Everton vs Chelsea
Coming off the back of a heavy derby loss Everton are looking in need of revitalisation and their run of tough fixtures continues with Chelsea. Three losses to Norwich, Leicester and Liverpool have taken Everton down to 18th but still with a chance to bounce back up.
Everton looked better in the second half against Liverpool but much improvement is needed as they have conceded nine goals since their last win over Southampton and only scored three, never quite looking a match for their opposition.
Chelsea’s latest results have varied from losing to West Ham to beating Aston Villa, both teams in the bottom half of the league. They turned around their poor finishing in the first game to take the points in the second with goals from Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount.
Abraham has risen up to second on the scoring charts after returning from a hip injury and proved his value. With him in the side Chelsea look much more threatening and Everton could be forced to take on a more defensive style.
This pairing has a history of clean sheets but it looks unlikely that Everton can keep one this time around.
Prediction: Chelsea to win @$2.00
Bournemouth vs Liverpool
Liverpool will be running on a high after their emphatic Merseyside derby win which took them eight points clear with still only one draw marring their perfect record. In contrast, Bournemouth have lost their last four games, only managing four wins in 15 games.
Despite playing against 10 men for most of their last game, Bournemouth rarely tested the keeper and for all their possession came away with nothing as Crystal Palace moved back up the ladder.
With their latest win, Liverpool have gone 32 Premier League games without defeat and have only conceded 14 goals, a tough prospect for the hosts who have only scored 18 goals so far.
Bournemouth’s Steve Cook is likely to miss the match still recovering from a wrist fracture and David Brooks is likely out but getting closer to a return. Liverpool on the other hand only have their long-term injuries to worry about.
A huge step up would be needed for the Cherries to take anything from this fixture and as such Liverpool will likely see several more goals added to their tally.
Prediction: Liverpool to win and Both teams to score @ $2.60
Manchester City vs Manchester United
Both sides come into this derby off a win with a draw the game before that. City were dominant in their 4-1 win over Burnley and will confident and eager to catch up to Leicester. United’s win over Spurs was less convincing but they turned up the better side.
Marcus Rashford was in form scoring a brace and being credited with one of his best performances under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. In form for city was Gabriel Jesus, also sinking two and becoming the third top scoring Brazilian in EPL history.
Ilkay Gundogan will return from suspension and we could see Oleksandr Zinchenko back from knee surgery if he is fit in time. United still have a long injury list but there is a chance that Nemanja Matic could return with Solskjaer suggesting he is close to recovered after being out of the team since October. Anthony Martial will likely miss the game after continued muscular problems.
City have won the last two encounters between the teams, scoring two more goals on both occasions, the most recent game ending 2-0. The scoring could continue with the Red Devils conceding eight goals in their last five EPL games and scoring 10. City have also conceded eight but have scored 11.
The game will have goals with the Citizens looking the better team this year and probably taking the points.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals @ $1.46
