Manchester City will be hoping to move top of the Premier League table for the first time this season when they travel to The Hawthorns to take on West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday evening.
Pep Guardiola’s side seem to have found their rhythm over the winter period, with City winning their last six games in the league.
West Brom have ambitions of their own, with Sam Allardyce’s troops looking to cut the gap between themselves and 17th-placed Brighton.
City are just two points behind Manchester United in the Premier League table, and with the Red Devils not playing until Wednesday, the Citizens have the chance to turn up the heat on their rivals.
Guardiola’s men have managed to battle on without star-striker Sergio Aguero, and their recent success has been built on solid foundations. City have kept five clean sheets in their last six games in all competitions, and the form of Ruben Dias and John Stones continues to catch the eye.
The Baggies have won one of their last nine matches in the Premier League, and it looks like they will fail Tuesday’s assignment on home soil.
City have only scored ten goals away from home, while conceding just six, and that trend can continue with an away win to nil at 20/27 or with under 2.5 goals at 47/20 bets to consider for Tuesday’s clash.
Home Advantage is Key for Southampton
Southampton will do battle with Arsenal for the second time in three days, with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side getting the better of the Gunners in the FA Cup on Saturday.
A 1-0 win was enough for them to reach the fifth round and there’s every chance they can repeat that feat this week.
The Saints are unbeaten in four at home in all competitions, and they have not conceded a goal at St Mary’s since December 19. Arsenal’s fortunes have improved of late, and they have a solid record against the Saints, having lost just one of their last ten league matches against them.
However, Saturday’s game was an excellent yardstick for the Saints, and with Arsenal unable to call upon Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a home win looks good value at 5/2.
Leeds Hoping to Add to Newcastle’s Woes
Newcastle welcome Leeds to St James’ Park on Tuesday evening, with both teams desperate for a win. Marcelo Bielsa’s men have lost their last three games without scoring, while the Magpies are without a win in 10.
Newcastle’s home form is slightly better with just one defeat in four, but they know how good Leeds can be, having lost 5-2 to them at Elland Road in December.
Leeds have Ilan Meslier back in goal while Kalvin Phillips returns from suspension, two players that are instrumental to their style of play.
Leeds’ recent poor form means it is difficult to back them with conviction, so over 2.5 goals looks a safer bet at 20/29.
Over 2.5 goals has landed in three of Newcastle and Leeds’ last four and with plenty on the line it could be a straight shootout in the north east.
Hammers to Sneak Past Palace
Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their last four games against West Ham, with Roy Hodgson’s side winning their previous meeting 2-1. This is their longest unbeaten streak against the Hammers, but there’s every chance that record doesn’t improve this week.
West Ham have never lost back-to-back away matches to Palace in the league, and David Moyes’ side are unbeaten in seven, winning five on the bounce.
Palace are always well organised and difficult to break down, but patience will be key for West Ham. With Michail Antonio in form, they should have what it takes to beat Palace, but they may have to wait for a second-half goal.
Draw-West Ham appeals in the half-time/full-time market at odds of 19/4, and all three of West Ham’s last three away wins have been settled in the same manner.
*All odds correct at time of writing
