There are five Premier League games on Wednesday with important matches affecting both the top and bottom of the table.
Runaway leaders Liverpool cannot officially secure the title when they take on Crystal Palace at Anfield in the 8:15pm kick-off but a victory over the Eagles would leave Jurgen Klopp’s men needing just two more points to be crowned champions.
Sunday’s goalless draw at Everton in the Merseyside derby followed by second-placed Manchester City’s 5-0 win over Burnley the next day means the Reds’ title coronation will have to wait a little longer.
Klopp’s side looked rusty at Goodison and Palace will provide another tricky test as they were good when seeing off relegation-threatened Bournemouth over the weekend. However, Liverpool should get the job done (11/2* to win 2-0) to leave them on the verge of glory.
Clash of the Uniteds
The other four top-flight games take place at 6pm with Manchester United’s home clash with Sheffield United among the highlights.
The Blades have made a slow start since the resumption, being held 0-0 by struggling Aston Villa last week before falling 3-0 to Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Chris Wilder’s men were enjoying a fine campaign before the action was halted but have now slipped to ninth and will need to produce a better display than they turned in against the Magpies if they are to come away from Old Trafford with anything.
The Red Devils were sloppy in the opening 45 minutes of their first game back at Tottenham before deservedly earning a point thanks to a spirited second-half performance. Paul Pogba came off the bench to inspire them, winning a penalty that Bruno Fernandes converted, and if the France international gets the nod to start, he should be able to lead Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side to a win on offer at 20/51, that would keep them firmly in the hunt for a top-four place.
Villa in Need of Some Big Wins
Newcastle surprised quite a few people with their energetic and fully deserved victory over the Blades, when Allan Saint-Maximin was excellent and the much-maligned Joelinton even got on the scoresheet.
Villa took the lead against Chelsea on Sunday before going down 2-1 – a result that leaves them second-bottom and staring at relegation unless they can find some big wins in the run-in, starting with the Magpies. Steve Bruce takes on one of his old clubs though and it would be no surprise to see him celebrating back-to-back home victories (7/5).
Time is running out for Norwich in what is an increasingly desperate battle against the drop for Daniel Farke’s side. The Canaries were well beaten by Southampton at Carrow Road last time out and welcome an Everton side who showed plenty of good signs when holding Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.
Forwards Richarlison (13/10 to score anytime) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (1/1) both had chances and caused the Reds problems and the Canaries face an uphill task keeping them quiet.
Finally, Wolves entertain a Bournemouth side who are also heading for the drop as it stands. The Cherries were brushed aside all too easily by Crystal Palace and are unlikely to find it any easier against an impressive Wolves outfit who are sixth and still in with a chance of securing Champions League football.
Adama Traore (15/2 to score first) came off the bench to help them get past West Ham and if he’s back in the starting line-up, Eddie Howe’s men are set to be in for another testing evening.
*All odds correct at time of writing
