English Premier League
12:30 – Everton v Liverpool – 1.44 Liverpool
- An obvious derby . Form lines thrown out of the window or are Liverpool just that good at the moment?
- The Merseyside Derby, one of football’s most iconic rivalries, takes on added significance this Saturday as Everton and Liverpool clash for the 245th time. This fixture marks the final Premier League encounter at Goodison Park, Everton’s home for over 130 years, before their impending move to a new stadium. The stakes are high for both sides, with Liverpool eyeing Premier League dominance and Everton seeking to reignite their campaign amidst the emotional backdrop.
- Everton: Fighting Spirit at Home
- Everton enter the derby buoyed by a resounding 4-0 victory over Wolves midweek, which snapped a five-match winless streak (D3, L2). Sean Dyche’s side hopes to build on that momentum, targeting their first back-to-back league wins since April, a run that notably included a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Goodison. Despite their 15th-place standing, the Toffees have been resilient at home, securing two wins and three draws in seven matches this season, including four clean sheets in their last six home derbies against Liverpool.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin, pivotal to Everton’s attacking hopes, has a knack for scoring in Merseyside derbies at Goodison and will relish the opportunity to exploit Liverpool’s recent defensive vulnerabilities on the road.
- Liverpool: Unbeaten and Determined
- Liverpool are flying high atop the Premier League table, unbeaten in their last 10 matches (W8, D2). However, their thrilling 3-3 draw against Newcastle midweek exposed defensive frailties, with the Reds conceding 2+ goals in their last four away games. Nevertheless, they remain formidable on the road, unbeaten in league away fixtures this season (W5, D2).
- Mohamed Salah continues to be Liverpool’s talisman, leading the league with 13 goals and breaking records with his consistent scoring and assisting feats. Supported by an efficient attack, Liverpool have scored in both halves in 57% of their matches this season and boast the league’s best offense.
- Key Match Dynamics and Betting Angles
- History and Form: Liverpool have dominated this rivalry in recent years, losing only two of the last 30 meetings (W15, D13). However, Everton’s most recent Goodison Park derby win came just last season, adding intrigue to this clash.
- Goals and Cards: Liverpool’s matches frequently feature action, with at least one first-half goal scored in 86% of their league games this season. Everton, meanwhile, have been shown the first card in 11 of their last 14 matches, which could continue against Liverpool’s aggressive pressing.
- Prediction: Liverpool to Prevail in a Tight Affair
- The form book and attacking prowess favor Liverpool, but Everton’s emotional edge and home resilience suggest a close contest. Expect Liverpool to edge this encounter 2-1, with Salah and Calvert-Lewin featuring prominently on the scoresheet.
- Key Stats to Watch:
- Liverpool: Scored in both halves in 57% of Premier League games this season.
- Everton: Clean sheets in four of their last six home derbies against Liverpool.
- Goals: Over 2.5 goals scored in Liverpool’s last four away games.
- First-Half Goal: 86% of Liverpool’s games have featured at least one first-half goal.
- Cards: Everton shown the first card in their last five home games.
15:00 – Aston Villa v Southampton – 1.44 Aston Villa
- Aston Villa welcome struggling Southampton to Villa Park this Saturday, looking to build momentum after a morale-boosting midweek win against Brentford. The Villans will aim for back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time since September, while Southampton are desperate to reverse their dreadful form and climb off the bottom of the table.
- Aston Villa: Seeking Stability
- Villa’s 3-1 win over Brentford ended an eight-game winless run (D3, L5), and despite recent struggles, they’ve remained solid at Villa Park, going unbeaten in their last six home league games (W3, D3). Unai Emery’s men have also dominated Southampton in recent meetings, winning their last three H2Hs without conceding.
- Ollie Watkins continues to be Villa’s key attacking threat, having scored in 43% of league matches this season, including 57% of their home games. Morgan Rogers adds another dynamic presence, with six of his seven goals this campaign coming in the first half.
- Southampton: Sinking Ship
- The Saints have endured a nightmare season, with just five points from 14 matches – the joint-second lowest tally in Premier League history at this stage. They’ve lost 11 of those games, including a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Chelsea midweek, and have yet to secure a win on the road this season (D1, L6).
