Normal service has somewhat resumed. The Premier League made its glorious return to our screens this past week. We can put away our Bundesliga jerseys the big one is back.
We have a big weekend ahead of us now with all team’s level on 29 games. While you’d imagine the league is heading to Merseyside for the first time there is still plenty to play for. So, let’s get straight into things and preview the games that we can look forward to this weekend.
Friday 19th of June 2020
Norwich City vs Southampton
Venue – Carrow Road
Kick Off – 6.00 pm
Odds – Home Win 15/8 Draw 12/5 Away Win 7/5
Watch On – Sky Sports Main Event
All eyes will be on Carrow Road to kick off this exciting weekend of football. Norwich come into the game rooted to the bottom of the table and destined for the Championship next season. While the Saints sit in 14th nervously seven points from the drop zone with nine games left. Before the break both had a poor run of form especially Southampton losing two on the bounce.
Norwich come into the game missing defenders Sam Byram and Grant Hanley with injuries. While Southampton’s Shane Long is carrying a knock and is questionable to play.
Southampton came out 2-1 winners when the pair met earlier this season. Expect another close encounter that may not be the most exciting watch.
Verdict – Norwich
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United
Venue – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Kick Off – 8.15 pm
Odds – Home Win 2/1 Draw 23/10 Away Win 7/5
Watch On – Sky Sports Main Event
The marquee event on Friday will see Jose Mourinho go up against his old Manchester side. The return to football will suit both sides in all honesty. Spurs will see the return of Harry Kane and Son Heung – Min. While Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba are fit to return to action for United. Manchester United were on a good run of form haven’t not lost a league game since January. While Tottenham lost five out of their last six games in all competitions.
Spurs are missing Dele Alli through suspension for stupid behaviour on social media. While Japhet Tanganga and Troy Parrott are ruled out with injuries. While United come in full strength with only Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe being doubts.
Manchester United won the first meeting earlier in the season 2-1. I wouldn’t be shocked if the same result is repeated this time round.
Verdict – Manchester United
Saturday 20th of June 2020
Watford vs Leicester City
Venue – Vicarage Road
Kick Off – 12.30 pm
Odds – Home Win 13/5 Draw 12/5 Away Win Evs
Watch On – BT Sports
The first of four games to enjoy on Saturday is a big one for both sides. Watford are fighting to get out of a tight relation battle. They have looked better since the arrival of manager Nigel Pearson in December who is helping to save a sinking ship. Their form is still patchy, but they sit one spot out of the drop zone on goal difference.
While Leicester are sitting pretty in 3rd trying to hold their Champions League place. Again, since the new year their form has been patchy with them only winning one league game since January.
Watford are missing Gerard Deulofeu, Daryl Janmaat and Isaac Success. While Leicester will be without Ricardo Pereira with Dennis Praet being a doubt. While all eyes will be on Troy Deeney if he is in the team or not.
Leicester came out 2-0 winners the last time these pair met in December. The smart money would be on a similar outcome. Still it could be a tight one at Vicarage Road.
Verdict – Leicester
Brighton vs Arsenal
Venue – Amex Stadium
Kick Off – 3.00 pm
Odds – Home Win 2/1 Draw 23/10 Away Win 13/10
Watch On – BT Sports
Arsenal had a disaster return to action during the week. The Gunners were well beaten 2-0 by Manchester City on Wednesday. It was a horrific performance by David Luiz, but they were poor overall. Brighton are also desperate for a win. They haven’t been in the win column since late December in any competition. The Seagulls are also getting dragged into the relegation battle.
The Gunners are missing a lot of players like Calum Chambers who has been out since December. Along with Sokratis, Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka. David Luiz is also suspended after been sent off during the game on Wednesday. Brighton will be without Jose Izquierdo who hasn’t played at all this season.
This is one for all our accumulator heads to avoid.
Verdict – Arsenal
West Ham United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Venue – London Stadium
Kick Off – 5.30 pm
Odds – Home Win 5/2 Draw 23/10 Away Win 11/10
Watch On – Sky Sports Main Event
West Ham find themselves sitting nervously over the relegation zone. They are currently 16th only safe by goal difference. They only have one league win since New Years Day too. However, do keep an eye on this game. Six of the last 11 games at the London Stadium have seen four or more goals.
Wolves aren’t shy of finding the net either. With four of their last six games producing three goals or more. Both teams also come into this one with only one win from their last five. They are also having completely different seasons. With Wolves sitting in 7th pushing for a European spot.
Both teams also come into this one with full strength teams. This will should be a fun game to fill up your Saturday afternoon.
Verdict – Draw
Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace
Venue – Vitality Stadium
Kick Off – 7.45 pm
Odds – Home Win 6/4 Draw 21/10 Away Win 15/8
Watch On – BBC One
These are nervous times for Bournemouth who currently sit 18th in that razor close relegation fight. They have been struggling losing three from their last four. The Cherries are still great to watch which leaves them exposed at times. They will need to start winning these games if they want to stay in the league.
