Manchester United vs. Sheffield United
The Blades travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Thursday, June 25 at 3:00am (all times AEST).
Manchester United return to the Theatre of Dreams in hope of collecting their first win in the Premier League’s return, while Sheffield United plan to do the same after an underwhelming return from their two games back.
Both sides remain chasing a top four place, with United placed just five points behind Chelsea’s Champions League placing, while Sheffield sit a further two points behind the Red Devils.
For United, their returning match against Tottenham revealed a number of holes in Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s 11, with their defence allowing one-too-many chances for the Spurs as gloveman David De Gea’s failed save attempt gifted their opponents the opener.
United survived to reach the end of the 90 minutes level at 1-1 after a Bruno Fernandes penalty but will need more creativity moving forward to penetrate the Blades’ defence.
For Chris Wilder’s men, two games back for a one-point return isn’t the re-start they were after, with a controversial draw to Aston Villa and a shock 3-0 loss to Newcastle.
They will be without John Egan after the defender collected two yellow cards in their Magpies defeat, meaning a shuffle to their backline may cause tactical headaches for Wilder.
The two sides drew 3-3 seven months ago and expect another fiery tussle between two sides that have plenty on the line.
Tip: Both Teams to Score @ $2.16
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Bournemouth
The struggling Cherries travel to the Molineux to face Wolves on Thursday, June 25 at 3:00am.
Perhaps the dark horse for a top-four spot, Wolverhampton have placed themselves in a promising position to hunt down a Champions League callup.
A strong performance against West Ham was the instant jab of confidence this side needed in their return, remaining just five points off the pace of fourth placed Chelsea.
Nuno Espirito’s side showed great balance and depth from their back third into their attack, with a number of key players shining in their 2-0 win.
With the Wolves returning as the only notable side to have no sidelined players, Nuno has plenty of flexibility and tactical alterations to take into gameday.
Towards the other end of the table are the Cherries, with Eddie Howe’s side sitting in a relegation spot after a ghastly turn out against Crystal Palace on the weekend.
Bournemouth showed little accountability in defence and attack in their 2-0 defeat and looked doomed for a bottom three finish.
Losing key winger Ryan Fraser after the club failed to sign an extension for the Scottish star leaves a major void in the side and a weakness any Premier League side can get above.
Expect Wolves to start this contest firing early and push through the 90 minutes with ease.
Tip: Wolves win @ $1.57
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
Champions-elect Liverpool host Crystal Palace on Thursday, June 25 at 5:15am.
The Reds remain four points away from their first ever Premier League title after a record-breaking and topsy-turvy season, with Jurgen Klopp’s men eyeing their first win back from the league’s hiatus.
Palace returned in style, with a promising 2-0 victory over Bournemouth moving the Eagles into the top half of the table and now focusing on moving up rather than looking over their shoulder.
Roy Hodgson’s side fell narrowly close to Liverpool in the reverse fixture, with a late Robert Firmino strike giving Liverpool the victory.
Now seven months on and the year has taken an unprecedented turn, but one factor remains constant in this season and it’s Liverpool’s title to walk to.
The Reds drew with Merseyside rivals Everton in their returning clash with Mo Salah looking on from the bench. Expect the Egyptian star to return to Klopp’s starting side and cause headaches for the Palace defense.
The Reds will only be hungrier for the title after failing to impress in their restart and a return to Anfield may just get the ball rolling again.
Tip: Liverpool win @ $1.25