- Manager Russell Martin is under immense pressure, and while forward Cameron Archer may feel motivated to make an impact at his former club, Southampton’s issues run deep. They’ve failed to score a first-half goal in any away match this season, a glaring weakness that further compounds their problems.
- Match Dynamics and Key Insights
- Villa’s Focus: With a crucial UEFA Champions League tie against RB Leipzig looming, Unai Emery may rotate his squad, but Villa will still feel confident against the league’s bottom side.
- Southampton’s Defensive Woes: The Saints have conceded the first goal in their last four matches and lost six of their last seven away games.
- Goals and Cards: Villa’s matches at home are lively affairs, with four or more cards shown in their last 11 Premier League games at Villa Park.
- Prediction: Aston Villa to Dominate
- Aston Villa’s superior home form and Southampton’s dismal away record suggest a comfortable win for the hosts. Expect a 3-0 victory for Villa, with Watkins likely to get on the scoresheet again.
- Key Stats to Watch:
- Villa: Unbeaten in their last six home league games (W3, D3).
- Southampton: Yet to score a first-half away goal this season.
- Head-to-Head: Villa have won their last three matches against Southampton, all to nil.
- Goals: Over 2.5 goals have featured in 100% of Villa’s league wins this season.
- Cards: Each of Villa’s last 11 home matches have seen four or more cards.
15:00 – Brentford v Newcastle – 2.45 Newcastle
- The Gtech Community Stadium will host a fascinating clash between two sides with contrasting fortunes in their midweek Premier League outings. Brentford aim to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa, while Newcastle United will look to build on their spirited 3-3 draw against Liverpool.
- Brentford: Home Comforts Key
- Despite their struggles on the road this season (D1, L6), Brentford remain a formidable force at home. The Bees have the best home record in the Premier League, collecting 19 points from seven games (W6, D1), with an impressive 22 goals scored. Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo have been key contributors, netting a combined 15 goals this season, with Wissa scoring in each of his last four home appearances.
- Brentford’s matches at home have been entertaining, with goals at both ends in all 10 of their last home games. They’ve scored before half-time in their last nine at home and have often struck in both halves of matches this season.
- Newcastle: Seeking Resurgence
- Newcastle come into this fixture unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against Brentford (W5, D1), including a 4-2 victory at this venue last season. However, their recent form has been patchy, with just one win in their last five away matches. Despite this, the Magpies’ Harvey Barnes and Alexander Isak remain potent threats, with Barnes scoring three of his four league goals on the road.
- Eddie Howe’s side has struggled for consistency but showed resilience in their midweek draw with Liverpool, salvaging a late point. They’ll hope to extend their strong away record against Brentford, having won their last five league trips to the Gtech Community Stadium.
- Prediction: Goals Galore Likely
- Given Brentford’s exceptional home form and Newcastle’s ability to produce high-scoring games, this match promises to be an exciting contest. A 2-2 draw seems a likely outcome, with both sides finding the net and continuing their trend of goal-heavy encounters.
- Key Stats and Betting Insights
- Over 2.5 Goals: Featured in 100% of Brentford’s home wins this season.
- Both Teams to Score: Seen in all 10 of Brentford’s home matches this season.
- First-Half Goal: Brentford have scored before half-time in their last nine home games.
- Home Fortress: Brentford are unbeaten at home this season (W6, D1).
- H2H Record: Newcastle are unbeaten in their last six league meetings with Brentford (W5, D1).
- Brentford Attack: Mbeumo has scored the first goal in four matches this season.
- Newcastle Away Form: One win in their last five away matches.
15:00 – Crystal Palace v Man City – 1.60 Man City
- Selhurst Park will host a fascinating Premier League encounter on Saturday as Crystal Palace look to build on a narrow 1-0 win over Ipswich Town, while Manchester City aim to stabilize their season after ending a seven-game winless run with a dominant 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest midweek.
- Crystal Palace: Battling for Survival
- Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner expressed relief following their midweek win, which snapped a four-game winless league run (D3, L1). However, their position remains precarious, sitting just above the relegation zone in 17th place. Home form has been a struggle, with the Eagles winning only one of their last seven Premier League matches at Selhurst Park (W1, D3, L3).
