There are three more Premier League fixtures on Sunday, with the headline act undoubtedly coming from Anfield where Liverpool host Manchester United at 16:30.
Before that, resurgent Sheffield United host Tottenham at two o’clock, with Manchester City and Crystal Palace rounding things off at 19:15.
Blades Sharp Enough to Test Spurs
What a difference a week makes. Sheffield United may still sit rock bottom of the Premier League but a 3-2 FA Cup triumph at League One Bristol Rovers injected some belief into Chris Wilder’s squad and they looked like a different team in beating Newcastle 1-0 on Sunday.
Wilder is canny enough to know that it is still early days in their potential recovery but they are perhaps playing Spurs at the perfect time.
Back in @premierleague action. #SHUTOT
pic.twitter.com/JxbwNq1Tsf
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) January 16, 2021
The Lilywhites’ negativity again cost them in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham and the same scoreline on Sunday is handily priced at 6/1.
Spurs appeared to be genuine title challengers earlier in the season but are woefully inconsistent and have won just one of their last six in the league.
Sheffield United won this game 3-1 last season and having drawn 1-1 in the capital, another tie at 13/5 might be worth a look.
Old Rivals Meet on Merseyside
Liverpool against Manchester United is one of English football’s most famous rivalries and Sunday’s fixture has extra spice with the Red Devils top of the table, three points clear of their hosts.
𝗟𝗘𝗧'𝗦 𝗗𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦, 𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗦
#LIVMUN
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 17, 2021
United have steadily picked up points but have won only one of their last 10 games against the Reds, who have had nine days to prepare having had midweek off.
With injuries aplenty, Jurgen Klopp rotated for the 4-1 FA Cup win against a fresh-faced Aston Villa side but they could be boosted by the return of Joel Matip at the back.
The Reds are aiming to end a run of three without a victory in the league, while United are unbeaten in 11, winning nine of those.
Another win here would mark the first time Klopp has lost successive league games as Liverpool boss but on the occasion of his 200th English top flight game in charge, his side are a good price at 1/1 for the victory.
One thing to consider with the likes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes around, is a penalty. The pair have received 15 between them in the 2020/21 Premier League and 29/20 for over 0.5 penalties on Sunday looks a mighty price.
Gritty City Can Go Again
Manchester City may be known for their expansive football but their defence has carried them this season and can see them home again in the late match against Crystal Palace.
The Citizens’ record of 13 conceded is the best in the league and John Stones’ resurgence and the September arrival of Ruben Dias has contributed to eight clean sheets.
Those two were again impressive as City scrambled to 1-0 win over Brighton on Wednesday but Palace proved just as stubborn 24 hours later as they drew 0-0 at Arsenal.
Roy Hodgson’s men have taken four points from their last two visits to the Etihad and are likely to keep it tight, so under 2.5 goals is an option at 31/20.
Steel rather than swagger is City’s policy at the moment, and with Sergio Aguero again absent, they are unlikely to open up. A grinding win to zero at 20/31 stands out, as does the 17/4 for a 2-0 home win.
*All odds correct at time of writing.