Premier League tipsheet: Arsenal to return to winning ways against Crystal Palace

We have cast an eye over the smattering of Premier League fixtures providing five bets each for this weekend's top flight games. 

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace

Kick-off: Saturday 12:30, TNT Sports

Mikel Arteta has faced some scrutiny for sacrificing offensive output for defensive solidarity this campaign. At this stage last season, Arsenal had scored eight more but had also conceded three goals fewer so there is a case it has not been a success. It is also worth noting the Gunners were 10 points better off and five points clear at the top. 

Nevertheless, after four without a win, I expect a reaction for Arteta’s side. At the Emirates, six of their wins have come to nil and with Michael Olise and Jordan Ayew absent for Crystal Palace, the visitors may lack cutting edge. 

Prediction: Arsenal to win to nil @ 2.04

Brentford vs Crystal Palace

Kick-off: Saturday 17:30, Sky Sports

Brentford have only won one of their last eight league games, form that has seen them sleep walking towards the foot of the division.  

The Bees currently sit three points above the dotted line and with them hosting the side a point and a place ahead of them this weekend, this is an equally important fixture for both clubs.

It makes the return of Ivan Toney extremely timely, not least because of his side's offensive woes. Yoane Wissa, Bryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade are unavailable.  

Toney finished as the third highest scorer in the Premier League last term and his return on Saturday will definitely bolster the Bees which is why backing them to win appeals.  

Prediction: Brentford to win @ 1.94

Sheffield United vs West Ham

 Kick-off: Sunday 14:00, TNT Sports

It seems a matter of when, not if, Sheffield United’s relegation will be mathematically confirmed. The Blades are eight points adrift and heavily odds on favourites for the drop making every fixture a must win at this stage.

It is not hard to work out Chris Wilder’s side's shortcomings, they have scored the fewest (15) and conceded the most (49) in the division. Having said that, his return to the dugout has seen some improvements. 

Sheff Utd have tightened up drastically, under 2.5 goals has clicked in five of the six league games he has overseen, impressive considering United have played Liverpool, Manchester City and Aston Villa over that period. 

West Ham are without Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, Michail Antonio and Mohammed Kudus for the foreseeable future. The quartet have combined to score 38 of West Ham’s 49 goals in all competitions this season. 

Prediction: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.81

Bournemouth vs Liverpool 

Kick-off: Sunday 16:30, Sky Sports 

22 points from the last 30 on offer has seen Bournemouth motor away from the relegation zone to within striking distance of the top half. 

It is hard to believe that run started with a home win against Burnley, as rumour would have it, defeat that afternoon would have cost Andoni Iraola his job. Safe to say, in hindsight, it was a wise decision to stick with him. 

Following that victory, the Cherries lost 6-1 at the Etihad in a fixture I actually tipped them to win, the less said about that the better.

Nevertheless, I think it is worth siding with the hosts against another one of the top flight juggernauts in the form of backing Bournemouth +1 on the asian handicap 

Prediction: Bournemouth Asian Handicap (+1) @ 1.73

Brighton vs Wolves

Kick-off: Monday 19:45, TNT Sports

There is a strong case to be made that Pervis Estupinan is currently the best left back in the league. His campaign has been ravaged by a lengthy layoff but the defender's ability when fit cannot be disputed. 

In 10 appearances for Brighton this term, the Ecuadorian has had a direct hand in six goals. It is his form in front of goal that interests me here.  

Estupinan has scored two in his last three games taking his goals per 90 average to 0.29. Based on that figure alone, his price to score anytime certainly represents value on Monday.  

Prediction: Pervis Estupinan anytime goalscorer @ 9.4

Recommended Bets

Back Arsenal to win to nil @ 2.04
Back Brentford to win @ 1.94
Back Under 2.5 goals in Sheffield United vs West Ham @ 1.81
Back Bournemouth Asian Handicap (+1) @ 1.73
Back Pervis Estupinan anytime goalscorer @ 9.4