- Jean-Philippe Mateta has been a key player for Palace, scoring four goals this season, including decisive strikes in his last five scoring appearances. His contributions will be crucial if Palace are to end a ten-game home winless streak against Manchester City.
- Manchester City: Struggles on the Road
- Despite their 3-0 midweek win breaking a seven-game winless run, Manchester City’s away form remains a concern. They have lost their last five away matches in all competitions, marking their worst such streak since 2015. However, City boast a ten-game unbeaten run at Selhurst Park (W8, D2), providing optimism for Pep Guardiola’s side.
- Erling Haaland, the league’s second-highest scorer this season with 12 goals, will be key for City. His clinical finishing, alongside the creative spark of players like Rico Lewis—who scored in both league H2Hs last season—makes them a formidable threat.
- Prediction: City to Edge a Tight Contest
- While Crystal Palace have shown resilience, Manchester City’s overall quality and dominance in this fixture make them favorites. Expect a hard-fought game with City likely to secure a 2-1 victory.
- Key Stats and Betting Insights
- Over 2.5 Goals: Featured in 9 of the last 10 H2Hs between these sides.
- Both Teams to Score: Seen in 43% of City’s Premier League games and Palace’s last five home games.
- First-Half Goal: A first-half goal has been scored in each of City’s last 16 games.
- Crystal Palace Home Struggles: Only one first-half home goal scored this season.
- City’s Away Struggles: Lost their last five away games but unbeaten in their last ten visits to Selhurst Park.
- Jean-Philippe Mateta’s Impact: Palace have won their last seven home games when he has scored.
- Manchester City Strength: Scored in both halves in 50% of their Premier League games this season.
17:30 – Man Utd v Nottingham Forest – 1.67 Man Utd
- Manchester United return to Old Trafford on Saturday to face Nottingham Forest in what promises to be a pivotal Premier League clash. Both teams are eager to bounce back from recent losses, with United looking to extend their strong home form and Forest aiming to overcome a tough run of away fixtures against top-tier opponents.
Manchester United: Home Comforts
Under Ruben Amorim, United suffered their first Premier League defeat since December 2023, losing 2-0 to Arsenal midweek. Despite this setback, Amorim’s impact has been evident, with the Red Devils defending well and boasting a seven-match unbeaten run at Old Trafford (W6, D1).
United’s home form is promising, as they have secured four consecutive wins at Old Trafford. A fifth straight home victory this season would mark a milestone not seen since February 2023. The Red Devils will hope to replicate last season’s 2-0 win over Forest at home as they aim to climb the table.
Key players include Bruno Fernandes, whose contributions remain vital. The United captain has scored and assisted in previous encounters with Forest and will be central to their attacking play.
Nottingham Forest: Testing Times
Forest head into the game following a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, marking their third loss in four Premier League matches (W1). The tough fixture schedule continues for Nuno Espírito Santo’s men, with this being their third consecutive away match against top-six opponents.
While Forest’s recent form is concerning, they’ve shown resilience this season, earning 11 points from seven away games. Chris Wood has been a standout performer, netting nine goals, including seven match-openers, and will look to make an impact against his former club.
However, history isn’t on Forest’s side. They’ve won just one of their last 14 meetings with United (D1, L12) and haven’t triumphed at Old Trafford since 1994.
Prediction: United to Prevail
Given United’s strong home form and Forest’s struggles against elite teams, the hosts are favorites. A narrow 2-1 victory for Manchester United seems likely, though Forest could make it competitive.
Key Stats and Betting Insights
Over 2.5 Goals: 8 of the last 10 games between United and Forest at Old Trafford have had 2+ goals.
Both Teams to Score: United have conceded in three of their last six matches, while Forest have scored in most away games this season.
First-Half Goal: United have scored in the second half in each of their last seven home matches, indicating strong late-game performance but also a likelihood of early goals.
Odd Total Goals: 8 of the last 10 H2Hs at Old Trafford have ended with an odd number of total goals.
Strong Home Record: United have won their last six home games against Forest, keeping clean sheets in four of them.
Forest’s Struggles: Forest have lost three of their last four league games and could suffer their third straight away defeat for the first time in a year.