LIVERPOOL returned from Qatar with the “world’s best club tag” – but maccathered already knew that!
Jurgen Klopp’s side sacrificed the League Cup to lift the Club World Cup for the first time and now turn their attentions back to winning the Premier League.
They face visit to nearest rivals Leicester knowing any doubts about the destination of the title will be settled if they win.
Klopp would probably settle for a draw but having seen the Foxes drop five points in two games I’m on an away win although it’s a little short at a best 6-5 at Marathonbet.
Brendan Rodgers, who should have won the title with the Anfield men, will rue his side being held at home to Norwich and losing at Man City with the chance to put on a bit of pressure.
Leicester were flat against the Canaries and outclassed by City and Rodgers admits some players are feeling the pace. Can’t see him dropping anyone here but he’s likely to make changes at the weekend with Jamie Vardy one of those likely to be rested.
The Premier League day starts with Spurs hosting Brighton and it’s one Jose Mourinho must win after a poor show last week in losing 2-0 at home to Chelsea.
A 3-0 defeat at Brighton went a long way to Mauricio Pochettino’s departure but revenge should be sweet for Mourinho with the Seagulls failing to net at Spurs since 2005.
Back a home win at 8-15 with Betfred and with Son Heung-Min banned there’s more chance of Harry Kane scoring first at 3-1 with Unibet.
Aston Villa and Norwich came up together and sit alongside each other in the drop zone. Villa thumped the Canaries 5-1 away two months ago but have hit a rocky patch and will be without key man John McGinn for three or four months.
Villa are evens favourites but with the last five meetings seeing both scoring and over 2.5 goals I’ll back btts at 1-2 with William Hill.
The third promoted club Sheffield United couldn’t have dreamed of the season they’re having and sit fifth ahead of the visit of basement boys Watford who are improving under Nigel Pearson and will be feeling better about themselves after beating Man United 2-0.
Defence and an unbeaten away record have pushed the Blades four points off a Champions League slot and they can edge a low scorer. United are 5-6 at bet365 and others.
The teatime game sees man United host Newcastle and I can’t back the home men at a best 4-11 with Unibet. It’s been a rollercoaster season for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men while Steve Bruce has guided Newcastle up to ninth despite having a set of forwards who thinks nets are for fishing.
Bruce will park the bus against the team he played for and a draw wouldn’t surprise me. Newcastle draw no bet pays 13-2 at BetVictor and even Newcastle +2 pays 4-5 at Coral.
Two managers take charge of their teams for the first time – Mikel Arteta at Arsenal and Carlo Ancelotti with Everton.
Arteta watched as his club kept a rare clean sheet at Everton last week without threatening much at top and while Bournemouth have been poor – barring a shock win at Chelsea – I’m on a draw here at 3-1 with Unibet.
Everton were unbeaten under caretaker Duncan Ferguson and Ancelotti will hope they maintain those standards at home to Burnley. If they do it should be a home win at 3-4 with Coral although I hate backing Everton at odds on.
Southampton have been impressive in recent weeks and blew away Aston Villa last week. Should be a cracking game at Chelsea and while the Blues should win I fancy both too score at 3-4 with Betway.
In the Championship I like Sheffield Wednesday at Stoke and Hull should beat a struggling Nottm Forest.
Best bets in League One are Bristol Rovers at home to a Wimbledon side who struggle on the road and I like Oxford, with five wins in six at home, against Lincoln as well as Peterborough – seven home victories in eight – to beat Doncaster.
Recommended Bets
- Liverpool (8pm)
- Kane to score first (12.30pm)
- Sheffield United
- Newcastle draw no bet (5.30pm)
- Chelsea v Southampton btts
- Sheffield Wednesday
- Bristol Rovers
- Oxford
- Peterborough
The post Mr Fixit’s English Football Tips: Liverpool set to wrap it up appeared first on MrFixitsTips.