Premier League preview: Saturday’s action including West Ham vs Liverpool
West Ham vs Liverpool
West Ham were battered 5-2 by Crystal Palace in their last game and David Moyes has seen his side lose three of their last four in all competitions.
On the other hand, Liverpool ceded crucial ground in the title race as they lost to Everton in listless fashion on Wednesday, and Jurgen Klopp’s dislike off the lunchtime kick-off is well established.
With neither side exactly thriving, can Liverpool at least show some fight at the London stadium on Saturday? The Irons have won just one of their last eight home games in the Premier League.
This one is unlikely to be a goal-fest; West Ham’s last four home games in all competitions have yielded two goals apiece, and Liverpool have failed to score in three of their last four matches in all comps, surprisingly. Under 2.5 goals is a 19/10 shot.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace
You never quite know what to expect from the Cottagers. But the side do seem to be going through a lull at the moment.
Conversely, Crystal Palace are having a fine old time with three wins on the bounce. On current evidence, there’s plenty of reason to think the Eagles can flummox Fulham.
Palace are 5/2 for the win, which looks tempting enough given the hosts have lost three of their last four.
Man Utd vs Burnley
After going behind twice to Sheffield United midweek, Man Utd turned that match around to take the points. Can they make it a second win in two at Old Trafford, facing a Burnley side with an outside chance of escaping the relegation zone?
Whatever happens, goals seem a good bet. Six of United’s last seven games have seen at least four goals scored; like Man Utd, Burnley put four past Sheffield United in their last outing and have only lost one of their last seven league games. Over 3.5 goals is a 19/20 shot.
Newcastle vs Sheffield United
The Magpies disappointed against Crystal Palace midweek, but returning to St James’ Park, Eddie Howe will be hopeful of nabbing a win – especially against a side they beat 8-0 in the reverse fixture.
If the Blades are defeated here, relegation will be confirmed, though a draw would effectively end the side’s survival hopes, too.
Newcastle looked formidable in their last home game, seeing off Tottenham 4-0, but prior to that the Mags were held at home to a draw by Everton too. So perhaps there’s some glimmer of hope for the visitors?
With Newcastle conceding goals at home quite frequently in 2024 – Luton and Bournemouth have held the Mags to draws, while West Ham scored three here – BTTS at 8/11 may be a decent shout. Chris Wilder’s side have scored in six of their last seven games.
That said, Newcastle may react after the loss this week – and as we’ve established, Sheffield United often serve up opportunities for other sides to rack up big scores. Over 3.5 goals is a 4/5 shot that’s paid off in seven of the Blades’ last eight matches.
Wolves vs Luton
Wolves haven’t won since early March, and have lost their last four home games in all competitions. Time to take a chance on Luton, who are desperately fighting to claw their way out of the bottom three?
Well, Rob Edwards’ side have certainly played their part in some memorable matches this season. But the hard facts are that over the Hatters’ last 12 league games, they’ve lost nine. On current form, neither of these sides fill the prospective investor with boundless enthusiasm.
The visitors are playing for Prem survival, though, and have shown admirable grit at times this season. It might be worth backing Luton or the draw in the Double Chance market at 17/20.
Everton vs Brentford
Brentford look to be finishing the season strongly. But Everton are on an upward trajectory right now, after the unexpected win against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.
All the same, it could be worth backing the Bees to find the net at Goodison Park.
Yoane Wissa scored twice against Luton last time out as Brentford swept to a 5-1 win over the Hatters; the 27-year-old also scored against Villa earlier this month, and has a total of five in his last five away games. Back Wissa to score against Everton at 13/5.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
With a couple of recent wins, including an eye-catching victory over Arsenal, Villa look to be in good shape. It’s difficult to say the same of Chelsea after they shipped five goals to those self-same Gunners earlier this week.
Still, the Blues themselves ran riot against Everton a week earlier, scoring six past Sean Dyche’s side; they were arguably the better team against Man City in the FA Cup last weekend; and when Cole Palmer plays, they’re capable of giving anyone a game.
Will Chelsea’s maestro return from illness in time for this encounter? He was back in training on Thursday, at least. Palmer was part of the team that beat Villa 3-1 at Villa Park back in February, in an FA Cup tie – though the Birmingham side have also beaten Chelsea this season, winning 1-0 at the Bridge in September.
In any case, on the strength of Chelsea’s last outing, the preference has to be for the hosts here; Villa are 11/10 to take the home win.
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