Matchday 18
Based on ladder position, this game should be a forgone conclusion, but this game will mark United’s first without Jose Mourinho in charge.
United suffered an embarrassing loss away to Liverpool, having only six shots to the Reds’ 36.
The Red Devils have now confirmed their interim manager, with ex-player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer taking over until season’s end.
Meanwhile, Cardiff have had the sort of season that many expected out of them. They currently sit in 16th place, two points out of the relegation zone.
Their form going into this game has been relatively positive, winning two of their last four games, including a 2-1 win over Wolves at the end of November.
It’s difficult to tell where United will go from here. At this stage, a successful league season would mean a sixth placed finish, but even that looks as if it could be difficult.
You would expect them to win against the Welsh side, but don’t expect it to be easy as they transition into yet another era.
Tip: Manchester United @ $1.57
One of these sides is struggling to get a win, the other has just made it through to the next round of the Champions League and is coming into this game with three straight league wins.
Everton are the former of these two sides. They haven’t won since beating Cardiff 1-0 at the end of November.
Losses to Liverpool and Manchester City were probably to have been expected, but draws at home to Watford and Newcastle are points of concern for a team looking to break the seemingly impenetrable top six.
Their main problem is a distinct lack of an out and out striker. Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson have been scoring with a degree of regularity, but neither of natural forwards.
Of course, the lack of a striker is not a problem that Spurs suffer from. Harry Kane is scoring consistently once again, currently sitting on nine goals.
Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli are providing Kane with excellent support to have them sitting in third place.
Tip: Tottenham @ $2.25
These two sides sit firmly in the middle of the table, with the Hammers ahead of Watford only on goal difference.
In the battle of the mid-table this is a crucial match-up.
Felipe Anderson has been a revelation for West Ham since his arrival from Lazio, with six goals so far this year.
Marko Arnautovic has once again been consistent, adding five goals.
For Watford, Roberto Pereyra has been excellent in midfield. He has five goals, including a couple of match winners early in the season.
Watford were victorious in their last game, a 3-2 win over Cardiff, while West Ham have won their last four games and are on the league’s in-form teams.
Based on form and the home ground advantage that West Ham will have, you would back them to take a close fought win, but a draw is certainly a distinct possibility.
Tip: Draw @ $3.40
