Premier League Matchday 17 Preview

The Premier League is really starting to heat up with Arsenal and Chelsea firmly establishing themselves as the closest challengers to table toppers Liverpool.

The Reds have benefitted from the capitulation of Manchester City, who crumbled late to lose 2-1 against rivals Manchester United last weekend and are now nine points adrift of Liverpool, who also have a game in hand on those around them.

Pep Guardiola's and Arne Slot’s teams bookend the weekend Premier League action, with Manchester City visiting Aston Villa in Saturday’s early kick-off while Liverpool face Tottenham in Sunday’s late game.

Tip 1: Aston Villa draw no bet v Manchester City @ 29/20

Manchester City have lost eight, drawn two and won just one of their last 11 games after their 2-1 defeat at home to Manchester United last weekend and they could be vulnerable once again as they visit Aston Villa in the early kick-off.

Unai Emery’s side have not been able to replicate the consistency that they showed last season but have still produced some big performances, particularly at home.

The Villans have beaten Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig and drawn with Juventus this term, while they also beat the Citizens in this fixture last season.

With Pep Guardiola’s side in such a downward spiral, they look worth taking on again and Aston Villa are fancied in the draw-no-bet market.

Tip 2: Both teams to score in Crystal Palace v Arsenal @ 5/6

Arsenal and Crystal Palace put on an entertaining affair in the EFL Cup on Wednesday with the Gunners running out 3-2 winners after a controversial offside call went in their favour.

The Eagles have been in fine form recently, losing just two of their last 10 games, and showed that they can punch their weight against these opponents on Wednesday.

Back both teams to score again in this league match.

Tip 3: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals in Fulham v Southampton @ 4/5

Southampton put in a much improved showing against Liverpool in midweek and can play their part in an entertaining affair when they visit Fulham.

Both teams have scored in nine of the Cottagers’ last ten games and considering the Saints’ own issues at the back, over 2.5 goals should land too.

Tip 4: Virgil van Dijk to score at any time v Tottenham @ 6/1

Tottenham have struggled to defend set pieces this season, and only three teams have allowed a higher expected-goals figure from such situations as their 6.59.

That could be a major issue against Liverpool and more specifically Virgil Van Dijk, who is a big threat from corners.

The central defender has already opened his account this season and could get on the scoresheet once more.