Palace are sitting comfortable in mid table. They are 11th in the league and will have ambitions of a top ten finish at least. They also won three on the bounce before the break. With Jordan Ayew hitting a good run of form scoring in two of those games.
Crystal Palace come in with a full-strength squad to pick from. While Bournemouth will be without Charlie Daniels who is still out with a knee injury. Midfielders Philip Billing and David Brooks are also questionable.
Crystal Palace came out 1-0 winners when the pair met back in December. I would expect another close game this time out.
It may also be a game that will be hampered by no fans. Especially for Palace who usually travel loud and proud.
Verdict – Draw
Sunday 21st of June 2020
Newcastle United vs Sheffield United
Venue – St. James Park
Kick Off – 2.00 pm
Odds – Home Win 23/10 Draw 2/1 Away Win 13/10
Watch On – Sky Sports Main Event
Another one that will be at a disadvantage with no fans. Both clubs are known for a fantastic fanbase that will add to any occasion. Before the break Newcastle seemed to be getting themselves going in the right direction. The Toon Army only lost twice in the league since New Years Day. With new man Allan Saint – Maximin settling into life in the Premier League.
Sheffield United have been a pleasure to watch all season. They have been a surprise package to say the least and could finish off their season in a European position. They currently sit 6th three points away from a top four place. The Blades will also be out for a well needed big win at this one. Especially after been robbed of a win during the week with a controversial goal line decision going against them.
Newcastle are missing a few players. With Jack Colback and Jetro Willems still out with long term injuries. While Ciaran Clark, Paul Dummett and both Longstaff brothers Sean and Matt are questionable. Sheffield United will also be without defender Jack O’Connell. While John Fleck is also a doubt to play.
Newcastle won 2-0 when the pair met back in December. I wouldn’t be getting carried away if I were a Newcastle game this will be a tight one.
Verdict – Draw
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
Venue – Villa Park
Kick Off – 4.15 pm
Odds – Home Win 9/2 Draw 7/2 Away Win 1/2
Watch On – Sky Sports Main Event
Aston Villa are back into the swing of things after playing their first game back on Wednesday. They didn’t get a win, but they got a good 90 minutes under their belt. The 0-0 draw during the week wasn’t the worst result in the world. They will need to add goals soon as it was their third game in a row without a goal. Goals will certainly help their cause to fight off relegation. They currently sit second from bottom but do have a talented squad to lean on.
Chelsea will be looking ahead to next season with all their exciting transfer business. The Blues still have some big weeks ahead of them. They’ll want to nail down a European place ASAP. They also had two wins back to back before the forced break. They sit in fourth place with plenty of stiff competition around them for a top four finish. Can their young talent with the legs to carry them over the line?
Villa will be without Tom Heaton, Frederic Guilbert and Wesley. While former Chelsea man Danny Drinkwater is doubtful for this one. Chelsea are only really missing Jorginho. While young guns Reece James and Callum Hudson – Odoi are questionable with the latter being very doubtful.
Verdict – Chelsea
Everton vs Liverpool
Venue – Goodison Park
Kick Off – 7.00 pm
Odds – Home Win 9/2 Draw 3/1 Away Win 8/15
Watch On – Sky Sports Main Event
Now this is the big one of the weekend. The Merseyside Derby. Liverpool will have to put the champagne on ice for another week but will still be out to beat their rivals. They come into this game with one hand on the league title. Surly its only a matter of time now but they’ll want to do the double over Everton in the league. What is left to say really? They have been excellent to watch and will be worthy winners. It just won’t be in the home of their neighbours due to City winning during the week.
Everton come into this one in 12th place in what’s been a patchy season for them. They haven’t won in their last three games before the break. Beating Liverpool and handing them only their second lost of the league campaign will be a nice feather in their cap.
The Toffees will be without the likes of Theo Walcott and Yerry Mina. While both Andre Gomes and Fabian Delph are doubtful for the big game. Liverpool are still without both Nathaniel Clyne and Xherdan Shaqiri who are both still battling injuries.
The last time these two met in the league was back in December. It finished 5-2 to Liverpool in a cracking game. This one might not be as good behind closed doors but still expected fireworks on derby day.
Verdict – Liverpool
Monday 22nd of June 2020
Manchester City vs Burnley
Venue – Etihad Stadium
Kick Off – 8.00 pm
Odds – Home Win 1/9 Draw 8/1 Away Win 18/1
Watch On – Sky Sports Main Event
City looked very impressive during the week against Arsenal. While it was a self-destructive performance by the Gunners City still looked like they haven’t missed a step. They’ll be looking to do the same again against a decent Burnley side.
Burnley are sitting 10th in the table. They have enjoyed a five-game unbeaten run before the break. With that run stretching to seven unbeaten games in the league.
The last time these teams met City won 4-1 away from home. I would expect something similar in the one.
Verdict – Manchester City
