It was a mixed week for our teams in European competition but the focus quickly switches back to domestic action with a huge London derby in the early kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have surrendered their huge advantage over Spurs in the race for the top four following a worrying run of results but it’s far from plain sailing for Jose Mourinho either with Heung-min Son’s elbow injury adding to a mounting injury list.
Elsewhere, Arsenal and Manchester United both have home games to contend with less than 48 hours after their Europa League matches, while Manchester City travel to Leicester.
At the opposite end of the table Aston Villa travel to Southampton, while West Ham will no doubt focus on damage limitations when they head to Anfield on Monday.
As ever, Betfair ambassador Dimitar Berbatov previews the action for Metro.co.uk…
Chelsea vs Tottenham
Chelsea are in a bit of a slump at the moment, Spurs have their problems as well, especially now that they are also without Son through injury – they are missing some big players. I don’t think Chelsea can afford any more slip ups, the race for the top four is really tight, but I can see this one being a draw.
Dimitar’s prediction: 2-2
Betfair Exchange Odds
Chelsea – 4/5, Draw – 3/1, Spurs – 4/1
Burnley vs Bournemouth
I cannot believe that last time out Burnley beat Southampton, I really though they would struggle but they always have a way of proving me wrong. It is important for them to keep up momentum, and at Turf Moor they can definitely get a result against Bournemouth, but, if they let me down again they will have problems!
Dimitar’s prediction: 2-1
Betfair Exchange Odds
Burnley – 6/5, Draw – 12/5, Bournemouth – 14/5
Crystal Palace vs Newcastle
For me, Newcastle are in danger. The way they played against Arsenal was worrying, their approach is something that I don’t like and if they continue in that way they will be in real trouble. They have a tough trip to London and no doubt the Crystal Palace fans will be right behind their team, so I will go for the home side on this one.
Dimitar’s prediction: 2-0
Betfair Exchange Odds
Crystal Palace – Evens, Draw – 12/5, Newcastle – 7/2
Sheffield United vs Brighton
My favourite team at the moment, Sheffield United! There has been a lot of talk about the prospect of them getting a spot in the Champions League should Man City’s ban stand and they finish fifth – that would be amazing, and even if it may sound a bit strange, they deserve it – the way they play is so refreshing for a promoted side. They have to continue pushing and putting the pressure on the teams around them because not only fifth but top four is still a real possibility for them, I can see them getting the win against Brighton.
Dimitar’s prediction: 1-0
Betfair Exchange Odds
Sheffield United – Evens, Draw – 12/5, Brighton – 7/2
Southampton vs Aston Villa
Aston Villa will be disappointed to come away from Spurs last weekend without a point, but at the same time they have to tighten up defensively, they have a good attack but they’re not so solid. I think Southampton will exploit this and come away with the win.
Dimitar’s prediction: 2-1
Betfair Exchange – Southampton vs Aston Villa
Betfair Exchange Odds
Southampton – 4/6, Draw – 100/30, Aston Villa – 9/2
Leicester vs Man City
I can see a surprise coming in this one. Man City have had a big week off the pitch, and on the pitch they beat West Ham on Wednesday and they have a huge game coming up against Real Madrid. With so much going on, there is a chance their minds could be elsewhere. I can see Leicester taking advantage of City’s situation.
Dimitar’s prediction: 3-1
Betfair Exchange Odds
Leicester – 7/2, Draw – 100/30, Man City – 4/5
Man United vs Watford
They can take a lot of confidence from the way they played against Chelsea, they have to put to bed the draw against Bruges because now they need to focus on the race for the top four. Their new players are integrating into the team nicely, and they have a big opportunity to put on a strong performance in front of the home crowd at Old Trafford – they need to win it, otherwise it makes Monday’s win pointless.
Dimitar’s prediction: 2-0
Betfair Exchange Odds
Man United – 5/8, Draw – 3/1, Watford – 11/2
Wolves vs Norwich
I really believe that Norwich were unlucky against Liverpool, they had a couple of good chances to score but that’s difference between good clubs and bad clubs, you have to take your opportunities when you have them. Wolves have looked impressive and they are playing some good football, I can see them taking the win at home.
Dimitar’s prediction: 2-1
Betfair Exchange Odds
Wolves – 8/15, Draw – 7/2, Norwich – 6/1
Arsenal vs Everton
Arsenal continue to get better and better under Arteta, the way they play, their confidence, their play with the ball on the ground and passing. They really turned on the style against Newcastle and I can see them continuing this against Everton. Although, it has to be said, Everton have turned a corner under Ancelotti and are looking a lot better.
Dimitar’s prediction: 3-2
Betfair Exchange Odds
Arsenal – 11/10, Draw – 11/4, Everton – 14/5
Liverpool vs West Ham
I’m really looking forward to seeing how Liverpool will react after their defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Everything we have seen from them so far tells me that this game will just be business as usual for them but West Ham could see this as an opportunity to kick them whilst they are down. I still think Liverpool will be too strong for them and Klopp has proven that he knows how to manage his team, so he will definitely get them up for this one.
Dimitar’s prediction: 3-1
Betfair Exchange Odds
Liverpool – 2/11, Draw – 15/2, West Ham – 19/1
For more from Betfair Ambassador Dimitar Berbatov head to www.betfair.com/berbatov and to find out more about the new Betfair Exchange ‘How to Hub’ head to www.betfair.com/howtoexchange
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