Thursday’s Premier League Tips: Don’t expect a goalfest between Spurs and United

Key matches in the relegation battle and the fight for European places round off the midweek Premier League action on Thursday. Football tipster Peter Galindo previews each encounter below.

Southampton v Bournemouth

Kick-off: 7.45pm Thursday

Southampton will be buoyed by their performance in a thrilling 3-3 draw with league leaders Arsenal, even though they coughed up an early 2-0 lead and ended up walking away with just a point.

That draw extended the Saints’ winless run in the league to seven games, though, and they have picked up a Premier League-low 10 points at home this season. Unsurprisingly, their 10 defeats on home soil is the most in the division.

A 4-0 drubbing at the hands of West Ham United in their last match was a tough pill to swallow for Bournemouth. However, they have won three of their last five matches and their away form is improving. Three of the Cherries’ four wins have come in their five most recent away matches.

Southampton’s growing injury list is a big cause for concern, as is the fact they’re coming off a tiring and mentally draining game, so we could see another positive result for Bournemouth.

Prediction: Bournemouth to win @ 3.4

Everton v Newcastle

Kick-off: 7.45pm Thursday

Sean Dyche’s appointment has coincided with some noteworthy improvements for Everton. For starters, 10 of the 18 points they have accumulated at home have been under his watch. 

But the Toffees could be handed some fresh blows. Amadou Onana is touch-and-go, Seamus Coleman remains out and Mason Holgate is suspended after he was sent off against Crystal Palace. That could significantly alter the balance in the system.

Newcastle, on the other hand, has a relatively clean bill of health. This game will likely come too soon for Allan Saint-Maximin to return from his injury, but he may return this weekend against Southampton. Fabian Schar suffered a knock to his hamstring in the previous game, so he’ll need to be assessed before Thursday.

Everton have been struggling for goals recently with just two goals in their last four league games. Newcastle’s stingy defence has experienced some leaks in April - most notably conceding three to Aston Villa - but they will be desperate to shut up shop after failing to earn a clean sheet in four straight matches.

On the flip side, Newcastle put five past West Ham and six through Tottenham’s net, which means there could be a few goals in this one.

Predictions: Both teams to score @ 2, Over 2.5 goals @ 2.04

Tottenham v Man United

Kick-off: 8.15pm Thursday

Against all odds, Manchester United remain in the top four despite losing most of their defensive options through injury. Thankfully for the Red Devils, Tottenham have some injury doubts of their own - from Clement Lenglet to Hugo Lloris. That makes this contest a bit more balanced on paper.

United have kept six clean sheets in their last eight games, and will look to keep things tight after going all the way to penalties against Brighton in the FA Cup at the weekend. Spurs won’t want another embarrassing evening after their drubbing against Newcastle, so I’ll be backing under 2.5 goals in what could be a cagey affair.

Prediction: Under 2.5 goals @ 2.32

Thursday’s Premier League Tips

Southampton v Bournemouth: Bournemouth to win @ 3.4
Everton v Newcastle: Both teams to score @ 2, Over 2.5 goals @ 2.04
Tottenham v Man United: Under 2.5 goals @ 2.32