek, the first saw Brighton and Chelsea play out a 1-1 draw at the Amex Stadium, yet another draw for the Londoners who are now losing ground to both Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.
Then on Wednesday night we saw Manchester United get back to winning ways as they defeated a plucky Brentford side 3-1 in London. The Red Devils clinical finishing in front of goal being the key difference between the two teams as Brentford missed a host of chances in the first half before United found their feet in the second to earn an important victory.
On the same night there was late drama at the King Power Stadium in Leicester as in the 94th minute, Leicester led the game 2-1, however two late goals from Steven Bergwijn in the space of four minutes turned the game on its head and saw Spurs emerge with an unlikely 3-2 victory.
That win moved Spurs up to fifth in the table but they have three games in hand on West Ham (who they are a point behind) and four on Chelsea (whom they are eight points behind).
This sets us up nicely for this weekend in the Premier League, with the first game taking place on Friday night leading up to a full weekend of fixtures that will include a huge London derby game on Sunday afternoon to round the weekend off.
Bet365 Sport is the place to head for all your EPL bets and we will use their odds below for our tips for each of the ten games coming up this weekend.
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Let’s now preview this weekend’s games. Kick off times are 3pm on Saturday and 2pm on Sunday unless otherwise stated.
Premier League
Friday 21st January
Watford v Norwich City (8pm)
This is an absolutely crucial game for both these teams as they battle to avoid relegation. The Canaries are a point behind the Hornets in the table, but they have played two games more so the onus is on Dean Smith’s team to land the win. Watford have picked up just one point from the last 15 available and that came away at Newcastle. They are struggling and I have a sneaky feeling that Norwich may just get the right result here. Take Norwich to win at 13/5.
Saturday 22nd January
Everton v Aston Villa (12.30pm)
Another crucial game this weekend comes at Goodison where Duncan Ferguson will be in charge of ailing Everton to face Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa in a game both teams will feel they need to win after a number of poor results of late. Everton’s situation is more worrying than Villa’s but the Villains have lost three of their last five. This to me has all the hallmarks of being a draw, which is a 23/10 shot with bet365.
Brentford v Wolverhampton Wanderers
The Bees have lost four of their last five and lost at home in the week to Manchester United. Wolves beat the same opponents at Old Trafford, so they should be confident coming into this game having been unbeaten in four, winning three of those games. I think we will see a tight first half and then Wolves will do enough in the second to secure a win, so I’d plump for a Wolves win here at 8/5.
Leeds United v Newcastle United
Newcastle United once again dropped points from a winning position at home to Watford last weekend whereas Leeds won their second game in succession to lift themselves clear of the relegation battle. I can’t see Marcelo Bielsa’s side ending that run here against a Newcastle side that is struggling to find its identity and seemingly attract high quality players to the club. Take Leeds to win here at Even money.
Manchester United v West Ham United
This is a huge game for both these teams. Manchester United badly need a win to stay on the tailcoats of the teams challenging for fourth. West Ham need a win to ensure they can stay ahead of the chasing pack. The Hammers did beat United in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford but their general record at Old Trafford over the years is not great and with United winning at Brentford, I am backing the home side to land a narrow win here at 17/20.
Southampton v Manchester City (5.30pm)
Southampton drew with Manchester City earlier in the season and they have lost just one of their last four, however they face a Manchester City side that are unbeaten in their last 13 Premier League games and who look increasingly unlikely to drop points no matter who they face. The Saints have given City problems in the past but I can’t see them doing so here. Take Manchester City to land yet another win at 1/4.
Sunday 23rd January
Crystal Palace v Liverpool
Liverpool coped pretty well last week without Salah and Mane in attack but this trip to Palace looks tough on paper. Last season, Liverpool won this game 7-0, but I can’t quite see that happening here! Palace are missing some key players too for this game and they have a decent record against Liverpool in general but I think the visitors will do enough to scrape a key win here. Back Liverpool to win at 8/15.
Arsenal v Burnley
The Gunners recent form has been much better but they have still thrown in a
poor performance every now and then. Burnley have played the fewest games of any Premier League team and that must worry Sean Dyche and this is not a ground to go and pick up just your second win of the season at. Thus should be a comfortable win for the home side here at 4/11.
Leicester City v Brighton
Leicester threw away three points against Spurs in midweek and they now face a tricky task against a Brighton side who, outside the top three, have had the fewest defeats in the Premier League this season. The Seagulls don’t win too many games though and I think that the most likely outcome of this game is the draw which is a 9/4 option.
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspurs (4.30pm)
A huge London derby between these two fierce rivals is crucial in context of the battle for the top four. A win for Spurs would give them a real chance of moving above Chelsea with their games in hand. A win for Chelsea would make it much more difficult to Spurs to achieve anything better than 4th. The home side have drawn a lot of games of late and so have Spurs, so it’s probably no surprise that I am going for the draw here too at 16/5.
