Premier League Betting Tips: Liverpool and City to triumph in pivotal weekend

The Premier League returns this weekend and the opener pits first place against third with only a point between them. SBK have tips for half of the fixtures this weekend wrapped up in our tipsheet. 

Newcastle vs West Ham

Kick-off: Saturday 12.30pm, TNT Sports 1

West Ham’s form with and without Lucas Paqueta is chalk and cheese. In the last seven league games the Brazilian has started, West Ham have taken 17 points from the 21 available. In the last seven matches without him they have dropped 18 points. 

The midfielder was outstanding for his nation at Wembley during the international break and with him expected to start at St James’ Park, the visitors look a good price. The hosts could also be without nine key players as Sven Botman will miss the remainder of the season. 

Prediction: West Ham Win @ 4.00

Aston Villa vs Wolves

Kick-off: Saturday 5.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event 

A Black Country derby, live on Sky with a decent referee for cards so the player card market is a must and, at the price, I see no reason why we should ignore one of the shorter priced serial offenders. Douglas Luiz tops Aston Villa’s charts for ill-discipline (8).

Although his game is multi-faceted, he is no stranger to a tackle (1.9 per game) and racks up plenty of fouls. Going into the break, Luiz was carded twice in three appearances. I just hope his hot streak continues.

Prediction: Douglas Luiz Card @ 3.10

Brentford vs Manchester United

Kick-off: Saturday 8pm, Sky Sports Premier League 

Manchester United are the bet for their trip to Brentford. Erik ten Hag salvaged their season and perhaps his career in the dugout at Old Trafford with an enthralling 4-3 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final. It made for back-to-back wins for the Red Devils, although their previous over Everton was less than convincing with both goals coming from penalties. Nevertheless, they will return from the international break galvanised and head to take on a Brentford side without a win in six, losing five over that period. 

Thomas Frank’s main issue is Ivan Toney cannot score at a quicker rate then his defence is shipping goals and with Ethan Pinnock, Ben Mee and Sergio Reguilon expected to miss this clash, that looks set to continue. 

Prediction: Manchester United Win @ 2.24

Liverpool vs Brighton

Kick-off: Sunday 2pm, Sky Sports Premier League

Only one point separates first and third currently, however, by the time the game kicks off at the Etihad, Liverpool could have moved three points clear at the top of the division.

The Reds host Brighton in the game prior and although I don't buy into the logic that just because a team effectively needs to win they shall, it is hard to look past a home win at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s side failed to capitalise on a dominant display at Old Trafford in their final game before the break but that was only their fifth defeat of the season. Just two of those have come in the league, none of which have come at Anfield. Expect the hosts to dominate a goal-laden affair.  

Prediction: Liverpool & BTTS @ 2.36

Manchester City vs Arsenal

Kick-off: Sunday 4.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event

The best - we hope - is saved until last as Manchester City host Arsenal in the final slice of top flight action this weekend.

Mikel Arteta secured his first win over Pep Guardiola when the sides met in the reverse fixture, however that must be caveated with the fact both Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne were unavailable at the Emirates. 

With the pair both fit and expected to start at the Etihad it's hard to look past a home win but given the context I am going to err on the side of caution and stick up City to score over 1.5 goals. 

Prediction: Manchester City Over 1.5 Goals @ 1.81

Recommended Bets

Back West Ham Win (Newcastle vs West Ham) @ 4.00
Back Douglas Luiz Card (Aston Villa vs Wolves) @ 3.10
Back Manchester United Win (Brentford vs Man Utd) @ 2.24
Back Liverpool & BTTS (Liverpool vs Brighton) @ 2.36
Back Manchester City Over 1.5 Goals (Manchester City vs Arsenal) @ 1.81