Liverpool vs Manchester United
Liverpool host rivals Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday at 3:30am (All times AEST).
Liverpool haven’t put a foot wrong this season, winning 20 games from the opening 21 fixtures as they continue their unbeaten run for their first Premier League title ever. The one match that didn’t result in three points for the reds was the reverse clash of this very fixture, with United being able to hold Liverpool to a 1-1 scoreline in October.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still chasing the consistent run of form required to push into a Champions league position, as United sit five points below fourth placed Chelsea and a staggering 27 points away from Liverpool. While results haven’t fared in favour of Manchester United in 2020, their attacking threat is looking as deadly ever since Ole has been at the wheel.
United haven’t won at Anfield in four years, with a Wayne Rooney strike the only goal separating the two rival clubs on the day, while Liverpool haven't seen a home league defeat since April 2017 in a loss to Crystal Palace.
The key matchup in this fixture will surround United’s pacey forward Marcus Rashford and Liverpool’s two-way winger Trent Alexander-Arnold. Rashford has had a hand in 18 of his sides 36 goals, adding 14 himself and assisting four more while Alexander-Arnold will look to tame his Three Lions teammate down United’s left wing whilst being in control of set pieces and counter attacks.
Tip: Liverpool clean sheet @ $2.00
Watford vs Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham will travel to Vicarage Road to face Watford on Saturday at 11:30pm.
Since Nigel Pearson’s stellar return to the Premier League coaching ranks, the Hornets have been flying, with 13 points from a possible 15 from their last five Premier League matches. Watford have now found themselves out of the relegation zone for the first time this season and will be hopeful to continue their rise up the table this weekend when they host Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham.
The Spurs have stagnated in recent weeks as they look for their first league win since Boxing Day. A midweek win over Middlesbrough in the FA Cup may just be the kick of confidence needed for what is a team lacking an edge. Having gone down to Liverpool by a Roberto Firmino strike last weekend, Tottenham should have faith that they are the clear favourites for this clash, despite form.
One player to have Spurs fans excited is Japhet Tanganga, who has been Mourinho’s best player in his first two starts with the club. Tanganga could just be the solution to Tottenham’s right-back woes - and with Gerard Deulofeu set to be his main opponent for this fixture - he could certainly prove his worth in this one.
Tip: Both teams to score @ $1.64
Arsenal vs Sheffield United
Arsenal will host Sheffield United at The Emirates on Sunday at 2:00am.
The Gunners currently sit mid-table, are 11 points behind a Champions League position and will be without star forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for this weekend's clash against the second-best defensive side in the league. So why should Arsenal fans feel confident about this clash? The answer: Mikel Arteta.
Initially seen as the heir to the Etihad throne, Arteta’s takeover at the Emirates has been almost-faultless, with an undefeated start to the season the beginning of something to be hopeful for. ‘Artetaball’ has been convincing to most rivals, and it will be sure to give the Blades a run for their money tactically.
For Sheffield United, they can almost already give themselves a passing grade for their first season back in the top flight as they sit sixth on the table with 32 points from the opening 22 matches. Chris Wilder has effortlessly induced his prowess into the Premier League, creating one of the strongest defensive systems we have seen for some time.
The Blades won the reverse draw 1-0 at Bramall Lane in October, but don’t be surprised if there’s to be a higher scoring, close affair between these two this time around.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ $1.88
