There’s another big game at the bottom of the Premier League on Tuesday when Watford entertain Norwich City, while Leicester and Chelsea are also in action as they continue to chase top-four finishes.
With three games in total, there’s interest at both ends of the table and the Canaries’ trip to Vicarage Road at 18:00 immediately catches the eye as Daniel Farke’s side approach what is surely a must-win game if they are to pull off a survival miracle.
Norwich appear to be heading for a swift return to the Championship unless they can pick up several wins from their remaining five games. The East Anglians are rock-bottom after four straight defeats since the league resumed, seven points adrift of the Hornets, who currently occupy the promised land of 17th.
The results are bad enough but the fact Norwich have failed to score in those games underlines their problems further. Farke’s men have conceded nine without reply and will be written off if a similar scenario unfolds later.
Watford, though, have fared little better and, after a decent point against Leicester upon resumption, they have slipped to defeats against Burnley, Southampton and Chelsea.
Gone is the optimism generated by Nigel Pearson earlier in the year but they should still have enough to beat the Canaries (Watford to win – 20/27*), surely condemning them to the drop.
Blues to Edge Past Eagles
The other 18:00 kick-off sees Chelsea go to Crystal Palace in what is expected to be a close affair. Frank Lampard’s men have, on the whole, been impressive since the restart, beating Aston Villa, Manchester City and Watford, while also going down to a disappointing narrow defeat at West Ham.
The Blues are fourth but have in-form Manchester United breathing down their necks just two points behind in fifth as the battle for Champions League places intensifies.
They take on London rivals Palace, who are safe in 14th place but will want to arrest a slide of three straight defeats without registering a goal. With Chelsea’s need greater, expect an away win (4/9) but Palace can at least get on the scoresheet this time (Both teams to score – 11/10).
Goals Expected in Entertaining Affair
Finally, the 20:15 kick-off should be an entertaining game as Leicester visit the Emirates with both sides keen to maintain their challenge for European football.
The Foxes’ impressive campaign was threatening to unravel after draws against Watford and Brighton were followed up by defeat at Everton. However, Brendan Rodgers’ men got back on track with a much-needed win over Palace on Saturday and they’re still third, just a point ahead of Chelsea.
The margin for error is slim as they chase a top-four finish and Arsenal, who are seventh, three points behind Wolves directly above, will be keen to maintain their own upward momentum after three straight league wins.
Mikel Arteta has got the Gunners firing again and they have plenty of goal threat with Alexandre Lacazette, Bukayo Saka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang all in form. The visitors’ star man, Jamie Vardy, reached 100 Premier League goals on Saturday so it all points to goals at both ends tonight (Both teams to score – 20/31).
A draw looks appealing at odds of 5/2 between these two, with 2-2 in the correct score market offering a bit more value at 21/2.
*All odds correct at time of writing.
