Premier League: Matchday 31 Tips & Predictions
After this week's round of midweek fixtures the majority of Premier League teams have just eight games remaining until the end of the season.
We’re getting to the crunch stage at both ends of the table and the battle to qualify for Europe is really hotting up.
There are five televised matches to look forward to this weekend and we’ve suggested an accumulator across those games.
Tip 1 – Everton v Arsenal: Arsenal to win and Both Teams To Score @ 33/10
Wednesday’s Merseyside derby defeat at Anfield brought to an end Everton’s nine-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.
It was also the first of a tough sequence of fixtures for the Toffees, who host Arsenal this weekend before taking on Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Chelsea.
The Gunners won last season's corresponding fixture 1-0, but that was their first win in six visits to Goodison Park and they are up against an Everton team who have scored 12 times in their last five league games on home soil.
It shouldn’t be forgotten that there are 27 points separating these two teams, though, and Mikel Arteta’s squad head to Merseyside unbeaten in six matches in all competitions.
Tip 2 – Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest: Draw @ 13/5
It’s seventh versus third at Villa Park on Saturday evening, with Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest both still hoping to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Villa go into this clash following six straight wins in all competitions, including a 3-0 success at Brighton on Wednesday night.
However, it is worth noting that two of those wins came in Europe against Club Brugge while another two were over Championship clubs in the FA Cup.
Forest head across the Midlands also unbeaten in six and further cemented their place in the top four with a midweek win over Manchester United.
The visitors have lost three of their last four Premier League away games, though, and with injury doubts over Chris Wood and Ola Aina they would perhaps be happy to add another point to their tally.
Tip 3 – Fulham v Liverpool: Diogo Jota to score @ 9/4
Liverpool remain 12 points clear at the top of the table but goals have proven harder to come by for the Reds in recent weeks.
The league leaders have found the net just twice in their last three matches after grinding out a 1-0 derby success at home to Everton on Wednesday.
Diogo Jota scored the winner against the Toffees with his first goal since January 14th, and goals often come in bunches for the Portugal international.
Jota scored the equaliser in December's reverse fixture and was also on the scoresheet in a 3-1 victory at Craven Cottage last season.
Tip 4: Manchester United v Manchester City: City to win @ 11/10
When you consider there is a 14-point gap between these two teams, some bettors will be surprised that Manchester City can be backed at odds-against to beat city rivals United on Sunday.
United seem to be focusing all their efforts on winning the Europa League, and with a trip to Lyon ahead of the Red Devils next Thursday, City will feel they can take advantage.
Although they have been a long way from their best this season, Pep Guardiola’s champions have lost just one of their last six in all competitions.
Erling Haaland’s injury is a setback but his absence should allow the impressive Omar Marmoush the chance to lead the City attack and the Egyptian could play a key role in an away win at Old Trafford.
Tip 5: Leicester v Newcastle: Newcastle -1 on handicap @ 3/4
Leicester are showing no signs of a dramatic survival bid as they prepare to host Champions League hopefuls Newcastle on Monday night.
The Magpies start the weekend just a point outside of the top four but have a game in hand.
The Toon avoided a Wembley hangover in midweek, beating Brentford in their first game since winning the EFL Cup last month, and Eddie Howe’s squad looks more than capable of successfully giving a Foxes team devoid of ideas and confidence a one-goal handicap start at the King Power.
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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation